“When you arise in the morning think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive,
to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.” ~ Marcus Aurelius
Charlotte Oldfield (behind bars) was in the Cannel City post office Saturday. I couldn’t believe my luck. I asked if I could come inside, and of course, she said yes. We’ve known each other our whole lives, and if you were an underclassman like me during Charlotte’s senior year of high school, you’ll never forget her pigeon a la Carol Burnett performance. She was a riot. Charlotte grew up to be the postmistress at Mize for many years, and now she’s the clerk for a number of locations. Saturday she was filling in for Donna Lacy who was busy cooking for the masses at Pickin’ in the Park. My Papaw Terry got his mail General Delivery. So, he was at this post office nearly every day. It sits at the mouth of Railroad Fork, just about a mile from where he and Mamaw lived. I don’t know how long this particular building has existed, but it’s been in its current location for as long as I can remember. It’s so small that I could barely move, and James Lykins, small as he is, easily filled the space. Nobody could tell me exactly how old James is. He and Papaw and a whole slew of men from around Cannel City used the post office as their community center. There are tons of pictures of 8-10 people congregating on its minuscule porch. There were few times I passed without there being at least one man sitting on the porch, except maybe in extreme weather. But like James, those loyal congregants have gotten older, infirmed, or passed on. I see fewer of them keeping the porch seats warm these days.
A few years ago, when the government announced it was closing the smaller Post Offices in rural America, there was a rumbling about Cannel City’s little palace. I really thought it was headed for the chopping block. I don’t know how they managed to save it, but I’m thankful they did (and thank you to the “they,” whomever you are). Look how sweet and tiny. How much more Mayberry can you get? I say that with extreme pride. This little building helps bind a community, and it has for generations. I’m grateful to Charlotte and all the clerks and post masters working for their communities. It matters to me, and it definitely matters to people like James. Viva le Cannel City Post Office!
DW
Great article. I love little old post offices like this, and I’m glad to see that this one was saved. They are reminders of simpler times, I suppose!
Sherry Lacy-Gonzales
Recently my cousins went to visit Cannel City. I was born there, but not raised there. My mamaw and Papaw, Preston and Mary Lacy, raised their 12 kids there. If your families house was not far then I’m sure they knew each other. My dad Robert Lacy went to school there. My cousins facebook posts made me long for all the memories I have of when we went to visit. When I showed my dad the first name he mentioned was James Lykins. He knows him so seeing this picture of him made me so happy.Thank you so much for sharing this post. My dad said depending on their health, we’re all taking time to go back visit. I can’t wait.
Kopana
awww that’s fantastic!
Jennifer Lykins Drumm
Hi,
I know this is a long shot but I am trying to trace my great grandfather Shelby(maybe Isaac) Lykins born 1882/4 m. Florence Smith,paretns of Chalres and Roy. He is listed in a tax list in the 4/29/1915 Licking Valley courier in Cannel City and I was wondering if you had ever heard the name before. Thank you,Jennifer Lykins Drumm
Kopana
No, he doesn’t ring a bell. I would recommend asking Andrew Jones or Ron Gevedon. Andrew, at least, is on facebook. Both men are extremely knowledgable about Cannel City/Caney/Adele genealogy.
july 20, 2020 – the outhouse: where art goes
[…] mailboxes, I also have a thing for rural post offices. These once thriving community centers are now a dying breed. I think Deb told me this post office […]