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The Melfort Historic Post Office's Donor Wall has the names of couples, groups, families, and individuals engraved on its old postal boxes (Aaron Schulze/northeastNOW Staff).
By Aaron Schulze
Historic Post Office

City of Melfort unveils Donor Wall at Historic Post Office

Mar 8, 2020 | 3:43 PM

Prior to the City of Melfort beginning to rehabilitate it, the Historic Post Office still had its old postal boxes.

Staff imagined ways to be able to use them once more, and that dream was finally achieved.

The Historic Post Office’s Donor Wall was unveiled to the dozens of Melfort residents on Friday, March 6. Instead of traditional plaques or nameplates, the Donor Wall had names of couples, groups, families, and individuals engraved on the old postal boxes. Donors also had the option to choose a number that held sentimental value.

Brent Lutz, Melfort’s director of development, planning, and communications, thanked all the donors during a presentation. He said it’s a fitting way for the public to show their involvement in the Historic Post Office’s renovations by having their names on the wall.

“We’re trying to add to the experience when you come into this building, so you can maybe see a bit of the history and experience it for yourself,” Lutz told northeastNOW. “We thought it would also fit the character of the building and it will really look like it belongs in here.”

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The Donor Wall isn’t the only noticeable renovation for the Historic Post Office in recent memory. Through grants, the City of Melfort has been able to repair the exterior of the bricks, repair the water drainage system, and replace the aging windows.

Following the recent renovations, the city became more comfortable with renting the Historic Post Office for events such as the Christmas Castle and Mardi Gras on Main.

“Our goal has been to make the building functional,” Lutz said. “As we start doing that and we get the building used more, it may justify doing further improvements inside the building. Certainly, there are lots of things that can be done in this building, but the goal has been to not have this building become a financial burden on the city, but something that’s a benefit.”

Due to limited funds, Lutz said the city is unable to repurpose the Historic Post Office’s upstairs sooner rather than later. The upstairs currently does need its heating ventilation, and electrical systems replaced. Lutz added there are still tasks to address to make the main floor of the building more serviceable.

In the meantime, Lutz said there are still unfilled postal boxes on the Donor Wall and other methods of sponsorship available regarding the Historic Post Office. Interested residents can contact Melfort City Hall for more information.

–

aaron.schulze@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @SchulzePANow

by Aaron Schulze

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