A breif history of children sent through the mail

The practice of sending children through the mail, also known as "coaching by mail," was a phenomenon that occurred in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Here's a brief history:

The Origins: The idea of sending children through the mail dates back to the 1870s, when a man named Dr. George Augustus Taylor, a physician from New York, began promoting the concept as a way to improve children's education. Taylor believed that by sending children to different parts of the country, they would receive a more well-rounded education and be exposed to different cultures and lifestyles.

The Rise of Coaching by Mail: In the 1880s and 1890s, the practice of sending children through the mail gained popularity, particularly among wealthy families who wanted to give their children a unique educational experience. Children would be sent to live with families in different parts of the country, where they would attend school and learn about the local culture.

The Golden Age: The 1890s to the 1920s are often referred to as the "Golden Age" of coaching by mail. During this time, the practice became more widespread, and children were sent to live with families in all 48 states. The children would typically stay with their host families for several months or even a year, during which time they would attend school, participate in local activities, and learn about the local culture.

The Decline: By the 1930s, the practice of sending children through the mail began to decline. Several factors contributed to this decline, including the rise of public education, the increasing cost of transportation, and changing attitudes towards child-rearing. Additionally, there were concerns about the safety and well-being of the children being sent through the mail.

The Legacy: Although the practice of sending children through the mail is no longer common today, it has left a lasting legacy. Many people who participated in coaching by mail as children have spoken fondly of their experiences, and some have even written books about their adventures. The practice also helped to promote cross-cultural understanding and exchange, and it played a role in shaping the way Americans think about education and child-rearing.

Notable Examples: Some notable examples of children who were sent through the mail include:

• Ruth Lawrence, a child prodigy who was sent to live with a family in Maine at the age of 10 to attend college.
• Helen Keller, who was sent to live with a family in Alabama at the age of 7 to attend school.
• The children of the wealthy Vanderbilt family, who were sent to live with families in different parts of the country as part of their education.

Overall, the practice of sending children through the mail was a unique and fascinating phenomenon that reflects the changing attitudes towards education and child-rearing in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.