Christmas in Racine

Something Good for Christmas: Our old English friend Mr. Brooks brought us in a large bundle of the most excellent celery we have had the pleasure of tasting this season. Thanks to you, Mr. Brooks; Merry Christmas, a happy New Year and a grand time on the 4th of July, and peace and plenty in all the intervening days is our sincere wish for you.
This is the earliest “Merry Christmas” in local Racine news I can find (so far): Racine Journal, December 27, 1865. Celery was appreciated in the dead of winter in those pre-refrigeration days.
This mention of Merry Christmas was in a hat advertisement in the Racine County Argus, December 18, 1873. This store was “2d door North P.O.” Do we know where the post office was in 1873?