Sun Prairie in Dane County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

First Rural Free Delivery in Wisconsin

Photographed By William J. Toman, October 30, 2010

1. First Rural Free Delivery in Wisconsin Marker

Inscription. In 1896, the U.S. Post Office Department began rural free delivery in Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Iowa and West Virginia on an experimental basis. On November 16, Sun Prairie became the first community in Wisconsin to initiate rural free delivery, with four routes. Each carrier rode 20 to 30 miles daily delivering mail in an area of 60 square miles, for a salary of $25 a month. The first appointed carriers included: Charles Woerpel, James Dunphy, Charles Phillips, and William Evans. William Mosel was Sun Prairie Postmaster at this time.

Village merchants initially opposed free delivery, fearing loss of business if farmers did not come to town for their mail. After a month's trial, satisfied farmers announced they would carry on the service themselves should the Postal Service discontinue it. Rural free delivery continued and became a permanent service.

House-to-house delivery in the village did not begin until 1950.

Erected 2007 by the Dane County Historical Society. (Marker Number 43.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Postal Mail and Philately, and the Wisconsin, Dane County Historical Society series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1859.

Location.

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43° 10.437′ N, 89° 14.527′ W. Marker is in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, in Dane County. Marker is at the intersection of Linnerud Drive and Clarmar Drive, on the left when traveling west on Linnerud Drive. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1715 Linnerud Drive, Sun Prairie WI 53590, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Maureen Mengelt Memorial (approx. 1½ miles away); Georgia O'Keeffe (approx. 1.7 miles away); Token Creek (approx. 3 miles away); Token Creek Sedge Meadow Trail (approx. 4 miles away); Reindahl Memorial Park (approx. 5.2 miles away); Elvis Presley Fight Scene (approx. 5.8 miles away); Alexander Smith House (approx. 5.8 miles away); Hiestand School (approx. 6.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sun Prairie.

Photographed By William J. Toman, October 30, 2010

2. First Rural Free Delivery in Wisconsin Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 12, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 5, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,013 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 5, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.