Pocono News Section

Shipping Out: Pocono Post Office to Close

Shipping Out: Pocono Post Office to Close - Monday, December 15, 2008 at 4:22PM EST

MINISINK HILLS - The United States Postal Service says Monday is the busiest mailing day of the year. But it's the last year for the Christmas chaos at a post office in Monroe County.

The Minisink Hills Post Office will close for good next month as part of a government consolidation plan to save money. For many its more than just a post office.

Stepping into the Minisink Hills Post Office is like stepping back in time. "It's like an old time general store here," explained Postmaster Allen Bunn.

He does his work by hand, not by computer. Just like when he started in the business 25 years ago. "I don't know if it's part of the American tradition or the American way," he said.

Allen knows most customers by name. He shares their stories and loves to see the anticipation on their faces when they expect something special behind the mailbox door. "I like what I do I like the relationship that I have with my customers," he said.

But now Allen must say goodbye to those customers and his building. The government will shut the place down next month. "I'm upset about it," he said..

"About 200 people have mailboxes there now, they can still use them through the end of this month. But come mid-January they'll have to change their addresses and shut their boxes for good.

Garry Manning of Minisink Hills said, "I'm not happy about it."

Customers said they can find a new post office or have mail delivered to their homes but they can't replace Allen and his old fashioned customer service. "I love him. He's a nice guy," said Manning.

When the doors close in January, people will say goodbye to Allen Bunn and to a window into another time.

The government is closing post offices all over the country to save money. It lost 2.8 billion dollars last year. Officials say sky high gas prices smashed the budget.