Eureka in Humboldt County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

U.S. Post Office 1882-1885 / 1890-1894

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, October 6, 2012

1. U.S. Post Office 1882-1885 / 1890-1894 Marker

Inscription. This was the first building expressly constructed for the Eureka Post Office Postmaster Frederick Aze, (served as Eureka postmaster for 17 years.) motivated by cramped and ill suited facilities at 612 Second St. had this building constructed at his own expense. The building was designed by John Nestor and erected by Harry Close. The second floor served as a social hall and meeting place for several organizations including the "Grand Army of the Republic" (Civil War Veterans).

Over time the property served several business locations. The hall was eventually converted to a rooming house. The property was eventually purchased by a fascinating icon of Eureka, Glyndon "Sign” Smith. Mr. Smith was a sign writer, magician, and civic supporter. His shop of artistic sign writing and cornucopia occupied this location for nearly 40 years.

Kramer Properties Inc. purchesed the building in August of 2000 and started rehabilitating the area. During reconstruction a fire burnt the rear of several buildings. Renovation was completed in December of 2002 preserving the historic front of this building and title was transferred to A & K Investment LLC.

Dedicated February 11, 2006
by the
Native Sons of the Golden West
Tom Sears, Grand President

Erected 2006 by

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Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series list. A significant historical date for this entry is February 11, 2006.

Location. 40° 48.274′ N, 124° 9.895′ W. Marker is in Eureka, California, in Humboldt County. Marker is on 2nd Street east of G Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 622 2nd Street, Eureka CA 95501, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Buhne Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The Vance Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Vance Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); N.S.G.W. Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Lindsay Building (1886) (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Oberon (about 300 feet away); Vance Building (1872) (about 400 feet away); Joseph Russ Building (1900) (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Eureka.

More about this marker. The marker is located in the doorway of 622 2nd Street, and is easy to miss as it sits rather low and is not particularly visible from any distance.

U.S. Post Office 1882-1885 / 1890-1894 Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, October 6, 2012

2. U.S. Post Office 1882-1885 / 1890-1894 Marker - wide view

The Signsmith Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, October 6, 2012

3. The Signsmith Building

The marker is not quite visible here because of the parked car blocking the view of the doorway.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 19, 2019. It was originally submitted on June 19, 2019, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 228 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 19, 2019, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.