Chandler Vance is a sartorial time traveler.
The Ashville, OH, retail associate collects vintage postal paraphernalia of all sorts, including old uniforms. “I have almost every complete uniform from the 1930s to the modern day,” Vance said.
These are not just dusty relics.
On special occasions, Vance will don vintage uniforms from the 1950s-1970s.
Vance takes the presentation seriously. “Everything on those uniforms is authentic, so the correct period of shirt, pants, cap, badge, coat or jacket are all of that decade.”
He said customers “love the old uniforms, especially the older folks. … I’ve even had people call me ‘Mr. McFeely Jr.’ from ‘Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.’”
“It seems to bring customers a bit of nostalgia and a sense of happier times and fond memories and the smiles on their faces when they see me is the best thing I could ask for,” Vance said.
Floor models
The Postal Service’s new wheels proved to be one of the biggest draws at last week’s National Postal Forum.
Attendees at the annual mailing and shipping conference, held in Nashville, TN, stopped by the USPS booth to see a display featuring one of the organization’s new next-generation delivery vehicles.
“The response has been very positive about the new vehicle. Attendees are enthusiastic about this opportunity to have a closer look,” said Jennifer Knize, a Merrifield, VA, engineering contractor who helped staff the display.
The reviews are in
Speaking of the National Postal Forum: More than a week after the meeting ended, the positive reviews are still rolling in.
Several USPS employees who attended the event said they enjoyed the presentations from Postal Service leaders — along with being able to talk to them one-on-one.
“It’s an ideal opportunity to speak with higher management,” said Khadra Myers, a Dallas business alliances specialist.
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