This week on Flashback Friday we offer another beautifully tinted postcard by the famed postcard publisher, Hugh C. Leighton. The card depicts Raleigh’s post office building on Fayetteville St. as it was originally built, before two major additions in the 20th century altered its appearance.

This is a fine P.O. I think 25 men are employed in it.

Sincerely, [?]

We think the building is a fine P.O., too. It was designed in 1874 in the Second Empire style by the renowned 19th century American architect Alfred B. Mullet. Ours is known for being the first post office built in the South after the Civil War. Later additions in 1912 and 1938 tripled the size of the original structure. Now, in 2011, the building’s continued service as a  functioning post office is threatened. The U.S. Postal Service will make its final decision next spring whether to close it or not.

The postcard seen below depicts how the building appeared about 1915. It shows the addition of 1912. Notice how the original facade has been altered.

In this postcard you can how the building appeared about 1940. The 1938 addition (and altered mansard roof) can easily be seen, and if you look closely you can make out the earlier addition as well. This is how Raleigh’s ‘fine P.O.’, now known as the Century Postal Station, looks today.

This week’s postcard was published by the well-known Hugh C. Leighton Co in 1909.

The Hugh C. Leighton Co.   1906-1909
Portland, ME
A printer and major publisher of national view-cards, especially scenes of New England. They printed most of their cards in four distinct styles usually employing tinted halftones. Most of their cards had a subdued but recognizable pallet. While some cards were printed at their plant in the U.S. most were manufactured in Frankfurt, Germany. Almost all their cards were numbered. They merged with Valentine & Sons in 1909.

“Flashback Friday” is a weekly feature of Goodnight, Raleigh! in which we showcase vintage postcards depicting our historic capital city. We hope you enjoy this week end treat!