The Fulton Hills Gazette
February 4, 1924
“Mimic Mailman Causes Stir in Fulton: Harmless Prank or Harbinger of Trouble?”

From the archives. Contributor: Spence Hutchins, Curator of the Fulton Hills Historical Society.

Edith Marell, Staff Reporter

FULTON HILLS – In the past two weeks, our quiet community has been thrown into a whirlwind of confusion and unease, all thanks to a peculiar phenomenon now being whispered about in hushed tones: the Phantom Postman.

What began as a baffling yet seemingly harmless prank has evolved into something more mysterious – perhaps even sinister. As residents grapple with what these strange occurrences mean, one thing is certain: Fulton County has never seen anything quite like this.

Week One: Confusion Reigns

It started innocently enough. Early last week, numerous households reported receiving unusual deliveries from a postman no one recognized. Dressed in what appeared to be an official uniform, the man delivered a slew of nonsensical items, from blank envelopes to parcels filled with strange objects.

Mrs. Margaret Pritchard of Whittingham Street received a tin of unmarked buttons. “I thought it was a mistake,” she said, shaking her head. “But when I opened the envelope, there wasn’t a single word written – just one of those buttons taped to the letter.”

Other reports followed: a bundle of twigs left for Mr. Clayton Hargrove, an empty box addressed to “The Honorable Dog of this Residence” at the Warner household, and, most curiously, a hand-painted postcard of a rooster sent to the Widow Abernathy, who keeps no poultry.

While the initial response from townsfolk was one of amusement and mild bewilderment, unease began to creep in as the identity of the postman remained a mystery. “I thought maybe it was a new hire from the post office,” mused Mr. Horace Willoughby. “But when I asked Simmons [the postmaster], he said no one had been added to the route.”

Week Two: A Dark Turn

By the second week, the playful nature of the prank appeared to sour. While most residents continued to receive odd or nonsensical mail, a single incident broke the spell of innocent confusion and sent a chill through the town.

Last Tuesday, a bloody handprint was discovered on the side of Mr. Amos Bellamy’s mailbox. The prominent landowner, known for his business dealings across the county, initially dismissed it as a mishap. However, when he opened his mailbox, he found a letter containing two short sentences written in code.

Sources close to Mr. Bellamy revealed that the note appeared to be a warning or threat, though its exact meaning has not been shared. The letter was written in neat, angular script, with no indication of the sender. The bloody handprint, upon closer examination, seemed human but offered no further clues.

“I’ve lived here all my life,” said Mr. Bellamy during a brief interview, his usual booming confidence noticeably absent. “I don’t scare easy, but whoever’s behind this better know that Fulton doesn’t take kindly to threats.”

A Town on Edge

The peculiar combination of harmless pranks and one dark, targeted act has left the town divided. Some believe the coded threat to Mr. Bellamy was an isolated incident, unrelated to the other mischief, while others fear it is a sign of things to come.

Mrs. Ethel Fairchild, a staunch defender of the paranormal, offered her own theory: “Mark my words, this is the work of the Dun Maylock. No one else could make such a ruckus while staying unseen. They’ve come back to remind us they’re still watching.”

Others, like the skeptical Mr. Willoughby, dismiss such claims. “A few kids with too much time on their hands, that’s all this is. Though that business with Bellamy… well, it doesn’t sit right with me.”

The Investigation Begins

The Fulton Hills Post Office has assured residents that they are looking into the matter, though Postmaster Simmons admitted that no official complaints have yet been filed.  Just reports. “It’s a strange business,” Simmons said. “But until we catch someone in the act, there’s not much we can do.”

In the meantime, townsfolk are taking precautions, from locking their mailboxes to checking deliveries more closely. “I’ll be keeping my shotgun by the door,” declared Mr. Bellamy.

As the mystery deepens, one question lingers in every mind: is the Phantom Postman merely an eccentric prankster, or is there something darker hiding beneath the surface?

Readers are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the Fulton Post Office or local authorities. Stay vigilant.