National Register Listing

Kegler Gonner Store and Post Office

a.k.a. Gonner's Store

100 E. Main, Springbrook, IA
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
  A brief timeline of the history of the United States Postal Service (USPS)

  • 1775: The Second Continental Congress establishes the Constitutional Post to provide postal services in the thirteen American colonies. Benjamin Franklin is appointed as the first Postmaster General.

  • 1792: The Postal Service Act is passed, officially establishing the United States Postal Service as a federal agency. It sets the foundation for the organization and regulation of postal operations.

  • 1847: The introduction of prepaid adhesive postage stamps revolutionizes mail delivery, simplifying the process and promoting efficiency.

  • 1860: The Pony Express, a fast mail delivery service, is launched to transport mail between the eastern and western regions of the United States. It becomes famous for its daring riders and swift delivery.

  • 1863: Free city delivery is introduced, allowing mail to be delivered directly to urban households and businesses rather than being picked up from local post offices.

  • 1864: The Postal Money Order system is established, providing a secure way for people to send money through the mail.

  • 1896: Rural Free Delivery (RFD) is implemented, bringing mail delivery to rural areas for the first time. This service significantly improves communication and connects rural communities to the rest of the country.

  • 1971: The United States Postal Service is reorganized as an independent agency within the federal government, operating as the USPS. It is no longer directly controlled by the Postmaster General.

  • 1974: The USPS introduces the ZIP (Zone Improvement Plan) Code system, which assigns unique codes to geographic areas to improve mail sorting and delivery efficiency.

  • 1997: The USPS launches its website, usps.com, providing online access to postal services, tracking, and information.

  • 2001: Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the USPS faces security challenges and undergoes significant changes to enhance mail screening and protection.

  • 2013: The USPS announces the end of Saturday mail delivery for regular letters and reduces delivery to five days a week.

  • Present: The USPS continues to be a vital service, handling billions of pieces of mail annually and adapting to changes in technology, communication, and the shipping industry. It plays a crucial role in connecting people, facilitating commerce, and serving as a backbone of the American communication infrastructure.

This timeline provides an overview of key milestones in the history of the USPS, which has played a crucial role in facilitating communication and connecting communities throughout the United States for over two centuries.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

architecture post office
The Field of Dreams movie site, located near Dyersville, Iowa, attracts thousands of visitors each year. The site includes the baseball field used in the movie, as well as a gift shop and museum. The movie, starring Kevin Costner, was released in 1989 and has since become a beloved classic.
Iowa random facts
Jackson County, Iowa is a richly historical area situated in the eastern part of the state. The county's history can be traced back to the early 19th century, when European settlers arrived in the area. The first settlement established in present-day Jackson County was Bellevue, in 1833. Soon after, more settlers began to arrive, attracted by the fertile land and opportunities for farming.

The county was officially established on December 21, 1837 and named after President Andrew Jackson. In the early years, Jackson County experienced rapid growth as more families settled in the area. Towns and communities such as Maquoketa, Sabula, and Andrew were formed, each with its own unique history and character.

Throughout the 19th century, Jackson County played a significant role in the development of Iowa. The county was crossed by several major transportation routes, including the Mississippi River and the Chicago and North Western Railway. As a result, the region became an important hub for commerce and trade, with industries such as logging, mining, and agriculture flourishing.

In the 20th century, Jackson County continued to evolve, adapting to changing times and economic shifts. The Great Depression and World War II had a significant impact on the county, but it managed to rebound and thrive in the post-war era. Today, Jackson County attracts visitors with its beautiful natural landscapes, historic sites, and recreational opportunities, while also preserving and celebrating its rich heritage.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Jackson County, Iowa.

  • 1837 - Jackson County is established on December 21.
  • 1838 - First settler, Samuel F. Lockwood, arrives in the county.
  • 1841 - County seat is established in Andrew, Iowa.
  • 1851 - Maquoketa becomes the new county seat on April 8.
  • 1861 to 1865 - Jackson County residents serve in the American Civil War.
  • 1870 - Railroad service reaches Maquoketa.
  • 1875 - Bellevue State Park is established.
  • 1902 - Ohnward Bancshares, Inc., is founded in Cascade, Iowa.
  • 1929 - Hurstville Lime Kilns and Caves are dedicated as a scenic state park on September 2.
  • 1959 - Maquoketa Caves State Park is dedicated on September 5.
  • 2012 - A wind farm is established in Jackson County.