Flatiron Building

Flatiron Building. . , Early history describes this building as a single structure, which when researched proves to not be entirely accurate. The structure is comprised of two separate entities joined together circa 1889. The first of these, the small rear two-story section, was constructed at least thirty years prior to the front section added in 1889. Little is known about the small rear section other then it appeared to be a residence and was owned by John I. Blair., The larger front section or addition was added specifically to house the Post office, and the entire first floor was dedicated to that use. Before that time the post office was usually a part of a general store and moved constantly depending on the political climate. Prior to this time the post office had been located in the store of Mr. M.L. Wilson, who was Postmaster 1887-1889. In 1897 the Blairstown Press, a local news publication,, relocated its business to the second floor. The stage coach would pull up to the rear side of the Post Office and offload the mail bags through a door dedicated for that use. The mail then stayed in the rear for sorting, while the front right hand portion of the structure was the Postmaster's office and had business conducted in the remaining general area., In 1900, a large boulder was placed along the street side of the building and was chiseled out to create a horse trough providing cool refreshment to the stage coaches' four-horse team. Years after its use as a trough was no longer needed, it was filled with dirt and flowers were planted in it. The Post Office now occupies a modern building on Main Street and the Flatiron building has been through many owners and uses; however, it still remains a unique structure that enhances our village.