The Cabinet of Curiosities

Minnie Cox was a postmaster in Indianola, Mississippi. White citizens circulated a petition to force many to resign and leave her $1,100-a-year job. Many worked far longer than she was paid to each day; covered late rents for post office boxes out of her own pockets. She also made sure that her customers had as many conveniences as they could, such as a direct telephone line to the post office. A white supremacist named James K. Vardeman began speaking out against Mrs. Cox because he wanted her job and salary for himself. Roosevelt shut down the post office until she was allowed to return to her position safely.