The First American Post Office - From The Pages Of The Bobcat Prowl

Written By Eliza Blanchfield
The Bobcat Prowl

SOUTH WINDSOR, CT — What is now an historical landmark within South Windsor was the heart of a lively town seeking a new life during the 1700s. It is known as the East Windsor Hill Post Office, and as you venture into this charming building, you will become immersed in South Windsor’s rich history.

In 1757, David Bissell Jr. sold a portion of his property to a well-known barber Jeremiah Ballard, who constructed a shop on Old Main Street. In 1759, Bissell Jr. gifted the rest of his land to his son, David Bissell III, who attached a storehouse to Ballard’s shop. This building would soon become the first operating trading post in America.

During the 1700s, various owners divided the structure, each one contributing products from their individual businesses. This small store provided dry goods, groceries and other sustainable products.

"Before we had postmen and postwomen, they would deliver the mail and goods via horses and trolley," East Windsor Hill Post Office employee Vanessa Phillips told The Prowl.

The East Windsor Hill site received its first government post rider in 1783 and is still operational today.

Residents enjoy having the historical post office in their community. The elementary schools in town each take a field trip to the post office, educating the youth of South Windsor on the rich history of their town.

"It was a post office when it was still a general store in the 1700s," Old Main Street resident Philip Koboski said. "This is an awesome place to walk in and pick up your mail because of the historical style and feeling."

Although it has evolved to meet the needs of modern South Windsor, many of the original aspects are still present in the operational post office.

"We have the original locks from the first creators of the post office, they are old-fashioned combination locks," Phillips said.

The East Windsor Hill Post Office adds character to the town of South Windsor and highlights the cardinal role the town had in the development of modern America.

Brenda Koboski said, "It is a part of history. We love living in an historical home on Old Main Street and know the importance of preserving the history of South Windsor."

The post office is an environment to revel in South Windsor’s history; however, when you return to modern times, it is evident that this post office has not lost its charm or its role as the heart of the community.