1961 Rural Carrier Retires

The 125th anniversary of the arrival of Ralph Fowler to this area was in 1961. There was so much going on with that celebration, other news seemed to take a back seat. But, the following article, published in The Fowlerville Review, might interest a few that knew some of the local rural carriers:

C. Glover Retires as Rural Carrier~~Carl Glover, who has been a mail carrier for over 36 years, has resigned from the U.S. Post-office Department as of July 1st, 1961.

During that time, he has worked under five different postmasters; Lewis Hart, Clarence Fuller, Enos Cole, Donald Lockwood, and Clarence Allen.

When he was appointed, there were five routes; George Knickerbocker, Samuel Thompson, Devillo Sabin, and Chris Ludtke drew the other four.

Starting as a regular carrier, the route covered 31 miles. Since that time, it has increased at different times until now it is double or 62 miles.

He has seen a big change over the years in the amount of mail delivered and the condition of the roads.

The roads have changed from mud and dirt of the horse and buggy days to good gravel and hard top of the modern automobile. Try driving a horse and buggy 31 miles over rutty roads every day. From a health standpoint, there has been a big improvement.

Although there were times in winter and spring when the going was very rough, the good people on the route were always more than willing to give a helping hand with a shovel or tractor.

Their kind words and deeds will always be remembered.

In future posts, I will show how the rural mail carriers began in the late 1800s, along with the trials and tribulations. The R.F.D. (rural free delivery) system has an interesting history, one of hardships but also one of many joys to those in the outlying countryside.

In the meantime, did anyone know Mr. Glover or happen to be on his route? I would love for you to leave a comment or two for all of my readers to enjoy.