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Old U.S. Post Office

Introduction

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Built in 1933, the Old U.S. Post Office in downtown Bend is significant for its architecture, its association with the Publics Building Program (a Great Depression-era jobs program), and its decades-long use as as a post office. In terms of design, the building is a good example of Classical architecture adapted for modern terms. It was also the first building in the city erected with reinforced concrete. Notable features include terra cotta decorations, fluted Doric pilasters (columns), and the words "United States Post Office" in gold leaf. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.

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The Old Post Office building was erected in 1933 and served the community for 53 years.

The Old Post Office building was erected in 1933 and served the community for 53 years.

Backstory and Context

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The first post office in Bend was established in 1886 and located in a cabin owned by a man named John Sisemore, who was the first postmaster. Over the next few decades, the post office relocated a number of times. The city grew as well and it became clear by 1915 that a new, larger post office building was needed. Progress on the building was delayed initially by World War I and then it took until 1932 for the project to finally get underway (the Great Depression pushed it back further). The post office was erected as a result of the Public Building Act of 1926, which led to the construction of many public buildings around the country. The post office was completed in June 1933 and it operated until 1983. Today, it is the home of the Bend Chamber of Commerce.

Sources

Bauhofer, Donald N. & Kern, Terry. "Old U.S. Post Office." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. February 14, 1985. https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/NRHP/85000293_text.

Image Sources(Click to expand)

Ian Poellet, via Wikimedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Old_Post_Office_-_Bend_Oregon.jpg

Additional Information