Woodland in Yolo County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Woodland's First Post Office

Photographed By Erik Christeson, May 6, 2016

1. Woodland's First Post Office Marker

Inscription. Franklin Sylvester Freeman, founder of Woodland, relocated his stock of goods and built a store in 1860-61, it is the oldest of the earliest commercial buildings in this city. It became the site of Woodland's first post office on July 5, 1861, and Freeman was appointed the town's first postmaster.

Freeman ran a dry goods business here with C.H. Gray that grew to include hardware and the adjoining building at 537 Main Street by 1868. Since then many businesses have located here including Ruggles & Machefert Merchants (1868), H.B. Wood Hardware (1870), R.B. Cranston Hardware (1898), J.T. Grant, Dentist (1905), Strand Theater (1914), Public Market (1925), Piggly Wiggly (1926), E.L. Thompson Tires (1933), Sprouse Reitz (1935), Dee's Dep't Store (1968), Owen's Dep't Store (1969) and Diamond E Western Store (1970).

Dedicated May 1, 2015
by the
Native Sons of the Golden West
Timothy L. Tullius,
Grand President
and Woodland Parlor No. 30

Erected 2015 by Native Sons of the Golden West. (Marker Number GPY 138-07.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West, and the Postal Mail and Philately series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is May 1, 1956.

Location.

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

38° 40.656′ N, 121° 46.402′ W. Marker is in Woodland, California, in Yolo County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street (California Route 16) and 1st Street, on the right when traveling west on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 539 Main Street, Woodland CA 95695, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Capital Hotel, Est. 1869 (within shouting distance of this marker); Corner Drug Company Building (within shouting distance of this marker); China Town begins (within shouting distance of this marker); Woodland begins (within shouting distance of this marker); Original railroad (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Main and Second Street 1920’s (about 300 feet away); Yolo County Savings Bank (about 400 feet away); The Woodland Opera House (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Woodland.

Woodland's First Post Office image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Erik Christeson, May 6, 2016

2. Woodland's First Post Office

Marker can be seen on the facing brick wall, just past the windows.

NSGW Dedication Ceremony image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Rose Twyman, May 1, 2015

3. NSGW Dedication Ceremony

(l-r)Grand 3rd VP Erik Christeson
Grand Historian Bob Fletcher
Grand Inside Sentinel Ron Brocco
Grand President Timothy Tullius
Past Grand President Dwight Dutschke

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 18, 2015, by James King of San Miguel, California. This page has been viewed 523 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 7, 2016, by James King of San Miguel, California. 3. submitted on July 19, 2015, by James King of San Miguel, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.