Home History Delivering printed mail

Delivering printed mail

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Most people think we have always received personal mail by going out to the mailbox. That has not always been the case.

For about 100 years, residents got their mail from the “local” postmaster. North Carolina started with four post offices, and by the 1890s there were nearly 800. Still, people had to “go” and get their mail.

Then in 1896, the postal service began experimenting with the concept of rural postal delivery. The North Carolina experiment occurred in China Grove in Rowan County in October 1896. Early resistance was overcome (a trust factor), and we now get home delivery.

Ron Smith, APR, S&A Communications

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The North Carolina 100