Step 4: How to make an application to the National Register of Historic Places

Step 4:  Tell Us About The Property’s History

1. How many structures are there on the property?  When, to the best of your knowledge, was each on built.
To answer this question, we can again use the property record card.  This states that the main post office was built in 1940 and the back extention was built in 1970
2. What changes have been made to the buidling(s), and, if you know, when did they occur? 
The rear addition was added in 1970.  As far as we know, there have not be any further changes made to the building.
3. What are the names of the original and subsequent people or business(es) that occupied the property?  Include the dates when they occupied the property, if you know.  
The property record card confirms that the post office has never been sold or occupied by anyone other than the USPS.
4.  If the property represents the work of an architect, builder, designer, or artist, whose work is it.
So far, our investigations show that William Wilson Cook and Samuel Plato were involved in the construction and design of this building.  There is no record of the architect on the property record.  For more information, it will be essential to visit the State Historic Preservation Office and see what records the have there.
5.  Where have you found historical information about this property!
County Records:  Mercer County property records
Newspapers:  The Indiana Historical Bureau indicates that the Filson Historical Society, Louisville, Ky holds newspaper articles about this
“Newspaper articles confirm that Plato was awarded contracts to build post offices in Coldwater, Ohio”
Books:  African American Architects: A Biographical Dictionary, 1865-1945 – this book has sections on both Samuel Plato and William Wilson Cook.

Step 4: How to make an application to the National Register of Historic Places