The Walden Post Office marked its 100th anniversary Tuesday with a ceremony honoring the federal building’s enduring role in the Hudson Valley community and recognizing employees who have dedicated decades to mail service.

The facility at 2 Orange Avenue opened in 1926 after a five-year construction period, culminating efforts by former U.S. Rep. Thomas W. Bradley to secure a permanent federal building for the village.

Mayor Becky Pearson presented certificates to four postal employees during the Nov. 11 ceremony, which drew residents and officials between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The mayor recognized letter carriers Deborah Morabito and John Powers for 21 and 23 years of service, respectively, and honored Darryl Castellana, who has worked at the facility for 40 years and plans to retire in 2026.

Pearson also presented a certificate to Postmaster Linda Litz, who will retire in February 2026 after 48 years with the postal service. The mayor praised Litz as “always professional, caring, supportive and unwavering” in her dedication to staff and community.

“Coming into the Walden Post Office, you know you’re going to meet highly qualified, professional public servants,” said David Burleson, a local resident.

“This concept of public service is one of the most significant things we have in our country.”

Postal service in Walden dates to 1822, when John Milton Capron was appointed the area’s first postmaster. Before the current building opened, the post office operated from various rented storefronts on Main Street.

Bradley, who represented New York’s 20th Congressional District from 1903 to 1913, personally selected the building’s design, which was based on a post office in Reading, Massachusetts. The cornerstone was laid Nov. 11, 1925 — five years after Bradley’s death in May 1920.

A time capsule was reportedly placed in the cornerstone during the 1925 ceremony, containing village records, factory knife samples, newspaper copies and membership lists from local organizations. However, post office staff who removed the cornerstone in preparation for the anniversary could not locate the sealed metal box.

The post office building, which also served as a fallout shelter along with Walden Elementary School, features brass post boxes and maintains a historical display in its lobby.

Pearson, who recalled childhood memories of watching mail sorting behind oak walls and using separate slots for local and out-of-town letters, noted the facility has become quieter since postal service restructuring eliminated many sorting tables and bins.

“We hope the building and its service will remain a part of Walden’s history for many more years to come,” Pearson said.