Editing New Volunteer Training (section)

== The Building == 

Please become familiar with the building. Familiarize yourself with the location of fire extinguishers.

'''Climate control:''' Artifacts need steady temperature and humidity. We keep the temperature set on 70 degrees; a touch cool for some people, but good for our collection. If you open the building and find it off temperature — either too hot or too cold — contact the director immediately.

'''Restrooms:''' The main restrooms are in the back hall. There is a restroom off the library that can be used, but the sink has a leak. The urinal in the men's restroom needs to have the flush handle held down about 20 seconds every few days, to prevent bad smells.

'''Water:''' there is no water fountain. If someone really needs water, there are bottles in the refrigerator.

'''Special features of the building:''' This was built in 1935 as a Post Office. Though often said to have been built by the WPA (Works Project Administration, a Roosevelt Depression-era program), it was actually built by the Treasury Department. A WPA artist painted the mural. The cornerstone gives the date & architect if someone asks. It was a Post Office from 1935-1964; then City Hall 1968-2008; and then GHM 2008–present.

* Cherokee mortar outside
* Original terrazzo flooring in the lobby; original maple flooring elsewhere.
* Original Mural, 1940-41: information on sign
* Skylight and original shade (though the glass is now boarded over)
* Civil Service bulletin boards for postal workers information
* Front service unit came from the 1927-1935 post office on Trade Street (now Blue Ridge Brewery; Price’s Feed & Seed for old-timers)

'''Library:''' Postmaster’s office, later the Mayor’s Office

'''Basement:''' There is a basement, but it is not in usable condition. Do not allow visitors to go downstairs, and volunteers should not go downstairs without an approved purpose.

'''Secret passages and postal inspector’s observation point:''' Perhaps the most interesting part of this building is that it has a secret passage built into the walls to provide lookout spy holes for the postal inspector. A primary viewing platform is behind the wall above the safe. Unfortunately, these passages are not safe at all and we do not allow visitors in them. You ''may'' choose to let people go to the landing behind the postmaster's restroom — use good judgment on who, stay with them, and do not allow them to go up or down.