The History of the Modern Mailbox
Both mailboxes and post boxes are related by evolution of postal services and emergence of postage stamps. The evolution of the modern mailbox can be traced back in 19th century in Europe and US where people had to visit post offices in order to pay for stamp so that mail could be delivered to them. In earlier time post men had to find the owner so that they could handle it over, they had to wait at your door step until you come back.
The post offices realized that they can save time and money by introducing simpler means of mail delivery. They mandated people to have mail boxes (also called mail slots). People had adhered to their rules and made them out of different materials and shapes, later post offices announced the standards for mail slots so that the mail carriers can carry out their work in a simpler way.
Later the people started to realize the importance of having a mailbox in every household and business, it was a form of metal box cut and put in front of the house or yard where it could be easily accessible by the postmen. In 1849 British government realized that the material used to make mail boxes was exposed to corrosion and damaging the mail contents quickly, they encouraged every household and businesses to have mail box which was water proof and free from corrosion. They also introduced a new standard of mail box and named it letterbox which could hold large capacity of mails or letters than earlier model.
In 1923 United States government saw their importance and its government impose a new standard for letter box to be a legal requirement. US government introduced basic dimension guidelines which were also stated in statute books. They came up with a new model different from the British letterboxes where it had semaphore flag on its width, it was designed by famous US postman Roy .J. Joroleman and it became a popular brand.
The US government faced similar challenges from their mailbox which were prone to corrosion. The mails employees from all over Europe and US invented various models due to technological change. More improved materials were used in manufacturing of mail boxes especially those that are made up of weather resistant materials.
The major breakthrough that marked the beginning of a modern mailbox was the introduction of plastic mail boxes. The problem with plastic mail boxes is that it’s easily broken into by strangers and as a result of these, many people could not receive their letters. As time went by, security issues concerning privacy in mail delivery became a problem. There were other problems associated with plastic mail boxes such as theft of letter boxes as well as vandalism of private mailboxes for both households and businesses. Also, plastic mail boxes could not withstand heat and cold.
Association of post offices from all continents became concerned with change of existing models to protect people and business privacy. Another more advanced model made from heavy metals and paint emerged. It could prevent corrosion and withstand both heat and cold. In addition, the mailboxes could be reinforced by the use of padlock, keys and later with digital locking systems for security purposes. Such features are also found in modern mailboxes.
In 21st century mailboxes, many household boxes are made of aluminum and steel. Both metals are hard to be broken into by thieves. Aluminum and steel have also proven to be free from any corrosion, can withstand heat and cold, light in weight and very durable, especially those with powdered finishes. They are also environmentally friendly that the powder does not flake-off due to bad weather like paints do.
In today’s model, they also have large assortments which have reduced the cost of maintenance. They also come with digital security locking system. People have become more creative as well; they have made their mail box post with lighter material so that they can prevent people from tampering with them at night.
In reality, the basic use of mailbox has not changed since 19th century to date but its styles has gone through various stages of evolution due to external forces such as theft, change in weather and demand for more privacy in mail delivery.
