December 4th, 2009 
Bristol Bugle News correspondent Jim Nickel 
Serving the Bristol area since it was originally established in 1835, the Bristol Post Office is currently located in a leased building located on Vistula St. (Photo by Laurie Eads)
According to Elkhart County sources, speaking to The Bristol Bugle on condition of anonymity, the U.S. Postal Service is planning a consolidation of rural delivery service in this area. Rural delivery from the offices of Bristol, Middlebury, Shipshewana, and possibly others, could be moved into the larger post offices in Elkhart and Goshen, possibly by the set date of January 18, 2010.
If this plan is approved, the sources state, all rural delivery routes would be moved from Bristol to the Elkhart post office. Bristol residents living within ¼ mile of the post office will continue to receive their free post office box service, but window service will be reduced to one part time employee. Under this arrangement, postal patrons will keep their current Bristol addresses.
At some unspecified future date, our sources say, a second phase in this plan could call for the closing of all post offices operating in leased buildings. This would include Bristol, Middlebury, and Shipshewana. The Bristol patrons would be directed to Elkhart, with Middlebury and Shipshewana residents receiving service from Goshen.
Bristol Postal employees were informed of the two phase plan on Wednesday, December 2. They expressed their disapproval of the move and are hopeful something can be done to stop it.
These possible moves appear to be cost-cutting measures by the U.S. Postal Service, which has been operating at a deficit for some time. The current economic recession has worsened the problem, as mail volume and revenues have decreased.
The proposed closings will undoubtedly cause hardships for many citizens, especially older persons, who will have to drive longer distances to utilize postal services. Concerned citizens may want to express their views of these proposals to postal authorities, local daily newspapers, town and county officials, and other governmental representatives.
It would seem, according to our sources, that no public input has been planned prior to the official announcement or enactment of the contemplated two-phase reduction in services. Comments can be directed to the Operations Manager at the U.S. Postal Service, 424 S. Michigan Street, South Bend 46624.
To keep abreast of further developments in this unfolding story, or to express your opinion, consult our website (www.bristolbugle.com) between now and the next publication date of Saturday, January 9, 2010.
Update: See Mark Souder’s letter to the Inspector General here
Posted in
I cannot believe that the U.S. Postal Service is actually planning to discontinue deliveries from the Bristol Post Office and reduce it to one part time employee at the window. I live in Michigan, but the Bristol Post Office has been the only post office that I use, even though there is one in Michigan that is closer. Why do I take my business there? Because they are the nicest people that operate that place of any post office that I have been in. You will not find public servants more friendly,patient,helpful and efficient than those in this office. They are like family. I don’t care how busy they are; they are consistently wonderful people to do business with. My daughter-in-law was visiting from Illinois and had need of a post office. I sent her to Bristol without making any comments. When she returned she said to me; they are so nice and helpful there at that post office.
I hope this post office can be saved. In this day and age we need nice people.
What a shame this Bristol post office will be closed after so many years of service. The people that work there are efficient and friendly and very helpful. When we lived in Elkhart and had to use the Elkhart post office, the parking was congested and the lines inside were long and a lot of the different operating openings were not manned due to rest breaks. Service will be very slow with just 2 places to go to (goshen and Elkhart), especially at holiday season times. I’m afraid people will use other services now rather than face congestion at Goshen and Elkhart. Carl and Nancy Grove nancyagrove@yahoo.com
I am determined to fight the closing of our post office. If we band together as a community was can make a difference! Let’s put the pressure on the postal service and elected representatives to save the post office in our town.
Dan Watson,
Bristol
Who owns the building?
I’ve never had a rude person at this branch, I can not say the same about Goshen. It’s so busy I hate going there as it is. Maybe UPS will get more of my packages now.
Ann Andre and I are organizing a meeting at the old grocery store / King’s grocery store for this Friday, December 11th, at 7 p.m., to save our post office! Tell everyone you know! If you can make it, bring paper, pens, stamps and envelopes.
If we fill to capacity, we will find additional room somewhere. Let’s to this, people!
Dan Watson
Before we overreact with unneeded gloom and doom over the potential closing of the Post Office, keep in mind that this presents opportunity.
Many communities have postal operations that address stamp purchase and package mailing in business establishments (e.g. groceries, pharmacies, hardware stores, etc.).
Oftentimes, these businesses have longer hours than the Post Office – making it more attractive to the postal patron. Merchants who include Postal service often report added business in their traditional lines also.
Should the Post Office closure occur, it may be a benefit to all – lower cost to the USPS, more favorable hours to postal patrons, more business to some merchant or merchants.
Perhaps opportunity is knocking!
The meeting is now 7 p.m. Friday the 11th at the Open Door Center.
Dan Watson
I am the Route 1 carrier here in Bristol & have worked here 23 yrs. Yes there are other outlets to get stamps & mail packages but are they as efficient & helpful?Believe me your service will decline because we who care will not have control over it. If a letter/parcel comes addressed Grandpa Joe bristol,in. –HE GETS IT!!! won’t happen in Elkhart. maile will come much later in day…start later & travel time.Yes I’m fighting to stay here…I live here/work here. 6 minute commute!!! Mainly I care for BRISTOL!!! Talk to any of us & you’ll get the same answer. WE CARE FOR BRISTOL!!!! Thanks DAN watson …we need more like you!!
PLEASE COME TO THE MEETING!!!! Jenny Holdgrafer
Last night was a pretty good meeting. We had 30-40 people. There are petitions going around that need to be brought to the town council meeting next Thursday.
We got on WNDU channel 16, which was nice.
Dan Watson