In the annals of history, there are numerous intriguing and bizarre facts that often leave us astonished. One such astonishing piece of history involves the curious practice of mailing children through the United States Postal Service, a practice that continued until 1920. It may sound like something out of a surreal novel, but it was indeed a reality during a time when life was much different than it is today. This article delves into the curious chapter of American history when children could be shipped like packages, providing insights into the regulations, reasons, and remarkable stories that surrounded this peculiar practice.

The Early 20th Century Postal Service: To understand this unusual practice, we must first cast our minds back to the early 20th century. The postal service in the United States was a vital lifeline for communication and transportation. It was a time when telephones were not commonplace, and the reach of the railroad network was still expanding. During this period, the postal service handled a wide array of mail, from letters and packages to animals, and even human beings.

The Regulations: Surprisingly, there were indeed regulations in place for mailing children. Children sent through the mail had to meet specific criteria, and there were strict guidelines to follow. The most notable requirements included:

1. Weight Limit: Children to be mailed had to weigh less than 50 pounds. This limit ensured that children could be comfortably transported within the mailbags.
2. Proper Packaging: Children were not packed in boxes or crates but were wrapped in sturdy clothing or fabric. Stamps, addressing labels, and the necessary postage fees were affixed to the clothing.
3. Train Transport: Children were placed in the mail car of a train, accompanied by mail clerks who watched over them during the journey. They were not confined to dark spaces but traveled in the same compartments as mail.

The Cost: One of the fascinating aspects of this practice was the cost. It was often more affordable for parents to send their children via mail than to purchase train tickets. The price of postage for mailing a child was surprisingly low, making it an economical option for many families. In fact, the record distance for mailing a child through the USPS was an astonishing 700 miles from Florida to Virginia, with a cost of just 15 cents in stamps. This certainly adds a new dimension to the phrase “a penny for your thoughts.”

Reasons for Mailing Children: The practice of mailing children may seem puzzling to modern sensibilities, but it was born out of necessity and practicality during a different era. Some of the reasons why parents chose to mail their children included:

1. Economic Hardships: Families facing financial difficulties often resorted to mailing their children as it was a more budget-friendly alternative to conventional travel.
2. Convenience: Sending a child via the postal service could be more convenient, especially if there were no nearby train stations or if the child was too young to travel alone.
3. Trust in the Postal Service: The USPS was highly trusted at the time, and the mail clerks who accompanied the children ensured their safety and well-being during the journey.

The End of an Era: Despite its quirks, the practice of mailing children eventually came to an end. In 1920, the Postal Service officially banned the mailing of human beings, marking the end of this unusual chapter in American postal history. Improvements in transportation infrastructure and changing societal norms contributed to the cessation of this practice.

Conclusion: The fact that children were once sent through the US Postal Service until 1920 serves as a remarkable testament to the eccentricities of history. It reminds us that what may seem bizarre today was once considered practical and normal in a different time. As we reflect on this peculiar aspect of postal history, it is a reminder that our understanding of the world evolves, and what was once seen as “a simpler time” can often appear quite complex when viewed through the lens of history.