Sad Day In Minneapolis - Post Office Burned Down

It sure doesn't look like anything paper would have survived, but damaged covers are highly collectible - especially when marked or otherwise identifiable to a specific incident.

I almost want to mail something to "PO Box 100" at that station and see if it gets returned with any "undeliverable" markings!

Hand stamped cancel- "Salvaged from arson or riot fire at Main Office". That would be collectable on any fire damaged cover from any significant incident or event.

Fire and water damaged mail is not all that uncommon. A Google search turns up numerous incidents every year ranging from Mail Contract Carrier vehicles that are involved in accidents to Post offices that are flooded and fire damaged. From what I gather the mail or remains thereof is sent to a unit within the Postal Inspectors Office that is dedicated to recovery. It is than forwarded when possible. From what I have gathered online recoverable mail is delivered to its final destination with little fanfare. The following article talks about mail from a truck accident:

https://wnyt.com/news/usps-delivers...ent/5327686/

And some covers have a very hard time making it through when everything is running smoothly! I have evidence! If was more handy with this I would post some pics.

rogdcam: I find SkyNews to be centrist. It's UK based, but often covers US issues more in depth and in a more unbiased manner than the big 3 networks.

Please, please, please, keep this thread philatelic. Thank you.

The early word now is that the post office will not reopen

I posted this many, many years ago. I doubt much value, but it is an interesting item.

According to the AAMC, 650 pounds of mail was salvaged from 1339 pounds originally on the flight.

My Stimulus check was on that flight.

Well, this one definitely weighed less upon arrival.