April of 2007 the community of Lake Minchumina was reflecting on the years of service our Postmaster Stella Wildrick, who would retire the end of April, had performed over the last 15 years.  She was even recognized by Senator Ted Stevens and received a Congressional Record plaque for her devoted service.  At about the same time the community found out the lease on our Post Office was not going to be renewed and a letter was received stating that we might have a change in status; to a No-Point Office.  The community flew into action; members knew if we lost our PO there could be a chain of events to follow and if they didn’t fight in keeping a full service PO it could ultimately mean the end of the community of Lake Minchumina. Contacts were established with Legislators, Napus, the League and the media.  It was amazing how people, even those who had no strings to Lake Minchumina, pulled together and really saved us

The community is delighted to have such a wonder new facility.  The contractor, The Broad Way, did a great job.  We were moved in by the tenth of October.  We held a little ribbon cutting ceremony on October 14th.

Mary Flood, our eldest Postmaster did the honors of cutting the ribbon.  The scissors she used are PO scissors used by a previous Postmaster, Kenny Granroth, who was PM from 1959-1972.  Our history goes all the way back to 1922 though; mail was transported by dog team from Nenana to McGrath (we’re almost smack dab in the middle).  The first official  Postmaster was Mrs. White in 1930.  In 1934 airplanes and barges took over carrying mail and freight.

We now receive air service by Everts Air Alaska once a week.  “Mail Day” is quite a social gathering.  The building we’re in now was previously the school.  We share the other half with the Lake Minchumina Community Library.  The community is delighted not only that we’re able to keep our full service P.O., but we’re in such an ideal location.  Our mail service is integrated into our everyday lives.  There is no store here, or road to town.  Our nearest town on the road system is Nenana, so our mail is our main way of getting supplies of all sorts.  I’m honored to be Postmaster in a community where the USPS is so valued.