Providence received postal notoriety when the first automated post office in the United States was built here. The 13-acre facility was completed in 1960. It incorporated the first automatic, high-speed sorting, facing, and cancelling machines as well as three miles of conveyor belts that moved mail between processing areas within the plant and loading docks.
Unfortunately, by 1962, the project, known as “Project Turnkey” then facetiously as “Project Turkey,” was not adequately processing mail for the area. According to a Congressional report, a number of machines were not being used to their full potential, while others had not been put to use at all. In addition, employees had not received adequate training to operate the machines, which led to malfunctions and equipment failures.
Today, all is operational, and in addition to pick-up and delivery services, the main post office on Corliss Street and some of the branches also provide passport, money orders, bulk-mail, business reply mail, and many other mailing services. And don’t forget to purchase some 73-cent stamps!
Despite the recent rate increase, I am always grateful to the excellent service provided by my mail carriers. The saying, “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds,” rings true.
4-cent stamp of the “First Automated Post Office in the United States” located in Providence, issued in 1960.
15-cent stamp issued July 3, 1978 depicting “George M. Cohan (1878-1942).” A Providence native, Mr. Cohan was a versatile vaudeville performer remembered for his talents as a singer, dancer, producer, director, playwright, and songwriter.
32-cent commemorative stamp dated 1997 called “Helping Children Learn.” It was designed by Chris Van Allsburg of Providence and featured an adult teaching a child.
73-cent first-class Forever stamp price on July 14, 2024.
224 clerk badge number marked “US Post Office, Providence, RI” dated 1921; on display at the US Postal Museum in Washington DC.
458,237 first day covers of the 4-cent stamp “First Automated Post Office in the United States” located in Providence were serviced in 1960.
833,306 copies of the 4-cent stamp “First Automated Post Office in the United States” located in Providence were sold on the first day of issue 1960.
1775 – Benjamin Franklin became Postmaster General and appointed William Goddard (1740-1817) of Providence as Surveyor of the Posts. Mr. Goddard inspected the post offices and postal routes of the colonies, and for two years, was Postmaster in Providence.
1874 – The Providence Post-Office was located in the Custom House Building, Weybosset Street. E.S. Jackson, and later Charles R. Brayton. were the postmasters. Letter carriers delivered letters to all persons in the city who desired to receive them.
1908 – A new Providence Post Office was built on Exchange Place (now Kennedy Plaza).
1924 – The main post office was located at Exchange Place with 7 branches.
1973 -The main post office was located at 9 Corliss St. and the postmaster was Harry Kizirian. There were 8 branches.
1986 – Date of first day of issue marking stamp used to postmark and cancel the “Settling of Rhode Island by Roger Williams in 1636” postal card.
2024 -The main post office is located at 24-55 Corliss St. The postmaster is Jeanne M. Jackson. There are 7 branches located at: 2 Exchange Terr.; 306 Thayer St.; 1284 Broad St.; 820 Elmwood Ave.; 351 Smith St.; 100 Hartford Ave.; 53 Broad St.; and within UPS Stores at 11 S. Angell St. and 22 Parsonage St.
Sources:
Providence Directories 1874, 1924, 1973
https://www.axios.com/2024/07/12/forever-stamps-usps-prices-increase-july-14
