If Clark resident Lewy Hough had a dollar for every mile he's driven over the last 30 years, he'd probably be a certified millionaire.

That's because Hough, 52, was named the newest member of the U.S. Postal Service's Million Mile Club by postal officials and the National Safety Council on Aug. 6.

The honor is given to postal carriers who have 30 years with the service and have traveled about 1 million miles accident free.

In addition to a plaque commemorating his feat, the friendly postal carrier also received a burgundy and gold jacket from the council and two chocolate chip cookies from Postmaster Stacey Frazier.

"I think there was a lot of luck to that," Hough said of his honor.

Hough began his postal service career Aug. 4, 1973 in Transfer, and he's been at the post office here for 16 years. His grandfather and father worked at the Sharon post office for 30 and 35 years, respectively, but Hough said he really didn't think he'd follow in their footsteps.

"I always dreamed of going to law school," said the graduate of the University of Pittsburgh. "But I started (being a postal carrier), I liked it and I kept doing it."

Hough makes 552 stops in his red Jeep and travels about 67 miles each day on his route, said Ms. Frazier. She said she thinks Hough's honor is something the rural carrier can be proud of.

"He does a good job," she said smiling. "I think it's a big deal. It doesn't happen very often."

Hough said Ms. Frazier helps him to drive safely by telling him everyday '"don't get in a wreck.'"

While some people think one of the worst hazards of a postal carrier's job is being chased by barking dogs, Hough said his greatest trials come from something he has no control over -- Mother Nature.

"The weather presents the biggest challenge," Hough said. "Snow on rural routes is really bad."

Hough said that he's a safe driver even when he's not working. In fact, he figures the last time he received a speeding ticket was about 30 years ago.

He said he's able to enjoy the natural landscape of the borough while on his route, which is one part of the job he really enjoys.

Job security is another.

"I saw a lot of friends lose their jobs in the mills and some are still losing them," he said. "I've always worked in small offices. It's a good job and Fredonia is a good town.

"People everywhere are friendly, (especially) to mailmen," he said.

You can e-mail Herald Staff Writer Patrecka F. Adams at padams@sharonherald.com.