Communication

Postal Service

The first postage stamp was used on Prince Edward Island in 1861.

Before a post office opened in Cardigan, the people travelled to Charlotte- town for their mail. At first, most mail was sent collect. In July 1827, postage was two pence for letters and one penny for newspapers.

The first post office in Cardigan was opened in 1863. It was called the Cardigan Post Office until 1871, then the Cardigan Bridge Post Office until 1916, when it was changed back to the Cardigan Post Office.

From the journal of the House of Assembly 1876, Appendix Y, item 152:

The sum of $200 was paid Michael Ledwell as a subsidy for packet service (mail boat) between Charlottetown, Murray Harbour and Cardigan Bridge.

The post office was moved several times. Though not the first location, it is known that the post office was at one time located in Norton’s place (an establishment which later burned), in Earl MacDonald’s present home and at R.J. MacDonald & Co. Ltd. In 1964, the post office was built on its present site.

At one time, due to political manuveuring, there were two post offices operating in Cardigan at the same time — one on each side of the bridge. Dan Sigsworth was a postmaster at the second post office.

The Postmasters of Cardigan

William Alley 1863-1867

J .E. MacDonald 1867-1869 G.T. Owen 1869-1874 Donald Sigsworth 1874-1877 E. Norton 1877

James McVein 1877-1897 Isabel McVein 1898-1913

J. Angus MacDonald 1913-1918 Gerald MacDonald 1918-1964 R.J. Quinn 1964-1983

Joan Publicover 1983-

At first, the mail was transported by courier from Charlottetown once a week in summer and every two weeks in winter. By 1878, the train carried

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