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Babies in the Mail: A Historical Oddity with a Modern Echo in The Atlantic’s Cover Story

by Zuzana
written by Zuzana

Sending Babies Through the Mail: A Historical Oddity with a Modern Twist

Parcel Post and the Delivery of Human Cargo

In the early days of the 20th century, the introduction of parcel post service brought with it an unusual practice: the mailing of children. According to the Smithsonian National Postal Museum, at least two infants were literally shipped off to their destinations, with stamps affixed to their clothing.

A New York Times Inquiry and the Postmaster General’s Response

A 1913 New York Times article documented a letter to the Post Office inquiring about the possibility of sending an infant through the mail. The letter posed the question of how to “wrap” the baby to comply with regulations. The Post Master General responded swiftly, issuing a regulation prohibiting the mailing of children.

The Atlantic’s Cover Story and Its Historical Echoes

Fast forward to the present day, and we find striking similarities between this historical oddity and the cover story of The Atlantic’s July/August issue. The article, titled “Why Women Still Can’t Have it All,” has sparked widespread discussion and debate.

The Power of the Press and Social Media

The Associated Press reported that the article attracted an unprecedented number of visitors to The Atlantic’s website, surpassing any previous magazine story. The magazine’s use of social media, particularly Twitter, played a role in amplifying the article’s reach.

The Atlantic’s “Red-Handed” Moment

As the article gained traction, readers pointed out its uncanny resemblance to the early 20th century photo of a baby being sent through the mail. The magazine acknowledged the similarity, effectively getting “caught red-handed” by the eagle-eyed public.

Historical Artifacts and the Internet’s Reach

The photo in question originated from the Postal Museum’s Flickr page and was featured on the website Retronaut. The juxtaposition of this historical artifact with The Atlantic’s modern cover story highlights the enduring power of images and the interconnectedness of the past and present in the digital age.

The Evolution of Postal Regulations and Societal Norms

The prohibition on mailing children reflects the evolving societal norms and safety concerns surrounding the postal service. While it may seem bizarre to us today, the practice of sending children through the mail was once considered acceptable, albeit with certain precautions.

The Atlantic’s Provocative Thesis and Its Impact

The Atlantic’s cover story explores the persistent challenges faced by women in balancing their personal and professional lives. The article’s provocative thesis has resonated with many readers, sparking both agreement and dissent.

The Role of the Media in Shaping Public Discourse

The widespread attention given to The Atlantic’s article underscores the significant role that the media plays in shaping public discourse and influencing societal conversations.

The Enduring Legacy of Postal History

The story of babies being sent through the mail serves as a fascinating glimpse into the past, highlighting the intersection of technological advancements, societal norms, and human ingenuity. It also reminds us of the enduring power of postal history and the ways in which it continues to inform our present-day experiences.

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Hobbies and Collecting

Stamps: A History of Postal Innovation and Philatelic Passion

by Zuzana
written by Zuzana

Stamps: A Revolution in Communication

History of Stamps

Stamps, the adhesive labels used to prepay postage, have played a transformative role in communication. The first federal stamps were issued in the United States in 1847, but they were initially met with resistance.

The Origins of Stamps

The concept of stamps originated with Rowland Hill, a British reformer who observed that postage was too expensive and paid for by the recipient. His solution was prepaid stamps, which would shift the responsibility to the sender.

The Introduction of Stamps in the US

Inspired by Hill’s ideas, the United States introduced stamps in 1847. The first stamps featured Ben Franklin and George Washington, and they quickly became known as Scott 1 and Scott 2 in the Scott stamp identification system.

The Impact of Stamps

Stamps revolutionized communication by making it easier, more convenient, and more affordable. They also encouraged the use of mailboxes, which reduced the need for long waits at post offices. This, in turn, made it easier for women to access the postal system.

Stamp Collecting

As stamps became more popular, so too did stamp collecting. The term “philately” was coined to describe this hobby, which involves collecting and studying stamps. Philatelists are fascinated by the history, designs, and value of stamps.

The Role of Stamps in Society

Stamps have played a significant role in society. They have been used to announce independence, honor noble causes, and commemorate historic events. For some small countries, stamp sales remain an important source of revenue.

Challenges to Philately

In recent years, the advent of digital communication has posed a challenge to philately. However, commemorative stamps and specialized stamp collecting niches continue to attract enthusiasts.

Specific Examples

  • The recently issued commemorative Franklin and Washington stamps sold over 12 million copies in just 11 days.
  • The first federal stamps in the United States were met with lukewarm response, and it took a decade for their use to become compulsory.
  • The stamp lunatic, as they were once called, has evolved into the philatelist, a lover of stamps.
  • The introduction of home delivery during the Civil War was linked to a compassionate postmaster in Cleveland.
  • Junk mail blossomed with the widespread use of stamps and low postage rates.

Conclusion

Stamps have played a vital role in communication for over 150 years. From their humble beginnings as a way to prepay postage, stamps have evolved into a fascinating hobby and a valuable historical record.

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