I was delighted to read the article on the Seahurst Post Office in the Highline Times and would like to add little history about the Seahurst Post Office.

The original building for the Seahurst Post Office had been built on the west side of 21st Ave. S.W., almost directly across from the original sanctuary of St. Francis of Assisi. The Seattle to Burien trolley, “Toonerville Trolley” some folks called it, turned from 152nd onto 21st and ended at about 153rd in a turnaround – the end of the line.

The post office was a small, wooden building catering to the mostly rural route folks and did not have boxes with keys as post offices have today. There weren’t a lot of well-maintained roads so even mailboxes had rural route addresses.

My grandparent’s address was: Henry and Amy Grant, Rural Route 2, Seattle. Eventually they had a street address, but their mailbox with that address stood alongside other boxes on 152nd and 24th SW until the 1960’s. All of our mail was addressed %Martin family, General Delivery, Seahurst, Wash, or just plain Martin Family, Seahurst, Wash. I have actually been a patron since I was 4.

The postmaster of the original Seahurst Post Office was Mr. Carleton. Of course, the post office was really more of a general store, all-be-it very small.

When we walked to the post office from our summer beach home, we always took a few pennies (if we had them) and bought some candy from Mr. Carleton. His wife taught piano lessons and I have some of her sheet music from the very early 1900’s.

The building that houses the current Post Office and Tea Shop has been on 152nd since the late 1940’s to early 1950’s. I am sure that someone in the area can give the precise year.

Shortly after this building was occupied, the US Postal Service had money problems and threatened to close certain post offices. Seahurst Post Office was one of those considered for closing.

The whole area came together and in solidarity made their case to the postal service. The post office window in the lobby was covered with construction paper feet to show everyone in the community and beyond that we didn’t want to be walked on when it came time to decide our mail’s future. We wanted and needed “our” post office.

I was in high school at the time so I know that the issue was discussed in the mid-‘50s. We got our mail at the post office twice a day in the “olden days.” Of course, the mail now is delivered once a day – but it is delivered to our boxes safely. And, yes I have a home delivery box as well – mostly for the non-important stuff.

My husband-to-be worked for the Seahurst Post Office in his senior year at Highline High School. After we got married in 1955, our mail was delivered to General Delivery at Seahurst until we were told that we had to get a box. No more free delivery. I have had the same box number since 1958 and it has served me well.

I meet and greet many friends and acquaintances at the post office and these social times provide wonderful memories. Linda is a strong voice for us and she understands the life of a small and friendly community.

Thanks again for the article.

Elizabeth Williams
Seahurst