Small town New Hampshire post office celebrates 200 years

Martin, a lifelong Hinsdale resident who has worked at this post office for 20 years, said she firmly told people not to polish the boxes' tarnished brass doors in preparation for the celebration.

The fire didn't spread next door, leaving the post office standing and cementing its place as one of the few original town monuments.

First class letter service is down, but package delivery is up, keeping the post office as busy as ever, Mason said.

The office also still serves as a central gathering spot for townspeople, whether they're picking up mail or simply want to know what's going on.

Sean Leary, a former Hinsdale post office employee, said he often reflected on all the letters that have traveled through the building and all the workers who took them where they needed to go.