Post Horn

Post offices were once important institutions which, in addition to sending letters, newspapers and parcels, were also responsible for the transport of people. In Tolmin, in the years before World War I, the postal service was provided by the wealthy Devetak family. Between 32 and 34 horses were kept in their stable, to be used with yellow and black enclosed wooden carriages. Each carriage had room for four passengers and a coachman.

From Tolmin, mail and passengers travelled daily in different directions: to Kobarid, Bovec, Podbrdo, Cerkno and Gorizia. The morning post coach left for Gorizia at five o'clock, returning only at around four in the afternoon. Coaches made frequent stops along the way, as horses had to be fed and watered at least three times. In addition, several stops were made at the cart horse drivers' inns along the way.

Coaches departed from in front of the Devetak stable, where a mighty mulberry tree stood. Before leaving, the coachman would announce the departure using a brass post horn hanging over his shoulder. When returning to his hometown, he would once again blow the horn.