Harold Payne Retires as Postmaster, 1936

Harold L. Payne Will Complete 29 Years of Postal Service, Apr. 1

Bainbridge, Chenango County, NY

Bainbridge News & Republican, March 12, 1936

 

On April 1st, Harold L. Payne, postmaster in this village during the past 12 years, and for nearly thirty years connected with the local department, will transfer his authority to Mrs. Henrietta Fairbanks, who has been named acting postmaster to succeed him, thus ending temporarily, at least, a service with the government which he began when only a student in Bainbridge High School. 

 

Back in 1907 when Charles G. Norton held the office of postmaster, Harold was induced to accept a position as substitute clerk, and for a short time acted in that capacity.

 

At that time the office was located in the block on West Main street known as the Willsey Block, and now occupied by Partridge's Meat Market, and the office only consisted of the postmaster, one regular clerk and a substitute.

 

After the completion of the town hall in 1909 the post office was moved into the new building and an increase in the business required an additional clerk, which appointment was given to Mr. Payne.

 

He continued his clerkship through the Wilson administration, working under Ira B. Cushman, postmaster, and then on March 1, 1924, he received his first appointment as postmaster from President Coolidge and has continued at the head of the local office since then, handling the affairs of the government in a most efficient and trustworthy manner, never shirking a duty, in fact, taking upon himself more of the active work of the office than most postmasters are in the habit of doing.

 

During that time his courtesy to the public, his thoughtful assistance in handling business transactions and his desire to please the public and increase the efficiency of the office, has made him a most valuable employee, and his many friends and associates regret his leaving--but such is the result of political patronage, and to the victor, belongs the spoils. 

 

Mrs. Fairbanks, who has received the appointment, has resided in Bainbridge since 1912, and is no doubt qualified to take over the office, and she will have the assistance of a valuable staff of clerks who have received their training in this office, for many years being associated with Mr. Payne.

 

Many business changes have taken place in the post office since its establishment more than a century ago, and the records show a steady growth until 1925.  At that time it had apparently reached the peak and since then the receipts had fallen off a bit, but not in sufficient amount to change the classification which it first received in 1910.

 

During the 118 years it has been established there have been only 18 postmasters.  A complete list of appointments follows:

 

Postmaster                                  Date of Appointment

John C. Clarke..................................Feb. 28, 1818

Moses G. Benjamin..........................Mch. 14, 1827

J.B Clarke.........................................Feb. 11, 1833

Dexter Newell..................................Apr. 1, 1837

A.J. Owens.......................................Apr. 14, 1849

S.L. Banks........................................June 23, 1853

Simeon Shepard...............................Nov. 5, 1853

Hiram Schrom..................................Oc.t 17, 1858

E.R. Van Horne...............................Mch. 30, 1861

T.R. Hollister...................................Dec. 13, 1864

B.S. Sill............................................Mch. 29, 1869

John W. Cudworth...........................Sept. 1, 1873

T.T. Nichols.....................................Mch. 21, 1877

Don A. Gilbert.................................May 28, 1886

A.D. Payne.......................................Aug. 29, 1894

Charles G. Norton............................June 15, 1899

Ira B. Cushman................................Aug. 22, 1915

Harold L. Payne...............................Mch. 1, 1921