Old Post Office, Tolland (1790)

The construction date for the Greek Revival building at 55 Tolland Green in Tolland is uncertain. It was built c. 1750 to 1790, during which time it was used as an armory and then for the manufacture of sorghum molasses. It was moved to its current location by Col. Elijah Smith, who owned an adjacent tavern, and was used by his sons as a store. From then on, it has housed various small businesses. Charles Sterry, who served as Tolland postmaster for thirty-two years, from 1903 until his death, operated the post office, as well as his grain store and leatherworking business, from the building’s corner room. He was succeeded by Bertha Place, who sold candy, tobacco and stationary, and was postmistress until her retirement in 1956. She was followed by Helen Clough, who died 1968. Three years before, the post office had moved to Tolland Stage Road, leaving the building where it had been located for over sixty years.