As a person could probably figure out from the name of this holiday, National Neither Snow Nor Rain Day is a holiday that honors the U.S. Post Office. Or more specifically, it commemorates the opening of one particular post office, and that’s the New York Post Office.

This post office opened on September 7, 1914. On the outer side of this building is a colonnade on which is inscribed the following phrase: “Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.” A motto that’s observed by postal employees all over the U.S.

The History of the James A. Farley Building

The James A. Farley Post Office Building was built in 1912 and opened as a post office in 1914. It was named in honor of James A. Farley as a testament to the career of the 53rd Postmaster General of the United States.

Fun Facts About the U.S. Post Office

Below are just a few of the fun facts about the U.S. Post Office that we uncovered while we were writing about National Neither Snow Nor Rain Day. We think everyone can appreciate the following facts, and that most people will be entertained by them.

• The first U.S. Post Office was established in a Boston tavern in 1639.
• During the 19th century, newspapers made up the bulk of what the U.S. mail delivered.
• In 1799, the penalty for stealing mail was public whipping and 10 years in jail.
• The Postmaster General used to be in the line of succession to the U.S. Presidency, but that was changed in 1971.

Observing National Neither Snow Nor Rain Day

This holiday can be observed by learning more about the post office and by thanking a postal worker. People can thank their local mail carrier in person, or they can give them a virtual shout-out on social media using the hashtag #NeitherSnowNorRainDay.