Box Post Office People Remembered Alan Payne March 2016
Thanks to the efforts of Chris and his staff at Box's Post Office we still have access to some of the services of a Post Office in the village. It is a vital resource for many residents, old and young. The intention in this further article is to recall some of the people involved in the story of the Box Post Office, which we haven't honoured previously.
Charles Hardy (courtesy Bruce Hardy)
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John Fudge (courtesy Margaret Wakefield)
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Postmasters
We have received two wonderful photos of people who we believe were early Box Postmasters. On the left above is Charles Hardy who was postmaster for 20 years from 1858 to 1878. It is believed that he was the second postmaster. John Fudge, above right, followed Charles Hardy for five years until his death in 1883. He was followed by several other members of the Fudge family and the role, although official and at the whim of the national Post Office, became something of a local family business.
We have received two wonderful photos of people who we believe were early Box Postmasters. On the left above is Charles Hardy who was postmaster for 20 years from 1858 to 1878. It is believed that he was the second postmaster. John Fudge, above right, followed Charles Hardy for five years until his death in 1883. He was followed by several other members of the Fudge family and the role, although official and at the whim of the national Post Office, became something of a local family business.
Post Office Workers
The local office employed many people to deal with the number of letters, parcels and telgrammes, all sorted in Box and delivered by hand. Percy George Oatley (son of Priscilla Oatley) was a Box postman for many years. He is seen below with his wife and three children: left Robert Frederick (later Box builder); Percy George; wife Gertrude; in her arms Phyllis; right Stanley (later Westinghouse department manager and leader of the company orchestra). Photo courtesy Ken Oatley who would be delighted to hear more about these members of his family.
We would love to hear more about Box's postmen over the years. Please send us details of your ancestors who were connected with the Royal Mail.
