Chewsville postmaster decks the halls

Holiday Spirit

December 20, 2008|By JANET HEIM

CHEWSVILLE - Peering through the windows of the Chewsville Post Office this December is like stepping back in time.

From the two mannequins in their holiday finery to the lighted Christmas tree and wreath, a stop at the post office seems a bit like visiting a department store in days past.

The friendly service, occasional holiday treat and stamps prewrapped for gift-giving match the feel of an old-time store, where customers were greeted by name and customer service was a priority.

Sharon Poole, postmaster of the Chewsville Post Office since 1994, has been decking the halls at work for years. It was fate last year when she asked a tall customer, Myke Ellis, to help her straighten the Christmas tree she was putting up.

It turns out Ellis had worked as a window designer for Nordstrom in Arlington, Va., from 1994 to 1998. His job involved changing 14 windows every two weeks and decorating 60 trees at Christmas.

Ellis, who now lives in Chewsville, helped Poole with last year's decorations and began preparing a design for the two front windows of the historic building on Twin Springs Drive. He already has ideas for next year's windows.

"This year, he came in in October and took measurements," Poole said.

A red, white and blue theme prevailed to tie in with the post office. Gift-wrapped packages even bear familiar postal wrapping.

The windows were dressed in red fabric, then Ellis brought in two mannequins he rescued from Nordstrom before they hit the Dumpster. They are dressed in vintage party dresses that his mother wore in the late 1950s when she was dating a lieutenant at the U.S. Naval Academy.

"It's just a little more elaborate because of Mike's help. He thought it would be a nice community thing to do," Poole said.

Poole said they have received many compliments on the windows, which will stay decorated until New Year's. Then a winter theme, followed by Valentine's Day, will be the focus.

"I just like the Christmas season. I think about decorating here before home. It gives a nice feeling when they come in ... to enjoy the nostalgia of it," Poole said.

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