Hi Bob:
According to "Post Offices of New Mexico" (1981) by Richard W. Helbock,
Arenas Valley PO was opened on 1 January 1947. Helbock is usually 'spot
on' when it comes to PO openings and closings.
On Jim Forte's website (www.postalhistory.com) the office is listed as
opening in 1947.
Although I collect US covers from the 19th century only, it was
certainly common practice then to appoint a postmaster BEFORE the office
was (officially) opened.
Hope this helps!
A Happy Christmas to you and yours!
John Tollan
(remove "not me" and "jack" to reply)

Bobstamp wrote:
I am continuing to do research on the post office in Arenas Valley,
New Mexico, but there are conflicting dates.

In a previous discussion here, in 2001, Ada Prill said she had found
the opening date December 20, 1944 on a government web site. The link
she provided is no longer working.

Olga Mae Harper (mother of my childhood friend, Ernest Harper) was
apparently the first postmaster; she was appointed on December 13,
1946, according to a copy of the official document in my possession,
signed by the then-Postmaster General Robert Hannegan. See
http://www.ingraham.ca/bob/~IMAGES/h...ntment_web.jpg.

On a private web site providing opening and closing dates of New
Mexico post offices, the Arenas Valley post office opened on January
1, 1947. However, the same web page also gives October 25, 1946 as the
date Mrs. Harper became postmaster. See http://newmexicoalhn.net/pogrant.htm.

I obviously cannot discount the evidence of Mrs. Harper's appointment,
but the date the post office actually opened for business is in doubt.
Can anyone provide any additional information that might clarify this
question?

Bob Ingraham