And here is where my postal memories all began. This USPS branch is on historic National Road, which is part of US Route 40 that runs from the East Coast all the way to San Francisco. So, in an odd way, my life have tracked along this route and connects memories of a WVa childhood, a Baltimore student life, and a SF professional one.
This particular post office, and the many, many times my parents and I stopped to drop off letters, are indelible parts of my life, so it's hard to be objective about this place. But it is clearly NOT in a wealthy area, as this is coal country and there are lots of trailers around. The USPS, however, is among the best I have ever used. There were NEVER lines - Triadelphia, WV is not exactly a hip place to live - and the staff ALWAYS seemed willing to shoot the breeze with customers. They had the newest stamps, they were friendly, and they knew basically everyone who came in. It was part of the community, one with low crime but also very little economic growth.
So where does this fit into my USPS analysis? (See list). I'm not exactly sure. Maybe the best post offices are those that exist only in our memories. Nostalgia will do wonders for customer service! read more