Grafton in Taylor County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Grafton Post Office
Photographed By Bradley Owen, July 6, 2021
1. Grafton Post Office Marker
The Grafton Post Office was established on April 1, 1854 and was initially located in the Old Powell Tavern on Latrobe Street with William Powell as the first postmaster. The property for this building was ceded to the federal government via a city ordinance on February 13, 1910 although ground was not broken until June 1, 1913. The cornerstone was laid on December 1, 1913 in a large ceremony that included a parade from East Main Street to the site. The parade was headed by Vincent's band followed by both public and parochial school children.
The building, which was completed January 1, 1915, was built in the Classical Revival style of stone from Kingwood Quarries at a cost of $135,000. This post office incorporated smaller offices in West Grafton, Fetterman, Pruntytown, Knottsville, Cecil, and Webster and was an important railway post terminal. In the early days, 100 railroad mail clerks were in and out of Grafton daily.
During World War I, sewing machines were installed on the second floor and all local women and girls were asked to devote some of their time to making various types of garments for the armed forces.
Photographed By Bradley Owen, July 6, 2021
2. Grafton Post Office Marker
this page online
Erected by West Virginia Humanities Council and Taylor County Historical and Genealogical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Industry & Commerce • War, World I • Women. In addition, it is included in the Postal Mail and Philately series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 1, 1915.
Location. 39° 20.473′ N, 80° 1.469′ W. Marker is in Grafton, West Virginia, in Taylor County. Marker is at the intersection of West Main Street (U.S. 119) and Beech Street (U.S. 119), on the left when traveling west on West Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 260 W Main St, Grafton WV 26354, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Latrobe Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Forcella Buildings (within shouting distance of this marker); B&O Freight Station (within shouting distance of this marker); Bonafede Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Taylor County Courthouse (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Welcome To Historic Grafton West Virginia (about 700 feet away); Grafton (about 700 feet away); Colerider Block (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grafton.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 17, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 14, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 152 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 14, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
