When Diane Dickey got ahold of the paper to write a story about the Brimson Postmistress, Lynn Boggie, retiring, I prepared for the interview by noting down questions to ask the recent retiree. Questions like, how long have you worked for the post office (20 years), have you seen a lot of changes over the years (yes), and what do you like most about the job (keep reading for more on that).
But neither Diane nor Lynn are in the spotlight. The intent wasn’t to have an article about celebrating Lynn’s retirement. The focus, instead, was on the Brimson Post Office itself.
There is a critical need to raise awareness about the open position and address the real possibility that the post office, embedded in the Brimson Volunteer Fire Department (where Diane and Lynn both volunteer), may be closed.
Diane, a long-time community advocate, expressed the deep-rooted importance of the post office, stating, “Over the years, going back twenty years at least, the whole community fought to keep this post office.” Diane recalled a pivotal moment when the federal government engaged with the citizens in Petrell Hall, emphasizing, “It was a big thing because we didn’t want to lose the post office.”
Lynn, who took charge of the post office after Jenny Lane, one of the original Finnish homesteaders in the area and a close friend, retired. Now, there is a pressing concern about finding someone to fill her shoes.
Describing the responsibilities of the job, Lynn explained that the open position is 2 hours in the morning. She had been working 5 days a week before retiring in mid-December. It is not feasible in the long term for postal employees from other Northland post offices to commute to Brimson daily.
“We’re just trying to get the word out,” Lynn emphasized, highlighting the importance of finding a successor for this vital role.
For Lynn, the post office was not merely a job; it was a central aspect of community life. “I think it was my main social outlet,” she reflected. “It was really nice to see people. People would meet each other there, and it was just always a good energy. I was there for the community.”
Lynn’s departure leaves a void not only in the role of postmistress, but also in the unique services she provided. Her resourcefulness and kindness in providing recycling envelopes, tape, and boxes were much appreciated by the community. In a recent newsletter, Lynn encouraged locals to have their packages ready to go when they visit the post office going forward.
The absence of a post office in Brimson would inconvenience many, and more importantly, it would eliminate an important opportunity for community members to come together. The post office has been a hub for meet-and-greets, fostering connections among residents who may not have crossed paths otherwise.
Reflecting on the significance of preserving the post office, Lynn remarked, “It’s the local people who really make it worth it.” Lynn, who could write a book about her experiences at the post office went on to say, “It would just be so worth it to have someone get that job and keep the post office.”
The search for a new postmistress or master is not just about filling a position; it’s about upholding a community institution that was hard fought for by people with a lot of Sisu.
To address this urgent need, anyone interested in the post office position is encouraged to contact the Two Harbors post office.
Though much of the content of this article differed from what I originally thought it would be, I still want to ensure congratulations on behalf of the community goes out to Lynn Boggie. For twenty years, you provided a cherished service for a cherished post office. Thank you and please enjoy your retirement!
