Airmail message board
A blast from the past! An airmail message board, also known as a "message board" or "postcard rack," was a popular way to send and receive messages in the early 20th century. Here's how it worked:
What was an airmail message board?
An airmail message board was a physical board or rack located at airports, train stations, or other public places where people could leave messages for others. These boards were usually made of wood or metal and had slots or compartments where messages could be inserted.
How did it work?
Here's how it worked:
- Someone would write a message on a piece of paper or a postcard and insert it into a slot on the board.
- The message would be left for someone else to find and read.
- When someone wanted to send a message to someone else, they would look for the person's name or initials on the board and retrieve the message.
- The message would then be taken to the recipient, often by hand or by mail.
Why was it popular?
Airmail message boards were popular during the early 20th century because they provided a convenient way for people to communicate with each other, especially during times when phone service was limited or unreliable. They were also a fun and social way to connect with others, as people would often leave messages for friends and family members who were traveling or away from home.
Decline and legacy
With the advent of modern communication technologies like email, text messaging, and social media, the need for airmail message boards declined. Today, they are mostly a nostalgic reminder of a bygone era. However, some airports and museums still maintain airmail message boards as a way to preserve history and provide a unique experience for visitors.
Interesting fact
Did you know that the first airmail message board was installed at the Paris Air Show in 1910? It was a wooden board with slots for messages, and it quickly became a popular way for people to communicate with each other at the show.