Monday, April 2, 2012

SIGN OF THE TIMES -- MAIL BOX SIZE



I pass many road-side mailboxes along country lanes that come in all types of designs and colors. Most are the metal gray or black boxes all rusted and worn. 


One of the older types of mail boxes, that I rarely see anymore, are the very large metal ones. I feel they are near extinction in central Kentucky. Because of their rarity these large boxes have reached a collectible status in these parts.


Perhaps there is just not the amount of mail being delivered any more so the big boxes are being taken down -- being replaced by  the small standard ones. I am sure that online emails are a contributor to reducing the usual amount of mail being delivered to households. 



The big metal mailboxes certainly add a charm to the countryside. I'd like to have one just for its reminder of when, as a young wife, I used to anticipate the mail- man's delivery to my big box by the side of the road.  

22 comments:

  1. How well I remember getting the mail and being so excited to find letters from far away family members. Nowadays people don't even take time to email, they just hit the "like" button on Facebook. So sad to me. I would love to have an old fashioned pen pal friend again.

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    1. Auntea -- I remember having pen pals when I was young. One was from Brazil and the other from Illinois. I always loved to read their stories of what entertained them in their state/country. Yes, it is a different planet now -- a small hand held device device takes you anywhere in the world. I believe that letters are our records of our culture but we seldom write them anymore.-- barbara

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  2. I am lucky to have one of those large old metal mailboxes still out on the road, along with others belonging to the neighbors. I have been getting my mail in town at the PO since moving here two summers ago, but plan to start delivery here next month. I look forward to getting mail in that old metal box, although rarely a card or letter anymore. I, too, mourn the passing of old-fashioned correspondence. As always, a great idea for a post.

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    1. Teresa -- Michelle (below) and you still have the large old metal boxes -- how lucky you both are. I imagine the large boxes would serve you well if you buy things online like bulk items etc. That way the postal person wouldn't leave his little yellow card telling you to pick up a package at the post office. Thanks for the nice words -- barbara

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  3. I still get excited about getting regular mail! Sometimes, in the summer, our mail lady is the only person to travel down our road. There are still quite a few of the older, large mailboxes in my area. I have one:)

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    1. Michelle -- there is something about the mail person in the country that warms your heart. Maybe it is the idea that they are bringing you something. Regular mail persons in the rural areas seem to be cheery and do give their all in providing good service. At least that is my experience. Thanks for stopping by -- barbara

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  4. We have one of the extra large mailboxes -- we get lots of packages because we do a lot of mailorder shopping. And when the package is too large for the box, the mail cariier leaves it in our neighbor's (no-longer-in-use) pig pen.

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  5. Vicki -- Your comment epitomizes rural community living. Working together you get your packages via a courteous mail carrier and an accommodating pig pen owner. Wonderful comment -- barbara

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  6. I'd guess the big boxes have something to do with mail orders from Sears or "Monkey Ward" when that was how many rural people shopped. There certainly is big difference in the sizes. I don't think I've ever see that kind of difference.

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    1. June -- Neither did I before i moved to KY. They do have a rather country feel to them. And, I suppose they were used for Sears or Monkey Wards. Now, of course, people are ordering again through the mail in large quantities online. I wonder if they have Monkey Wards stores anymore? Thanks -- barbara

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  7. The last two posts go together for me walking out to the mail box then returning to the sittin porch to read it.

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    1. Grampy -- Not many get the paper in a box by the road anymore. But how nice you do and then you get to enjoy reading it on your porch. Thanks -- barbara

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  8. You have more interesting mail boxes than we have, and the rust made them very interesting photo subjects.

    And, as you say; E-mail is taking our.

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    1. RuneE -- Yes sometimes it seems like a fashion parade when you are driving and noticing the boxes along the road. Some are rather creative. Thanks -- barbara

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  9. Love these mailboxes Barbara! I still have mail delivered to the house.

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    1. Mambug -- do you mean you have a box attached to your house as they usually pracitce in large towns and cities. I have a post office box and a roadway mailbox. Actually prefer the post office box. Thanks -- barbara

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  10. When we moved to Wooster and my folks bought a house out in the country when I was about 11, I found the way mail was delivered fascinating!!!! Thanks for the memory!!!

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    1. Kay -- So you are partly a country girl. I imagine to a citified eleven year old having mail delivered by a mailman in a car was fascinating. So many of our small towns have had their post offices closed. I wonder how that has impacted the residents? -- barbara

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  11. We have a big one and so does our neighbor, they are both painted black. I love getting mail.

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    1. Janet -- I believe that country places capture a homespun flavor when they still have these large mailboxes. Thanks for the comment -- barbara

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  12. Our mail carrier is a gem. His route takes him between three or four rural post offices several times a day. So if you missed him on his way to one tiny post office it's almost certain if you put the flag up, he will stop again at your box and retrieve the too-late letter anyway. Lovely post, Barbara!

    Elora

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    1. Elora -- Many mail carriers are gems. My carrier keeps me abreast of bear sightings, garden news, and misc plus excellent service. Your carrier falls in the same category -- A+. Thanks -- barbara

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