A 1933 post office in Cambridge’s Central Square, renamed in 1992 to honor an African-American World War I veteran and postal administrator.
At a glance
Located at 770 Massachusetts Avenue, this historic post office stands as a working federal building and monument to civic service. Its Art Deco-era architecture reflects the federal building standards of the early Depression era.
History
Constructed in 1933, the building served Cambridge’s postal needs during the New Deal period. The structure gained formal recognition when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986 under its original designation, U.S. Post Office-Central Square.
In 1992, Congress passed legislation renaming the building after Clifton Merriman, an African-American veteran of World War I who rose to become assistant superintendent of Cambridge’s main Post Office—a significant position in the federal postal service hierarchy.
What you see
The building exemplifies 1930s federal postal architecture, designed during an era when the U.S. Government sought to create dignified, permanent structures for civic institutions. Its form and materials reflect the design conventions of Depression-era public works.
Cultural significance
The renaming commemorates Merriman’s contributions to both military service and the postal system. As an African-American professional who advanced within the federal government during the early 20th century, his legacy connects the building to broader narratives of racial progress and institutional service in American history.
Key facts
- Built: 1933
- Added to National Register of Historic Places: 1986
- Renamed by Congress: 1992
- Address: 770 Massachusetts Avenue, Central Square
- City: Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
- Coordinates: 42.36633333, -71.10602778
Practical information & getting there
The post office remains in active use at 770 Massachusetts Avenue in Central Square. As a functioning federal facility, it is open to the public during standard post office hours. The building is accessible via public transit in Cambridge.
Sources & resources
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