Method Post Office
ictured is the Method Post Office at 3919 Beryl Road, 20 October 1964.
The brick building seen under construction behind the store is the present-day post office. The Method community originated from a freedman’s village established in the years following emancipation.
It was one of many that dotted the rural landscape surrounding Raleigh. Oberlin Village and Method are the only two remaining.
Pictured is the Method Post Office at 3919 Beryl Road, 20 October 1964.
The brick building seen under construction behind the store is the present-day post office. The Method community originated from a freedman’s village established in the years following emancipation.
It was one of many that dotted the rural landscape surrounding Raleigh. Oberlin Village and Method are the only two remaining.
The building seen here was initially a community store constructed in 1873 in what was then called Mason Village.
In the 1880s, prominent Wake County merchant, banker and educator, Berry O’Kelly—who grew up in the community, purchased an interest in the store and later acquired full ownership.
By 1890 the community was in need of a post office--this humble store, being the economic and social hub of the community, was the natural place for it.
In that year, Berry O’Kelly was named postmaster and the community’s name officially designated as Method. O’Kelly remained postmaster until his death in 1931.
O’Kelly’s life left many markers in the Method community. The Berry O’Kelly School on Method Road, and various street names referring to family members. Beryl Road was named for Beryl O’Kelly one of O’Kelly’s daughters, Ligon Street refers to the Ligon family, early settlers of the community, and of course O’Kelly Street.
The post office seen here was demolished in late 1964 upon completion of the new building.
Photo source: NO.64.10.186 - From the N&O Negative Collection, State Archives of North Carolina.
Narrative source: Olde Raleigh-NC fb post.
The Hawley Museum is passionately committed to uncovering and sharing the fascinating family stories that have influenced our state's and nation's history. We believe that every family has a unique story to tell, one that adds depth to the rich tapestry of North Carolina and U.S. History.
We encourage you to reflect on your own family narrative—did your ancestors play a pivotal role in these historical events? We invite you to become a part of our family curator team by sharing your family's history, whether it be through photos, videos, articles, or documents.
Let’s work together and weave a more comprehensive narrative that honors the roles families have played in our collective past to inspire future museum visitors.
The Hawley Museum is passionately committed to uncovering and sharing the fascinating family stories that have influenced our state's and nation's history. We believe that every family has a unique story to tell, one that adds depth to the rich tapestry of North Carolina and U.S. History.
We encourage you to reflect on your own family narrative—did your ancestors play a pivotal role in these historical events? We invite you to become a part of our family curator team by sharing your family's history, whether it be through photos, videos, articles, or documents.
Let’s work together and weave a more comprehensive narrative that honors the roles families have played in our collective past to inspire future museum visitors.