Times change

By ROY P. WHITTON | Highlands Today
Published: December 31, 2009

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I remember when the post office in my small home town was the focal point of the community. It was a place where you met your fellow friends and neighbors. You would stand around to discuss what was happening and share stories about your families and what the town council had done or was going to do.

You knew all of the postal employees because they, too, were part of the community. The postmaster was active in the community, a member of the Rotary or Kiwanis and was from the community. Postal clerks and carriers were active in the American Legion or the VFW and all were known along with their families.

Growing up, I was the son of the postmaster (more correctly the postmistress.) Mom also played in the American Legion Accordion Band and played the organ at church. She continued to be a community leader throughout her life, dying at the age of 93.

Roy P. Whitton
Lake Placid