Lee Schierer
08-24-2020, 6:05 PM
We woke up Saturday morning to find that @ 3:00 am that a drunk driver took out a speed limit sign 100+ feet south of our house, proceeded along in the ditch at a high rate of speed, totally destroying our snowplow proof mailbox post and support, carrying it another 100+ feet north of its original location and then some how managed to get out of the ditch and go another500 feet before stopping on the side of the road. The car ripped the steel W channel supporting the speed limit sign in half. Our mailbox was supported by a 2" square heavy steel tube which was buried 3+ feet into the ground and embedded in concrete 10" in diameter and 3 feet long. The steel tube was pushed over and bent such that it was almost horizontal. The heavy duty steel mailbox itself was only slightly damaged with a small dent and a few scratches. Fortunately our paper delivery person, who is also an EMS who comes by at that hour was the first person on the scene and called the paramedics and police. The driver was arrested and charged with destruction of property and DUI. Oh and the paper delivery team actually left a note in our paper box the next day with their contact information and stating that they would be a witness for us if needed. I had to wait for the police to return for documentation before I could even clean up the mess.
So, I had to take some measurements, draw up a plan ad figure out what was needed to replace the mailbox post to once again make it snow plow resistant. Then off to the big box store, where fortunately they had 4 x 4 treated posts and all the hardware that I needed.
After over 6 hours of labor in 80+ degree heat across two days I completed the clean up mailbox today just in time for the Monday mail delivery. Here is the new mail box arrangement.
439642
Once the treated lumber dries out, LOML wants the wood painted white. I'll probably add a blue bird house to the upper part of the post as there is a hay field behind the mailbox.
Addendum: The heavy duty mailbox (1/8" steel) survived with one small dent and a few minor scratches. A little body work, a coat of black spray paint and new numbers it was ready to go.
So, I had to take some measurements, draw up a plan ad figure out what was needed to replace the mailbox post to once again make it snow plow resistant. Then off to the big box store, where fortunately they had 4 x 4 treated posts and all the hardware that I needed.
After over 6 hours of labor in 80+ degree heat across two days I completed the clean up mailbox today just in time for the Monday mail delivery. Here is the new mail box arrangement.
439642
Once the treated lumber dries out, LOML wants the wood painted white. I'll probably add a blue bird house to the upper part of the post as there is a hay field behind the mailbox.
Addendum: The heavy duty mailbox (1/8" steel) survived with one small dent and a few minor scratches. A little body work, a coat of black spray paint and new numbers it was ready to go.