Post Office #6

It’s the next installment in our saga of the Jacksonville post office, the oldest continually operating independent post office in Jackson County since being established in 1854.  In July 1888, the Democratic administration appointed Henry Pape, Sr. to the position of Jacksonville postmaster.  Pape, one of the town’s substantial German citizens, was a popular saloon keeper.

For almost a decade, Pape was a partner in the News State Saloon, but by 1876 Pape had set up his own saloon in the new Masonic Hall building at the corner of California and Oregon, originally the site of the notorious El Dorado Saloon.  In May of 1877, the “Democratic Times” noted that “Henry Pape has a snug little corner in the Masonic building and a stock of good material in fine order. He is as jolly and sings as well as ever.” 

We can’t attest to his singing, but Pape was also reported at various times as being “a practical mechanic,” having mining interests, and serving 2 terms as Jackson County Treasurer and several years as Jacksonville City Treasurer.  In 1888 Pape was appointed Jacksonville Postmaster—and he promptly moved the post office to his saloon.  Pape was apparently both popular and capable since the succeeding Republican administration retained his services as postmaster for at least another 2 terms.   

Would you like a beer with your letters?