Ocean View in Sussex County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Ocean View Post Office
Circa 1889
— Ocean View, Delaware —
Welcome to the Historic Village in Ocean View!
The first free standing Ocean View Post Office was built in 1889 when Ocean View became incorporated as a town, thus qualifying for its own post office. The postal office was a source of income for its Postmistress, Annie West Betts, whose husband drowned in a shipwreck. For supplemental income, Annie operated a millinery (hat) shop in the rear of the post office. Annie was the daughter of politically connected George West, who owned the blue Tunnell-West house next door.
Each U.S. Post Office is required to fly the U.S. Flag, which Annie would "run up" as soon as she sorted each day's incoming mail. Notice the slot under the flag where townspeople inserted letters when the post office was closed.
The Ocean View Post Office was donated to the Historic Village by Shirley Reed, a member of the West family.
Erected 2022 by Historic Village in Ocean View.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Industry & Commerce • Women. In addition, it is included in the Postal Mail and Philately series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1889.
Location. 38° 32.882′ N, 75° 5.343′
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Ocean View, Delaware (here, next to this marker); Tunnell-West House (a few steps from this marker); Cecile Steele's Chicken House (a few steps from this marker); Hall's Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Veterans Memorial (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Coastal Towns Museum (about 400 feet away); Ocean View Presbyterian Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Mariner’s Bethel United Methodist Church (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ocean View.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 18, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 18, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 100 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 18, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
