Rural delivery mail boxes

Object/Artifact

-

Jefferson County Museum

Name/Title

Rural delivery mail boxes

Entry/Object ID

1685 ve

Description

Initially rural residents used whatever was on hand - old apple, soap, or cigar boxes; lard pails; or food cans- as mailboxes. By 1901, a standardized design of a 6" by 8" by 18", metal, weather-proof box was instituted by the Post Office Department. Upper: Woodbury School mailbox used at Woodbury School, Leetown Road. Standard size rural delivery tin mailbox with holder on both sides for name. Used between 1887 and 1913. (#1685) Upper left: Side of the mailbox. Note that the original flag for mail pick up has been replaced with a heavy piece of wire. (#1685) Lower right: Mail boxes near Woodbury School on Leetown Road. Photographed by Susan Whitmore in 2020. (IMG3752)