Gerstenslager mail truck
The Gerstenslager Mail Truck!
The Gerstenslager Mail Truck was a iconic vehicle used by the United States Postal Service (USPS) from the 1920s to the 1960s. It was designed and manufactured by the Gerstenslager Carriage Company, a well-known manufacturer of horse-drawn carriages and later, motorized vehicles.
Here are some interesting facts about the Gerstenslager Mail Truck:
- Design and Construction: The Gerstenslager Mail Truck was designed to be a rugged, reliable, and versatile vehicle that could navigate rough roads and harsh weather conditions. It was built on a Ford Model T chassis and featured a wooden body with a canvas top.
- Mail Delivery: The truck was specifically designed for mail delivery, with a large compartment in the back for carrying mailbags and a side door for easy access. The truck was equipped with a mail sorting system, which allowed postal workers to quickly and efficiently sort mail as they delivered it.
- Rural Delivery: The Gerstenslager Mail Truck was used extensively for rural mail delivery, where it was often the only vehicle available to reach remote areas. The truck's rugged design and four-wheel drive capability made it well-suited for navigating rough terrain and inclement weather.
- Iconic Design: The Gerstenslager Mail Truck has become an iconic symbol of the USPS and American rural life. Its distinctive design, with its wooden body and canvas top, is instantly recognizable and has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and advertisements.
- Legacy: Although the Gerstenslager Mail Truck is no longer in widespread use, it remains an important part of American postal history. Many vintage Gerstenslager Mail Trucks have been restored and are now on display in museums and private collections, serving as a nostalgic reminder of a bygone era.
Overall, the Gerstenslager Mail Truck was an important part of the USPS's history, playing a vital role in delivering mail to rural areas and becoming an iconic symbol of American postal service.