Newton post office transformed into colorful poster shop

NEWTON, N.C. ( QUEEN CITY HOMETOWN ) — Sitting in the heart of downtown Newton is an unmistakable building, recognizable even to those who’ve never been here because it’s commonplace in every big city or small town.

But wait… is it?

“For a few years when we moved in here, we had a few people a day coming in to mail packages and letters,” laughed John David Brown III.

Instead of postmarks, there are posters all designed by one man who has a well-rehearsed speech for those who come in trying to mail something.

“Our actual post office is two blocks down to the right. I got used to saying that,” said John David.

His office is filled up with color. The characters that surround him have all come to life on the stage at the ‘Old Post Office Playhouse.’

“Color is everything,” said John David.

He’s designed every poster for every place, going back to when he started in 2008 with the Green Room Community Theater .

“They’re all like my children!” said John David.

The theater group remolded the old Post Office in 2010. For John David, it’s not just the stage where stories are shared.

“There’s something very classic about the poster itself, it’s going to exist in a moment of time when it’s printed,” said John David. “It’s my opportunity to spread joy.”

Through letters and packages, the post office was a way to stay in touch with people and places far removed from our day-to-day lives. Though the role of this place has been re-cast, its purpose has not changed. Those important connections and stories are still being shared, printed… and posted.

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