1935- Constructed as a Post Office
1936-1981- Operated as the United States Post Office
1984-2004- Housing Authority of Yamhill County
2006-Present Day- Yamhill County Clerk’s Office
The Old U. S. Post Office is a one-story brick building with a daylight basement. The structure has a common bond brick exterior façade on all sides and sits upon a cement foundation. The roof is flat and is topped by a brick parapet. An entablature, consisting of narrow, segmented cement blocks over laying a wider cement frieze, rings the building two feet below the top. The entrance has a classical wood framed opening with a segmented arch, dentils, and fluted pilasters. The wood double doors are topped with transoms containing decorative molded wood mullions. This building was constructed for the McMinnville Post Office, which was in operation at this location until 1981. The Yamhill County Clerk’s Office has resided in this building since 2006.
“As visitors enter the front lobby of the Clerk’s Office, most are immediately struck by its quaint charm. Very little has changed in the lobby since it was first constructed in 1935. The polished tile and marble floors are still there, as are the original wide-wood moldings. The 12″ tile across the floor utilizes a unique brass spacer in place of group, adding a pleasant appeal to what normally can be overlooked. Additional marble extends up the walls like wainscoting giving the space a more refined feel. The period woodwork extends beyond the moldings to encase the porticos visitors use to interact with our team. High up toward the incredibly tall ceilings additional original woodwork gives visitors even more to admire. Then, the entire space is alive with natural light streaming in from the half-dozen over-sized (4.5′ x 7.5′) single-hung wood clad windows.” —Brian Van Bergen
Secondary Significant: Structures are classified as Primary Significant if they were built in or between 1913 and 1937. These buildings represent the secondary period of construction and development from the increase of city improvements and auto traffic.
