The post office. This time of year, it is where many people go to ship their holiday gifts bought online and in stores for friends and family.
But what if shopping and shipping could be done in one place? The Mail Room in Muncie is just the place to fulfill those holiday needs.
The Mail Room, located at 4801 Wheeling Avenue, is the only privately owned post office in Muncie.
Mail Room manager Shareen Wagley said many people stop by to look at the items that commemorate historic landmarks around the community. Some Muncie-themed items include magnets, cutting boards, greeting cards produced by local painters and other handmade gifts.
In these products, artists and photographers feature local landmarks, including: Muncie Fieldhouse, White River, Cardinal Greenway, Burkie’s Drive-In, Gibson’s Roller Skating Arena, Minnetrista and Prairie Creek Reservoir.
For nostalgic Muncie residents, there are even products that show past and current views of popular places in town, like the Wysor Street Depot.
For the more crafty gift-givers, the Mail Room also sells candles, pottery, honey, scarves and other locally made gifts, such as stainless steel rings made nearby in Hartford City.
Karen Delaney, who frequently shops at the Mail Room, said she enjoys shopping at the store because she is able to buy gifts that can't be found at the big-name retail department stores.
In addition to the shopping, Delaney is also a vendor at the store. Last year she made a Valentine’s piano CD and this year she is working to create something she thinks will help others.
"Just today, I came in to bring some little booklets that I’ve written of just thoughts that meant so much to me, and I think would mean a lot to some other people. It’s called, ‘A Penny for Your Thoughts’,” Delaney said. “I thought I would bring it in and try to sell it, and hopefully it will mean something to somebody else.”
Wagley said shopping at her store is a great way to support local artists, vendors and businesses.
The Mail Room is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.
