Building Roanoke’s post office

Randolph County Historical Museum is proud of its recent donation from Rex Ballenger, postmaster of Roanoke. A series of photographs and related papers document the construction of the former post office on Main Street from October 1940 to April 1941.

According to the information, the lot was purchased for $11,917, and the cost to build the structure was $43,959. Looking across Main Street, one can see (from left): the house that was the home of S.S. Smith and his dollmaker wife, Ella, (now John Tinney’s law office); the home of Dr. Yates, a dentist who also owned the first automobile dealership in Roanoke (now split up into apartments); Roanoke City Hall, also under construction; and L&L Service Station, which was later torn down and the property donated to the First Baptist Church.

Randolph County Historical Museum appreciates this latest donation. A membership drive is underway for the museum to encourage previous members to renew their memberships and encourage other history enthusiasts to join. Membership dues are $30 – family; $20 – individual; or $15 – student. Please make checks payable to Randolph County Historical Museum, c/o Phillips Brothers Hardware, 964 Main St., Roanoke, AL 36274.

Construction underway in early 1941.