The Fulton Hills Gazette
May 25, 1924
“Phantom Postman’s Sinister Shenanigans: The Dun Maylock Strikes Again!”

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

Edith Marell, Staff Reporter

FULTON HILLS – Residents across town have been abuzz with tales of the “Phantom Postman,” a figure at the center of the latest – and most troubling – prank spree by the ever-elusive Dun Maylock. Known for their mischievous antics, the group (or entity, depending on who you ask) has turned the town’s trust in its postal system on its head. What started as harmless mimicry has evolved into something more unsettling.

Pranks Turn Peculiar

The first reports came back in February, from Old Mill Street. Residents claimed a postman, dressed convincingly in regulation uniform but unfamiliar to anyone, delivered mail early in the morning. These deliveries included absurd letters and packages: love notes addressed to farm animals, mysterious blank sheets of paper, and once, an entire bundle of dried leaves labeled as “Exotic Tea.”

“It gave me a good laugh,” admitted Mr. Harold Tuttle, whose letter proclaimed he’d won a free pig, redeemable with a nonexistent coupon.

The Darker Deliveries

By mid-April, some deliveries became less jovial. Mrs. Mildred Hayes of Mulberry Lane received an ominous letter claiming her late husband’s ghost was displeased with the way she had arranged the dining room furniture. The letter detailed an eerily accurate description of her home layout, sending chills through the widow and prompting her to vacate for several days.

Even more troubling was the package received by the Wilson family – a small, crudely sewn doll stuffed with straw and dressed in baby clothes. A note tied around its neck read, “Watch your youngest.” The Wilsons, who have no children, were nonetheless deeply shaken.

Who or What is Behind It?

The nature of the deliveries has led to wild speculation about the Dun Maylock. Are they a group of mischief-makers or something more spectral? The mimicry of the mail carrier has been executed with unnerving precision, down to forged handwriting and accurate postal stamps.

Mr. James Pruitt, the town’s actual postman, was quick to clear his name. “I swear, it isn’t me!” he declared at a town meeting last Thursday. “I would never wear that ridiculous fedora they had on!” Despite his protests, several residents remain suspicious of his involvement.

Theories Abound

Speculation about the Dun Maylock has reached fever pitch. Some argue it’s the work of bored farmhands, while others are convinced it’s the supernatural at play. “No human could be everywhere at once,” claimed Mrs. Alma Reeves, who insists she saw two identical postmen in different parts of town within the same hour. (Editor’s note: was she not also in two different parts of town within that very same hour?)

Theories also include the possibility of a disgruntled former mail carrier exacting revenge, though records indicate no recent dismissals or complaints.

What’s Next?

For now, townsfolk are urged to remain vigilant. Postmaster Gerald Simmons has advised residents to check their deliveries carefully and report any suspicious activity. Meanwhile, the Dun Maylock remains at large, leaving the town to wonder what prank – or sinister scheme – they might concoct next.

Though the Phantom Postman’s escapades have brought fear to some, others argue that the Dun Maylock’s antics have kept the town lively in ways it hasn’t been in years. “Better a few spooky letters than total silence,” remarked Mr. Tuttle with a chuckle.

Whether playful or sinister, one thing remains clear: the Dun Maylock is watching. And, it seems, they know exactly where you live.

If you receive a mysterious delivery, please notify the Fulton Post Office immediately. All tips remain confidential.