“NATIONAL NEITHER SNOW NOR RAIN DAY”

Sep 8th “NATIONAL NEITHER SNOW NOR RAIN DAY”

National Neither Snow Nor Rain Day on September 7th commemorates the opening of the New York Post Office on September 7, 1914.

Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds ~ Inscription found over the entrance of the central post office in New York City

James A. Farley

The James A. Farley Post Office Building is the main post office in New York City. Built in 1912 and opened for postal business in 1914, it is famous for the inscription. In 1982, the post office was officially designated The James A Farley Building as a monument and testament to the political career of the nation’s 53rd Postmaster General.

James A. Farley served during a difficult time in both U.S. and postal history. The Great Depression impacted jobs and revenues all across the country. Under Farley’s direction and participation in the New Deal, Post Office revenues and real estate grew. He served as Post Master General from 1933-1940.

The James A. Farley Post Office Building became home to “Operation Santa” after being featured in the 1947 classic film Miracle on 34th Street.

The Inscription

While the inscription is prominently featured on the building, the United States Postal Service does not have an official motto. However, in 2011 the United States Post Office advertised with the song “Let the River Run” by Carly Simon. The words of the inscription ran across inspirational images of postal workers carrying out their daily duties.

Other advertisement campaigns also hinted at the inscription’s motivation. The “Watch Us Deliver” campaign featured carriers delivering precious packages in harsh or awkward conditions. The narrator promises they will deliver our mail “…faster, sleeker, earlier, fresher, harder, farther, quicker, and yeah…even on Sundays.”

The inscription, which was carved by Ira Schnapp, was provided by the designing architects. It is a paraphrase of a motto from the Herodotus’ Histories which describes a Persian system of mounted messengers under Xerxes I of Persia.