This rear view of the post office, looking toward Daugherty Street, also lets us see what was showing at the popular Civic Theater. Walt Disney’s “Lady and the Tramp” can be plainly read on the marquee. That children’s classic was first released in June 1955, which dates the photo.

From the 3rd floor
of the Webb City Public Library

Old News

Nostalgic images of our post office from the ’50s

Webb City Area Genealogical Society

Before the drive-thru mail boxes were intstalled – This shot was taken looking west from the rear parking lot of the post office. The shade trees, the landscaping, and the pristine homes across the street all make for an idyllic 1950s street scene. Carterville native Dick Greek identifies the truck as a 1948-50 ¾ ton Ford.

The post office is an enduring icon in any small town. Ours, built in 1916, is certainly so – sturdy and handsome in character and construction and still the center of much commerce. It’s located on the southeast corner of Daugherty and Liberty streets.

The accompanying mid-1950s photos were shared with the Webb City Area Genealogical Society by post office officials. We find them especially nostalgic.

For an even earlier view of the post office, there’s a nicely framed series of photos across from the postmaster’s office inside the east entrance to the lobby. Those photos document the building’s construction, from several viewpoints, from the foundation stage to completion, including the apparatus used to lift the large blocks of marble into place.

Next time you’re waiting in line to buy stamps or mail a package, look around to see the many interior architectural details that have thankfully been maintained as they were installed 110 years ago.

Out of sight from customers, a box on a chair catches letters pushed through slots on the other side. It was March 1953, according to the calendar.
Harry M. Tarrant (right, 1906-1979) was appointed Webb City Postmaster in 1949 and served until his retirement in 1973. This photo was taken in the postmaster’s office, c. 1955. The gentleman on the left is unidentified. Please call us (673-0398) if you can identify him.

Webb City Area Genealogical Society

WCAGS members staff the Genealogy Room on the third floor of the Webb City Public Library. Current hours are noon to 4 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. Meetings are held at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month in the Genealogy Room.

Everything you want to know about Jasper County Missouri Schools is available at a site compiled by Webb City Area Genealogical Society member Kathy Sidenstricker.

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