History of the Post Office by Nancy Musselman

The history of Stratford’s post office begins in 1846, with the opening of the first Post Office in Little Thames, operating until 1854. This early post office was a modest two-storey wooden structure located on Ontario Street, marking the beginning of a vital service that would grow alongside the town. 

As Stratford expanded, so did the need for a larger, more prominent space. The second Post Office was established in the Forbes (Union) Hotel on the corner of Ontario Street and Waterloo Street. Unfortunately, this building was lost to a devastating fire in 1858. 

Following the fire, the Albian Hotel on Ontario Street became home to the Post Office, continuing the important role of mail service in the community. This transition is just the beginning of Stratford’s long history of serving as a hub for communication, and each chapter of its evolution tells a unique story of resilience and growth. 

From History of the County of Perth from 1825 to 1902 by William Johnston 

It states the following: Thomas Dunn, first postmaster. Stratford. The City of Stratford, was no doubt the first post office to be opened in this county. The stream flowing through the swamp, known as Victoria Lake, was named the Avon by the Canada Company, and the new town, first known as Little Thames, was called Stratford in honor of Stratford-on-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. This office was opened about 1835, with Mr. J. C. W. Daly as first postmaster for Little Thames. 

Mr. Daly was the first postmaster and held the appointment for many years. He was succeeded in the office by Alex. F. Mickle, who held it till the March 10, 1858, when the post office was burned and he lost his life in the fire.  

This excerpt is from the inquest -FIRE AND INSURANCE OFFICES. The LATE FIRE in STRATFORD, and  A. F. MICKLE. “ It is considered necessary for the ends of justice, and that the people should be led to think of the nature of Insurances, and of the losses of life and property by Fire, that the following statement be made public :- On the morning of Wednesday the 10th , about two o' clock, a lamentable fire took place in Stratford, whereby the late Mr. Alexander F. Mickle, Postmaster, and a daughter, lost their lives. 

 The Post Office furniture (nearly) with all the letters, papers, books, of the Post Office department, were saved. All Mr. Mickle's property, including a large sum in bank bills, also notes of hand, and other papers in his cash tin box, in his dwelling above Vansickle & Hobson's, were destroyed. Not a broom handle was saved. There is, it is to be hoped, some consideration to be taken by the Government, when the matter is put before them.” 

In 1855 if you had mail at the post office, they would publish it in the paper to remind you to pick it up. 

The plans for the new Post Office on Ontario Street was initially designed in September, 1881 by T.S. Scott who retired 3 months later. Thomas Fuller replaced him as the architect. It was built on Shakespeare Square where the first Inn, Sargint Inn in Stratford had been built years earlier in 1832. The Inn was destroyed by fire and the site was deemed to be a perfect placement of the new Post Office to be viewed from all angles. The construction of the new Post Office was a significant architectural endeavor, blending practicality with aesthetic appeal. The meticulous design, with its distinctive asymmetrical towers and door placements, was meant to be a focal point in the town's landscape, embodying a sense of grandeur and importance. As the new building rose on Shakespeare Square, it echoed the town's growing prominence and historical roots. 

 Unfortunately, on April 21, 1894, the entire top floor of the post office was destroyed by fire. Restoration of the Post Office saw an additional floor added to the building. Amazingly the clock was not damaged by the fire, smoke or water. After demolition of the building in 1961 the clock sat in disrepair for several years. It now stands in a place of honour at the Stratford Perth Museum entrance. 

The first mail truck hit the streets of Stratford in 1913, but for those who grew up in Stratford in the late 30's and early 40's, horse-drawn conveyances were very much a part of our daily lives. A photo taken in 1932, was loaned to the Beacon-Herald by Mrs. Jean Jeffery of Greenwood Dr. This horse-drawn wagon was still picking up incoming mail from the CNR Station and taking it to the old post office, and the photo shows the wagon load of mail at the east side of the old post office. The man standing in the doorway was Mrs. Jeffery's father, Joseph Slater, who was a mail carrier. Door-to-door mail delivery began in Stratford in August of 1907 - Downie St crossed Ontario St to the river. This was beside where Pazzo's now stands.  Mail was delivered twice a day and once on Saturdays. 

Like any public building at this time, there had to be a caretaker. Over the years many locals lived within those historical walls. Caretakers from the past. John Pyper Murray was the custodian of the post office for many years. The whole family lived in an apartment on the top floor of the building. There were 52 stairs that had to be climbed to reach the apartment. 

Mr. Orchard and Robert (Bob) Spears his family were other of the many caretakers. 

The attics were a natural play area for the many children who resided in this beautiful building. 

Not only were the attics a playground perhaps a small piece of trivia would be of interest. The 19th Squadron Air Cadets Ground Observer Corp and the observation post for enemy planes was rooftop with a special phone connected directly to air transport command in Trenton Cold war approximately 1953/54. 

Today our Post Office is a tribute to a new era with modern aesthetics when built in the sixties.  The Freeland statue stands for all to see on the site on Ontario St. 

As we reflect on the history of Stratford's iconic post office, it's clear that this grand building was more than just a place of business—it was a central part of the community, woven into the fabric of daily life. Though the building itself is no longer standing, the memories and legacy of those who lived, worked, and played within its walls remain strong. It was a sad day when Stratford lost another of its grand buildings, but its history lives on in the hearts of those who remember. As we continue to celebrate and preserve the history of our community, we honor those who came before us and the places that once defined our town. 

Further notes by Paul wilker

Personal Note: In the 1950, my father joined the Stratford RCAF Ground Observer Corps. Once a week, he had to take his turn at night to stand on the roof of the Stratford Post Office and look into the skies for possible bombing raids from Russians. The old post office was a beautiful stone building; it would have been a shame to have it hit by a bomb.  Who would want it to be destroyed?

The Ground Observer Corpswas a civilian organization within the Royal Canadian Air Force formed in October 1950 to help identify intruder aircraft in the era before the Pinetree Line radar network was fully operational. Members were required to report any sighting of an aircraft with four or more engines via Forces-supplied radios.  by : Paul Wilker