The Summerville Post Office in Georgia celebrated its 87th anniversary today, July 23, 2025. It opened on July 23, 1938, and has since become a vital community service and an important historical building on Commerce Street. The post office was built in 1937 and is located near the courthouse and local businesses, on land that was once home to the Moyers family, who were significant figures in Summerville’s history.
When the post office was built, the Moyers home was not demolished but instead moved to a nearby lot; it now serves as the North Georgia Crisis Pregnancy Center. George Jacob “Jake” Moyers, a notable resident, played a crucial role in local history, particularly for his efforts against saloons in Summerville during the 19th century. He was also a dedicated member of the Methodist Church and contributed to local moral standards, leading to the relocation of saloons outside city limits, creating the area known as “Jakeville. ”
Construction of the post office was completed in 1938 and it features impressive architecture with a large main floor and basement. The land cost five thousand dollars, while the entire building cost around fifty thousand dollars at the time. In addition to its architectural significance, the post office houses a mural titled “Georgia Countryside,” painted by Doris Lee and unveiled in 1939. This mural was part of a federal initiative to enhance post office buildings across the country, rather than a project of the WPA.
Doris Lee, who created the mural during the Great Depression, recalled her time working on it in an interview, mentioning that she drew inspiration from Georgia’s landscapes. The mural, which had fallen into disrepair by the 1980s, has since been restored to preserve its beauty.
On its opening day in 1938, the dedication ceremony was attended by community members, including Mary Beavers Weems, who kept a program from the event. Other influential figures involved with the post office included John T. Stubbs, Jr., who served as postmaster for many years, and David P. Henley, a long-time mail carrier.
Today, the Summerville Post Office is not just a place for mail services but also serves as a living monument to the local history, architectural achievement, and the legacy of American art. Its history reflects the community’s past and the people who built and served it, contributing to its ongoing importance in Summerville.
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