Former Charleston Illinois Post Office

ADDRESS: 320 Sixth St., Charleston, Illinois 61920

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to visit your local post office and find out it’s a pet store? Welcome to Charleston, Illinois. I visited in October for a book signing event at the local book store. It was a very long drive on a Saturday with an infant, but we made it and I was able to get my books signed. I was also told there is a nice historic old post office building in Charleston so naturally I had to find it. The folks at the book store also mentioned it had been converted to a pet store. Older buildings like this are pretty easy to spot but the new owners also had a nice big sign indicating they are now open for business. See images below.

Since I was with the family, I needed to get my photos and get moving. It baffles me why I never stepped inside to look around. I guess I knew this particular building didn’t have a mural or artwork so I guess I must have justified this in my head and moved quickly back to the car so we could get on the road. These are just some of the stories from my adventures taking pictures. It’s hard to slow down sometimes and just enjoy the process when you are trying to make as many stops and you can.

We were a long way from home, but sometimes that’s what it takes. During this visit was I also able to get a few other nice older buildings. Stay tuned for those.

Do you remember when this building was the old post office? Maybe you were there for the dedication back in 1917? What do you remember? Do you have pictures or newspaper articles from this time? Please comment and share below.

Thanks,

David W. Gates Jr.