Carus had a post office from 1887 to 1907.[3] The name may have come from a misreading of the name "Carns" on the application to the Post Office Department.[3] It is unknown whether it was to be named for a place in another state or for a local family.[3] The Fred Vonder Ahe House, now located in Molalla, served as the post office when it first opened. David Hunter was the first postmaster.[3]