This information was found in the vertical files of the genealogy department of the Longview Public Library.

THE AVINGER CITIZEN
Special Historical Edition
June 18, 1954

POST OFFICE HISTORY

The first post office in Cass County was established at Hickory Hill, now Avinger, May 17, 1848, with Thomas M. Kimble as postmaster. Succeeding postmasters in the order that they held office were: Lewis A. Pattillo, 1852-1861; Davis Hendricks 1861-1866, at which time office was discontinued a short time and then reopened April 8, 1867, with Hendricks still in charge for several years. His brother George Hendricks took over and operated it until it was moved one mile north to the new town of Avinger in 1877.

Carrie C. Avinger, daughter of Dr. H.J. Avinger followed Mr. Hendricks to become the first postmistress Jan. 16, 1878. On Jan 10, 1883 she became Mrs. Will Hedik and continued to serve as postmistress until Feb 27, 1884 at which time she was relieved by her brother, L.H. (Buck) Avinger. L.H. Avinger was followed by Middleton D. Avinger, Aug 27, 1884 and he in turn by George Brown on Dec 13, 1889.

Mr. Brown held the office past the turn of the century to be relieved by Allison A. Edwards, Mar. 24, 1902. Many of Avinger's present residents sitll remember the old Edwards home located on the site of the present R.H. Poole duplex. It burned to the ground early in 1940. Mr. Edwards died Mar. 5, 1912 whereupon the position was filled by his daughter, Mrs. Minnie E. Cope who served as active postmistress until relieved by L.H. (Buck) Avinger on Oct 19, 1914, this being Mr. Avinger's second time to serve as postmaster.

Henry J. Whitworth took over the office Jan. 18, 1920. He served until Aug 29, 1933 when relieved by M.L. Felker, Sr. The latter retired recently after twenty years continuous service. The present postmaster is Harlan B. Pitchford, a lifelong resident of Avinger.

Rural mail carriers who served the community for many years were the late George Kirkland, the late T.F. Steed, C.F. Powell, now retired and C.R. Young, who took over Mr. Kirkland's route in 1930 and is still making the rounds.