August 13, 2007
Monday

Ketchikan, Alaska - The Ward Cove Post Office was dedicated to former Postmaster Alice Brusich who served as Postmaster at Ward Cove beginning when Alaska was still a territory in 1954 and retiring in 1985. She was appointed to the position by Bob Bartlett, who was Alaska's territorial delegate to the U.S. Congress at the time.

Congressional approval is required to dedicate a Post Office in an individual's name. The dedication took place during a ceremony at the Ward Cove Post Office just outside of Ketchikan on Saturday. Dianne Horbochuk, Manager of the Postal Service's Alaska District, and U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski participated in the dedication event.

"I was surprised, but thrilled when I heard they wanted to dedicate the Ward Cove Post Office in my name," Brusich said when first notified of the approval to dedicate the branch in her name . "It is quite an honor. The original post office I served in was in an old rundown building without a bathroom. It burned down and was replaced several times. I never served in the current building - I retired shortly before it opened."

Brusich was very active in the Postal Service and in the community. Her entire career was spent in Ward Cove although she was Acting Postmaster in Ketchikan in the early 1970s, but continued to serve as Postmaster in Ward Cove at the same time.

She helped found the Alaska Chapter of the National Association of Postmasters of the United States and served as President, Secretary-Treasurer and on the Executive Committee at various times. She was also Vice President of the national organization in the 1970s.

Brusich was a Postmaster Trainer for many years training new Postmasters throughout the state in how to set up their office.

Brusich served on the Maritime Commission and with the Business & Professional Women who named her "Woman of the Year" once. She was also on the Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce for many years. She served as Chairman of a committee established to dedicate the Ketchikan International Airport in 1973.

Though born in Indiana, Brusich came to Ketchikan with her husband in 1945. She has developed an interest in Alaskan history and the role of the Postal Service. One room of her home in Ward Cove is dedicated to memorabilia about Alaskan history and the Postal Service. "When I pass on I hope my home can become a museum," Brusich noted.

"When I was in the Postal Service I was always concerned about service," she explained. "In a small office you get very close to your customers. It was like my own little business. I wanted the people to come to me with their mailing needs."

"It is really an honor to pay this much-deserved recognition to Alice Brusich," said Alaska District Manager Dianne Horbochuk. "This is a very special occasion for Alice and for the U.S. Postal Service."

Source of News:

United States Postal Service
www.usps.gov

 

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