Random Facts from the USPS

Hello Readers and Welcome to new Followers! I've gotten a little bit of mail in so far this week--all very good pieces at that--and not only did I send out a second batch of Holiday cards but I've also lined up a few swaps to get together and pen pals waiting on replies! The weather today didn't really permit running to the PO Box or taking any good pictures (insert dark and gloomy winter forecast here), so I decided I would do a fun post! Let me know what you think!

• In 1923, one postmaster estimated that 2 percent of parcels delivered by his carriers consisted of laundry. College students, especially, found it economical to mail dirty clothes home and have them mailed back clean. The typical “laundry bag” was a canvas-covered cardboard box 4½ by 12 by 20 inches, weighing six to seven pounds.

• Mail delivery in large cities began in 1863 but no official uniforms were worn until after July 27, 1868, when Congress passed legislation authorizing use of uniforms by letter carriers. In 1868, uniforms were cadet blue-gray with black trim. A cap was mandatory.

• Employees pose in front of Station S of the Brooklyn, New York, Post Office, in 1888. This station, now named Bushwick, still serves Brooklyn residents. Post Office stations and branches are units of a main Post Office that provide a range of services. The earliest known station was established in New York City on January 1, 1837.

 

For these stories and more you can visit the USPS' FB page at USPS Facebook, while you're there, how about givin' em a like :)