Burris Store and Post Office, Burris, WY

(Built and Operated by Esley and Emily Alexander)
photos and commentary by Sharon Bryant
(click on picture to see larger image)
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Store

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East side of Burris Store, post office, and Essie (Alec) & (Emily) Clara's home. Quite visible are add-ons to the original building. If not mistaken, think there were gas pumps at the awning to the north. Trees, shrubs have all but obscured the front of the establishment -- I almost didn't see it for what it was. Hollyhocks have probably been there for decades! - S. Bryant   "Carport" - note the handiwork in the log construction (rather large logs!) at corners as well as the neat work at the foot of the log upright.  The other pic shows the embellishments to the front of the business. Elk & moose antlers as well as deer antlers in clusters where roof meets uprights. The empty decorative sign "arm" and board speak of a busier time - S Bryant

"My children lived in it for 5 1/2 years during the 80's and it was HOME in our hearts and souls for those years. We turned it into a beautiful house inside and built on the addition out to the side. Many stories while I took care of Daddy and Mother during that time including his death. He was in my eyes "a true man, gentle and special". I have never gone a day since his death without missing him. Thanks for all of your devotion and work. The only time I remember seeing anyone, Grandad and Daddy took me with them to see Daddy's "Uncle Will"-Grandad's brother. The best of best memory was of riding on the feed wagon and the young men who watched out for me. They were so kind. I didn't know anyone that age were that nice. Guess that would be Kip and Joe. Don't really know. I also went into "town" and was put up with a young lady that I don't remember the name of. I have a photo of that trip. Daddy, Grandpa, Uncle Will and myself. I have few memories of my younger life, but those I hold dear to my heart. Thank you." - Nancy Alexander-Wojahn

Post Office 

Displayed in the Dubois Museum, Dubois, WY

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BURRIS POST OFFICE
No longer located in main museum building in Dubois Wyoming; now housed on grounds in SWAN'S SERVICE STATION building in SW corner-subject to bright light and heat, it will deteriorate much faster. It was photographed 8/28/04 from several angles and details were noted for future reference
"This Post Office was originally located in Burns, Wyoming on the Indian
Reservation, 24 miles east of Dubois."
Post Mistresses and Masters:
1923-1925             Mrs. Morrison
1925-1929             Mrs. Clara Alexander
1929-1946             Mr. Alec Alexander
1946-1976             Mrs. Dorothy Alexander
"Dubois' first Post Office was founded in 1886-mail was brought via snowshoe-wearing carrier from Ft. Washakie located 59 miles east of Dubois."
The oak cabinet (post office) is approximately 48" x 40" with a filigree cornice at the top edge. The bottom of each glass-fronted box was formed by a series of 9 thin met al stringers which ran horizontally from box to box ~ 3/4" between stringers.  The customer window was approximately 12" wide with 3 vertical metal bars.  Behind the bars appeared to be a couple of hinged doors which swung to either side.  Above the window was a metal plate which indicated the manufacturer.  Below the window was a brass mail slot for letters.  Note the odd numbering system.
When on display in the main building, one could walk around the post office, seeing it
from all sides. Years ago, the handwritten name tags were still in evidence on the back edges of the boxes. As now displayed, the back is against the wall so the box holders are no longer visible. - S. Bryant
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