August 14, 2025
Titusville Post Office Dedication Ceremony for Oil Pioneer
-
What:
-
Postal Officials will unveil a plaque dedicating the Titusville Post Office to the Edwin L. Drake Post Office Building as per bill, H.R. 7417.
The event is free and open to the public.
-
Who:
-
George Joseph "Mike" Kelly Jr., U.S. Representative
Eddie Masangcay, USPS Pennslyvania-1 District Manager
Jack McFadden, Postmaster of Titusville -
When:
-
Monday, August 18, 2025
11 a.m. -
Where:
-
Titusville Post Office
135 West Spring St., Titusville, PA, 16354 -
Background:
-
Edwin Laurentine Drake (March 29, 1819 – November 9, 1880), also known as Colonel Drake, was an American businessman and the first American to successfully drill for oil.
Drake is famous for pioneering a new method for producing oil from the ground.
In 1859, Drake became the first person to use an iron pipe to drill for oil. His “drive pipe” quickly produced between 20-40 barrels daily, using all the whiskey barrels in Titusville.
Drake’s oil well started the Pennsylvania oil rush and launched an economic revolution in Western Pennsylvania that would change economies worldwide.
Drake died in 1880, and rests in Titusville; the original tools used by Drake can be found at the Drake Well Museum in Titusville.
# # #
The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to more than 170 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is celebrating its 250th year of service to customers amidst a network modernization plan aimed at restoring long-term financial sustainability, improving service, and maintaining the organization as one of America’s most valued and trusted brands.
The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.
For USPS media resources, including broadcast-quality video and audio and photo stills, visit the USPS Newsroom. Follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter; Instagram; Pinterest; Threads; and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the USPS YouTube Channel and like us on Facebook. For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and facts.usps.com.
MEDIA ADVISORY
Media contacts
-
Local contact: Amy Gibbs
amy.n.gibbs@usps.gov