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A brief history of the Rifle Post Office.
Rifle purpose built its first Post Office in 1902 after the fire. From the
street it looked to be part of the Hugus store, but it was a small addition on
the south end. By 1916, it was too small, and larger quarters were needed.
The solution found was to move it immediately next door into the south end of
the Hugus building. Mrs. Linder's millinery shop had recently vacated that
space. Union State Bank was there before Mrs. Linder, but the bank had moved to
the north end of the building. 22 years later, Rifle again needed a larger
space and a new site was found. The postoffice has remained at 4th and Railroad
since 1940. Records show Federal funds paid $8000 and another $1000 was raised
locally for the site. The building itself cost $75,000. The six lots required
were purchased from Mrs. Nettie Zieseniss, Mrs. Jennie Clark, and Fred Munro.
Three homes were razed. The building itself received a low bid of $52,944 from
Joseph Sebacher Construction company, of Abilene, Kansas.
Western Mercantile. SW corner 3rd and Railroad. Faced
north. First PO in Rifle was inside. Sold to Hugus in 1894.
Western Mercantile was bought by Hugus in 1894. This
might be their "grand opening" after the purchase. They inherited the PO,
started first bank.
Street view of the new 1902 Hugus store, later PCA.
Postoffice is at the far left.
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