Sam's Blog

The postal service started back in 400 BC. It was first used in Egypt, as Pharaohs used couriers to send out orders throughout the state. Paper envelopes were developed in China in 2^nd Century BCE, allowing for letters and money to be kept in. Considering that the first envelopes were made out of cloth, animal skins or vegetable parts, this was a huge step.

Picture retrieved from: Hip Stamp

In 1653, Frenchman Jean-Jacques Renouard de Villayer established a postal system in Paris. Not only did he set up mailboxes, but he delivered letters to those who used the envelopes that he sold. However, his business did not last long because his customers were scared away when someone put live mice in the mailboxes.

In 1837, the adhesive postage stamp was invented by Rowland Hill. Because of this, England gained their first postage stamp system in 1840. Hill also created the first uniform postage rates based on weight rather than size. This was very impactful because it made the prepayment for postage possible.

The United States Postal Service started in 1775. Benjamin Franklin, a founding father, was the first postmaster general. Aaron Montgomery created the first mail order catalog in 1872. This was impactful because it made it possibly for farmers who had troubles getting to the big city for commerce, buy goods.

Picture retrieved from: New York Times

In 1957, Maurice Levy invented the first automatic postal sorter. This could handle 200,000 letters an hour. This was super important because it was able to keep all the mail organized and was more efficient as well as timesaving.

For many reasons, the postal service altogether has been so impactful. The Universal Postal Union includes members from 192 countries. This allows people to give and receive information about important things that used to take much longer to get to them. The overseas postal system and horses were used to give and receive messages about war, etc. This was extremely important because that information needs to get to the people somehow. Communication needed to happen somehow.

Over the past few years, newspapers, magazines, etc. give us information on what is happening in the world around us. It is crucial to understand what is going on around us and stay informed on the world’s news.

However, the postal system is not as impactful today as it was years ago. Social media plays a huge part in the decline of the postal system. In 2009 alone, there was a 13% drop in mail volume. The cause of this is undoubtedly the internet. Instead of sending a letter to someone, you can give them a phone call or send them a text message. Regarding giving or receiving information, it can all be found online.

Overall, the postal system has been huge for the world over the years. Although it is not as relevant today because of technological improvements, it is still used and is the root of information and message giving or receiving.