South San Jose in Santa Clara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Coyote Post Office
From its establishment in 1862 until 1882, Coyote Post Office was initially called Burnett Post Office after the surrounding township. It was originally located in Twelve-Mile House, one of the several public traveler lodges then dotting Monterey Highway, but a minor accounting dispute prompted the Postal Department to enforce a little-known regulation prohibiting the proximity of a post office to a saloon, Since only a wall separated Coyote Post Office from the Twelve-Mile House Saloon, the Post Office was later moved to this building next door which was built around 1907.
Because Coyote Post Office symbolizes communication in the Santa Clara Valley, the interior building exhibit is divided into two separate sections. The front portion contains a period postal room and exhibit about postal history while the back room highlights the remarkable career of Charles Herrold, the father of radio broadcasting, and his impact on modern day communication.
The San Jose History Museum would like to thank the following individuals and organizations for their generous contributions to the Coyote Post Office project: Harriet L. Duzet, Society for Technical Communication, IBM Corporation, Gordon B. Grebb, William Lawrence, U.S. Postal Service, San Jose Historical Museum Association, KXRX Radio Station, Edward Allen Schulz, Betty Schulz, Laura and Hank Calloway, James Camp Family, James Arbuckle, Eric Bracher, Pat Liley, Alice Orth, Regner A. Ekstrom, Dulcie Jansen and Mary Simas. Many others have also helped with the Coyote Post Office project, and the Museum wishes to express its gratitude and appreciation.
Erected by San Jose Historical Museum.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Communications. In addition, it is included in the Postal Mail and Philately series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1974.
Location. 37° 19.25′ N, 121° 51.546′ W. Marker is in San Jose, California, in Santa Clara County. It is in South San Jose. Marker can be reached from Phelan Avenue near Senter Road. Marker and Post Office building are located at the San Jose History Museum complex. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 635 Phelan Ave, San Jose CA 95112, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Chiechi House (a few steps from this marker); Andrew P. Hill House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Gordon House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Zanker House (within shouting distance of this marker); Edwin Markham House (within shouting distance of this marker); Santa Ana One Room School House (within shouting distance of this marker); Empire Firehouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Stevens Ranch Fruit Barn (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Jose.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. A marker commemorating the Herrold Radio Broadcasting Station
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 10, 2011, by I.G.V.Atajar of San Jose, California. This page has been viewed 1,171 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 10, 2011, by I.G.V.Atajar of San Jose, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photos of the interior displays. • Can you help?