Gratz, Kentucky

Gratz is a home rule-class city in Owen County, Kentucky, in the United States. The population was 89 at the 2000 census. The population in 2010 was 78.HistoryA local post office was established on November 21, 1844 as "Clay Lick" due to its position above the Clay Lick Creek and Joseph W Rowlett served as the first Postmaster up until July 20, 1850.The post office was renamed "Gratz" in February 1851 after the town was named for Benjamin Gratz Brown, grandson of John Brown.70 years after the post office first opened its doors, history was made for the tiny village, as Ida M Johnson became the first woman Postmaster for the Gratz branch, holding the position for 10 years from April 2, 1914 until April 2, 1924.Another legacy for the branch would begin in 1927 and continue through 1990 with Martha B Suter serving as Gratz Postmaster for a record 33 consecutive years from May 24, 1927 (just 3 years after Ida Johnson) until September 30, 1960 whereafter Suter was succeeded by another woman, Charlsey Virginia Stamper Goodrich. Goodrich served as Gratz Postmaster for 23 years from September 30, 1960 up until her early retirement (due to illness) on April 2, 1983. It was then, another woman, Teresa A Webster, succeeded Goodrich as Gratz Postmaster from April 2, 1983 up until February 6, 1990 when service was unfortunately suspended after 146 years of operation. That made 63 consecutive years (1927-1990) the Gratz Postmaster position was led by a woman and for that era, it was certainly an achievement to be very proud for the Gratz community.Accounting for the 10 years Ida M Johnson served as Postmaster, with just a 3-year gap between her and Martha B Suter, the Gratz post office was led by a woman 73 of its 146 years of operation. In addition, it is to be noted there was a 1-month period in which another woman served as the Acting Postmaster for Gratz during Ms. Suter's tenure, perhaps due to a short leave of absence for Suter and, that "acting" role was held by Roberta G Minish from December 21, 1927 until January 18, 1928 when Ms. Suter returned to her position as Postmaster.