INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Sheridan in Hamilton County could probably be described as the most central site in Indiana as the state’s center of population lies just northwest of the town. Once called Millwood, Sheridan is named after Civil War general Philip Sheridan, and is about 30 miles north-northwest of downtown Indianapolis.
The town’s most notable landmark is Boxley Cabin, which sits on a hilltop in Sheridan Veterans Park. The cabin was built by Virginia-born abolitionist George Boxley in 1828, who spent much of his life as a fugitive accused of inciting a slave rebellion.
When Boxley did get to spend time at home in Sheridan, he played his mandolin, and the music tradition has continued to this day. Every year in mid-July, blue grass fans from throughout the country come to Sheridan to share their love of music at the Sheridan BlueGrass Fever.
On Thursday, June 26, 2014, history will be made again when the 68th Village Post Office (VPO) in the Greater Indiana District opens at Railers IGA, 207 Main Street, Sheridan, IN 46069.
The official ribbon-cutting will be at 11 a.m. and an open house will follow from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The owner of the independent grocery store, Dave Railers, says he believes it will be good for Sheridan and good for business. Railers also owns two other grocery stores in Thorntown and Lebanon. In April, a VPO opened in his store in Thorntown, and he’s been very pleased with the results. “It’s very convenient for our customers to be able to buy a book of stamps and drop off their mail when the Post Office has closed for the day,” he said.
Railers IGA Market is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.
The new postal center will be opened by Acting Lafayette Postmaster Randy Brown. Several USPS and local officials will be present at the event.
In 2011, the Postal Service introduced the VPO model as an alternate retail location for postal products and services, especially in rural communities.
VPOs are operated by local businesses contracting with the Postal Service and offer a range of popular postal products and services including stamps and flat-rate packaging.
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