The Beverly Hills Main Post Office is a stunning example of Art Deco architecture, designed by architect Gordon Kaufmann in 1932. It's a must-see for anyone visiting the area.
Located at 8495 Wilshire Boulevard, the post office has been serving the community for nearly a century. Its beautiful design and rich history make it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
The post office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. It's a convenient location for anyone in the area to send packages or mail.
History of the Post Office
The Beverly Hills Main Post Office has a rich history that dates back to the 1930s. The post office was part of the planning for the Beverly Hills Civic Center, and the City of Beverly Hills bought the property from the Pacific Electric Railway Company in 1930.
The post office was designed in an Italian Renaissance Revival style by architect Ralph C. Frewelling of Beverly Hills with Allison & Allison as consultants. It was built as a WPA project with Sarver and Zoss of Los Angeles as contractors, and it opened on April 28, 1934.
The post office was initially designed with the formal entrance facing north along Santa Monica Boulevard, but the public mainly used the east and west entrances on Crescent Drive and Canon Drive due to the railway tracks along the north and south.
Early Years
The Early Years of the Post Office were a time of growth and innovation. In 1639, the first post office was established in London, England.
The first postal service was created by Sir Thomas Witherings, a British politician, who was appointed as the first Postmaster General. He introduced a system of standardized postage rates and routes.
Mail delivery was initially a labor-intensive process, with letters and packages carried on horseback or by foot. It wasn't until the 18th century that the Post Office began to use horse-drawn carriages to transport mail.
The first postage stamp was introduced in 1840, featuring a portrait of Queen Victoria. This marked a significant milestone in the history of the Post Office, making it easier for people to send mail.
As the Post Office expanded, so did its role in society. In the 19th century, it began to offer additional services, such as money orders and postal savings accounts.
Additional reading: Postal Code Frankfurt Am Main Germany
Notable Events
The Post Office has a rich history of notable events that have shaped the way we send and receive mail today. In 1639, the first postage stamp was introduced in England, bearing the image of King Charles I.
The Pony Express was a key event in the history of the Post Office, with its first mail run taking place in 1860. This daring feat of horseback riding and mail delivery was a game-changer for communication in the American West.
The first airmail flight took place in 1918, revolutionizing the way mail was transported across long distances. This marked a significant shift away from traditional land-based postal services.
The introduction of ZIP codes in 1963 made it easier for mail to be sorted and delivered efficiently. This innovation was a major breakthrough in postal efficiency.
In 1971, the United States Postal Service became an independent agency of the federal government, giving it more autonomy to operate and make decisions. This change had a lasting impact on the way the Post Office functions today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Beverly Hills and Beverly Hills Post Office?
Beverly Hills is a city, while Beverly Hills Post Office refers to a specific postal area covering luxury communities in the Santa Monica Mountains. This postal area includes properties outside of the city limits, but still share the iconic 90210 ZIP code.
Why is Beverly Hills post office called that?
Beverly Hills Post Office is named for its inclusion in the Beverly Hills Main Post Office service area. This designation is reflected in the neighborhood's exclusive world-famous zip code.
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