200th anniversary ceremony planned at Monticello Post Office

By SYLVIA MCGINNIS

News Reporter

Monticello Post Office has a history that dates back as far as 1803, which means that 2003 will be a landmark year for the local post office, as it will celebrate its 200th anniversary.

In honor of this special milestone, a 200th anniversary ceremony is planned for Friday, January 3 at the post office. The special ceremony is set to begin at 10 a.m.

According to Monticello Postmaster Ben Polly, the guest speaker for the ceremony will be Don Peterson of Louisville, Ky., the District Manager/Lead Executive of the Kentuckiana District, which covers all of Kentucky and part of Indiana.

State and local dignitaries have also been invited to attend the ceremony, including Congressman Harold "Hal" Rogers, State Representative Ken Upchurch, County Judge-Executive Bruce Ramsey, out-going mayor Kenneth Catron, and incoming mayor Thurston Frye.

In addition, all retirees from the Monticello Post Office have been invited to take part in the 200th anniversary ceremony. Polly noted that former postmasters Charlie Peters and Carl Lair will also be among the special guests slated to attend.

The Bell Tones group is scheduled to perform during the landmark celebration, the Wayne County JROTC will present the colors during the ceremony, and the Cub Scouts will lead guests in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Also, Harlan Ogle will be speaking about the history of the Monticello Post Office, as part of this special celebration.

There will be a special cancellation during the ceremony, to commemorate this historic event.

Polly added that a special plaque has been made to present to the Monticello Post Office, which includes every postmaster who has served the post office from 1803 to the present date.

The plaque contains the old 1803 emblem on one side, which Polly found in the archives in Washington, and the new emblem on the other side.

There will be a special exhibit where old photographs and other historical information will be on display for the public to enjoy.

Polly noted that the event is set to begin at 10 a.m. and local residents are invited to attend and be a part of this landmark ceremony.

© The Wayne County Outlook

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