1920s mail

The Roaring Twenties! A time of great change and innovation, including the way people communicated through the mail. Here are some interesting facts about 1920s mail:

1. Postage rates: The cost of sending a letter in the 1920s varied depending on the distance it was being sent. For example, a letter sent within the same state cost 2 cents, while a letter sent across the country cost 3 cents.
2. Mail delivery: Mail was typically delivered by horse-drawn wagons or bicycles, especially in rural areas. In cities, mail was often delivered by motorized vehicles.
3. Post offices: Post offices were a common sight in towns and cities, and many were designed in the Art Deco style popular during the 1920s.
4. Mail carriers: Mail carriers, also known as postal clerks, were responsible for sorting and delivering mail. They often wore uniforms and carried mailbags on their shoulders.
5. Airmail: Airmail service was introduced in the 1920s, allowing for faster and more efficient delivery of mail between cities. The first airmail flight in the United States took place in 1918.
6. Special delivery: Special delivery was a service offered by the post office that guaranteed delivery of important documents, such as checks and money orders, within a certain time frame.
7. Postcards: Postcards were a popular way to send short messages and photos. They often featured colorful illustrations and were used to send greetings and souvenirs.
8. Letters: Letters were a common way to communicate with friends and family, and were often written in cursive script. They might include news, gossip, and personal stories.
9. Stamps: Stamps were used to pay for postage and featured a variety of designs, including famous Americans, landmarks, and animals.
10. Mailboxes: Mailboxes were often made of metal or wood and were mounted on posts or walls. They were designed to keep mail dry and secure.

Some interesting 1920s mail-related artifacts include:

• The 1920s postal service's iconic "Retro-Style" stamp designs, featuring images of famous Americans like George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
• The "Airmail" stamp, introduced in 1918, which featured a biplane and the words "Airmail" in bold letters.
• The "Special Delivery" stamp, introduced in 1925, which featured a horse-drawn carriage and the words "Special Delivery" in bold letters.
• Vintage postcards featuring illustrations of popular culture icons, such as flappers, jazz musicians, and movie stars.

Overall, the 1920s were an exciting time for mail, with new technologies and innovations changing the way people communicated with each other.