49629
The Colonial style B. Free Franklin Post Office, in the Old City district of Philadelphia, in Pennsylvania, USA.
Although not originally used as a Post Office the building was altered in 1975 to commemorate Benjamin Franklin’s extensive contributions to the U.S. Postal Service, it is the only post office without a U.S. flag or a zip code. Employees dress in period costumes and use quill and ink rather than ballpoint pens. The three-story row house housing the post office was occupied by Benjamin Franklin from 1737 to 1753.
In Franklin’s time, the sender’s signature was on the outside of the letter. Benjamin Franklin, the first U.S. Postmaster General, signed his letters B. Free Franklin, to protest British rule. “B. Free Franklin” signature stamp is still used at this post office to cancel stamps.
Appointed postmaster of Philadelphia in 1737, Franklin later became co-Postmaster General (of the North American colonies) for the British. He served in that position from 1757-1774, increasing the efficiency of the post through improvements in bookkeeping, delivery routes, and more. From 1775-1776, Franklin served as Postmaster General under the authority of the Continental Congress.
Postmasters typically operated the business out of their homes or printing offices. This site did not serve as a post office in Franklin's day but today includes two small display cases with historical information about the postal service.
Information Sources:
auspl.com/b-free-franklin-post-office-and-museum/
www.nps.gov/places/b-free-franklin-post-office.htm
49629
The Colonial style B. Free Franklin Post Office, in the Old City district of Philadelphia, in Pennsylvania, USA.
Although not originally used as a Post Office the building was altered in 1975 to commemorate Benjamin Franklin’s extensive contributions to the U.S. Postal Service, it is the only post office without a U.S. flag or a zip code. Employees dress in period costumes and use quill and ink rather than ballpoint pens. The three-story row house housing the post office was occupied by Benjamin Franklin from 1737 to 1753.
In Franklin’s time, the sender’s signature was on the outside of the letter. Benjamin Franklin, the first U.S. Postmaster General, signed his letters B. Free Franklin, to protest British rule. “B. Free Franklin” signature stamp is still used at this post office to cancel stamps.
Appointed postmaster of Philadelphia in 1737, Franklin later became co-Postmaster General (of the North American colonies) for the British. He served in that position from 1757-1774, increasing the efficiency of the post through improvements in bookkeeping, delivery routes, and more. From 1775-1776, Franklin served as Postmaster General under the authority of the Continental Congress.
Postmasters typically operated the business out of their homes or printing offices. This site did not serve as a post office in Franklin's day but today includes two small display cases with historical information about the postal service.
Information Sources:
auspl.com/b-free-franklin-post-office-and-museum/
www.nps.gov/places/b-free-franklin-post-office.htm