William F. Bolger, American, born 1923 Search this
Medium:
metal (bronze); wood
Dimensions:
Height x Width x Depth: 6 3/8 x 10 13/16 x 1 15/16 in. (16.2 x 27.5 x 5 cm) [mailbox] Height x Width x Depth: 9 1/16 x 13 3/4 x 2 in. (23 x 35 x 5.1 cm) [mailbox with frame]
Type:
Structures & Furnishings
Place:
California
Place of Use:
California
Date:
1905-1972
Description:
This cast bronze mailbox front, manufactured by Yale and Towne Manufacturing Company, was installed in the main post office in San Francisco, California. The mailbox remained in use until 1972. The front plate of the mailbox was then framed and given to Postmaster General William F. Bolger.
The San Francisco earthquake of April 18, 1906, and the subsequent three-day fire that destroyed much of the city, rank as one of the most significant natural disasters in US history. The main San Francisco post office, where this mailbox was located, suffered damage in the earthquake but survived the fire. The post office accepted letters without stamps until regular service could resume.
When the object was initially brought into the collection, it was in a wooden frame with the label: "This bronze antique box front was installed in the Main San Francisco / Post Office in 1905. It survived the 1906 earthquake and fire. / It was cast in about 1895 and retired from service in 1972". The frame and label were removed by the museum's conservation staff.
Reference:
Ingram, Jane H. Post Office Lockbox Doors Illustrated Guide.
Greenville, South Carolina: Hardwick Printing Service, 1989.
