Free delivery system by mail carriers was established in Grand Rapids September 1, 1873. The original force consisted of five men, namely, John Sonke, Raymond McGowen, E. W. Bignell, C. L. Shattuck and J. F. Lamoreaux. Their pay was $600 for the first year, increased to $700 for the second year, and to $850 for the third year and thereafter. This picture was taken in 1885 when James Blair was Postmaster, during the first term of the administration of Grover Cleveland. This picture has been cut in half in order for easier loading. In the first half, the mail carriers are: Left to Right, Front Row:   Supt. Aaron L. Sibley   John Sonke   Julius Ceaser Second Row:   Chas. W. Dolan   E. N. Cronan   Herman Paterson   Chris Mc Nally Third Row:   Mr. Richmond   Earnest Sigler   Wesley Jones   Sam Harding   John Risedorph   Ranson Reed   Daniel Clark Last Row:   John M. Hendricks*   George Kline, clerk   Mr. De Young *Mr. Hendricks, who is still living (April 1, 1947) and was given a gold certificate of life membership in the National Association of Letter Carriers, having served for fifty consecutive years at the time of his retirement. In the second half of this picture, there are: Left to Right: First Row:   W. S. Berry   Herman Warrell   Supt. Aaron L. Sibley Second Row:   C. Moore   Alec Mc Donald   Unknown Third Row:   Unknown, Janitor   Harry Wilson, clerk   Mr. Richmond   John M. Hendricks