Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Item
Title
928-1
Date(s)
- 1935-01 (Creation)
Extent
Name of creator
(1919-1980)
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
In 1935, Karl Showman was foreman of the "inquiry division" of the Tacoma Post Office, also known as the "Dead letter office." Mr. Showman, who came to the Post Office in 1921, perused some of the improperly addressed letters, trying to determine where they should be delivered. His most valuable tool was the City Directory. Undeliverable mail went through a three step process: it was kept for two weeks for claiming; if unclaimed it was opened for clues; and if none were found, it was destroyed. (T. Times 1/15/1935, pg. 3) (WSHS)
Desks; Showman, Karl; Postal service employees--Tacoma--1930-1940; Postal service--Tacoma--1930-1940;