Melbourne in Brevard County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

First Post Office Site

Photographed By Jamie Cox, October 24, 2011

1. First Post Office Site Marker

Inscription. Here at what was once known as Hatterman's Point, in the early years, John Cornthwaite Hector settled and had a store built, completed in 1880 by carpenter U. D. Henderson of Eau Gallie.

Hector was described as "tall, heavy-set, with white hair and a great square beard. He was strong as a bull." Most of the time he wore a ridiculous bowler on his head. This was influenced, undoubtedly, by his British origin.

In 1878, when Hector first appeared in the area, he was about 43 years old. He migrated here from Melbourne Australia, where it was reported he had deserted a common-law wife and five children.

Hector is credited with organizing the first community band in Melbourne, and became Melbourne first postmaster.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Postal Mail and Philately series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1880.

Location. 28° 4.709′ N, 80° 36.008′ W. Marker is in Melbourne, Florida, in Brevard County. Marker is on Front Street, 0.1 miles south of New Haven Ave, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Melbourne FL 32901, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Front Street (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Trysting Steps and Bluff Walk

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(about 600 feet away); Causeway (about 700 feet away); Carleton Hotel - Idlewylde Hotel (approx. 0.2 miles away); Crenshaw Hotel (approx. 0.2 miles away); History of the 1900 Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); The First Congregational Church of Melbourne (approx. ¼ mile away); Florida East Coast Railroad (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Melbourne.

Photographed By Diane Murphy, October 2023

2. First Post Office Site Marker

Photographed By Diane Murphy, October 2023

3. First Post Office Site Marker

Photographed By Diane Murphy, October 2023

4. First Post Office Site Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on October 29, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 28, 2011, by Jamie Cox of Melbourne, Florida. This page has been viewed 1,035 times since then and 72 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 28, 2011, by Jamie Cox of Melbourne, Florida. 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 21, 2023, by Diane Murphy of Saint Cloud, Florida. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. A wide view photo of the marker and the surrounding area in context. • Can you help?