Before 1920, it was actually possible to send children through the US Postal Service, though this practice was quite unique and had specific requirements. To be sent by mail, children had to weigh less than 50 pounds. Instead of traditional fares, stamps were attached to their clothing as payment.
Remarkably, sending a child by mail was sometimes cheaper than buying a train ticket. During their journey, children traveled by train in the mail car, where they were supervised and cared for by mail clerks. These clerks ensured the children received nourishment and were well looked after during the trip.
One notable instance of this practice involved sending a child over 700 miles from Florida to Virginia. The cost? Just 15 cents worth of stamps. This unusual method of transportation highlights an intriguing chapter in postal history.
In connection with the matter, a story appeared in the social mead which read as under:
"Prior to 1920, it was possible to send children through the US Postal service. However, there were certain conditions that needed to be met. Firstly, the children had to weigh less than 50 pounds, and stamps were attached to their clothing as a form of payment. Surprisingly, it was often more cost-effective for individuals to send their children via mail rather than opting for train transportation. Interestingly, during the journey, the children would travel on a train, specifically in the mail car, where they were supervised and provided with nourishment by mail clerks. One remarkable example of this unconventional practice involved a distance of over 700 miles, from Florida to Virginia, covered with a mere 15 cents worth of stamps"
This quirky aspect of postal history underscores the innovative and sometimes surprising methods used in the past. The practice of sending children through the mail, while unconventional, reflects both the resourcefulness of the era and the evolving nature of transportation and communication. Today, it serves as a fascinating reminder of how far we’ve come in terms of travel and logistics.
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