Published May 16. 2023 10:37AM
by Jenn Rago Special to the Bethlehem Press
The sky was overcast but the mood was upbeat as about 50 residents, dignitaries and postal fans gathered to mark the 200th anniversary of the Hellertown post office April 28.
In April 1823 the first Hellertown post office was established. To gain perspective, in 1823 James Monroe was the fifth president of the United States, and he established the Monroe doctrine. 1823 mail was delivered to “Post” offices along “Post” roads and you retrieved your mail from the post office when you happened to be in town. You did not receive notification that you had mail waiting – no text, no email, and no phone call (Phones were invented/patented in 1876).
Mail was delivered to established stops, post offices, along the postal road/route by stagecoach, horseback rider and sometimes even steamboat. (Cars were not produced or patented until 1886.) All mail was COD as postal stamps were not available until Congress authorized the first general postage stamp in 1847. Prior to that time sending a letter was expensive.
Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure, State Representative Robert Freedman, representatives from Susan Wild’s and Lisa Boscola’s offices all spoke. Current Postmaster Joseph DiRusso served as master of ceremony of the event hosted by the Hellertown -Lower Saucon Chamber of Commerce and the Hellertown Historic Society. Members of the Hellertown American Legion were also present.
The celebration included a display of postal memorabilia, a 200th celebratory ribbon cutting, and the unveiling of a historic marker commemorating the post office. The marker will be installed for public viewing at the post office.
PRESS PHOTOS BY JENN RAGO IMG_6584 Postal artifacts were displayed at the 200th anniversary event April 28 at the Hellertown post office. A mail scale and a postal uniform show the changes in the postal service.
IMG_6592 Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure and State Representative Bob Freedman prepare to speak and deliver proclamations.
Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure addresses the audience at the celebration.
Hellertown councilman Andrew Hughes speaks to the crowd of 50 onlookers at the 200 anniversary of the post office.
PRESS PHOTOS BY JENN RAGO An overcast morning doesn't deter people from attending the Hellertown post office celebration. A crowd of 50 people were present varying from residents, dignitaries and post office aficionados.
Hellertown Postmaster Joe DiRusso presents the historical marker that will be mounted at the Hellertown post office commemorating the 200 years of service to the community.
Community members and dignitaries gather around Postmaster Joe DiRusso as he cuts the ribbon celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Hellertown Post office.
Members of the Hellertown American Legion assemble for the post office 200 celebration April 28.
