On my morning walk, enjoying the bright sunshine and perfect temperature, I passed by the mailboxes for the park. They are a sad looking lot. Some with doors missing, many that have been abused by vandals wielding blunt instruments. Some are canted back at a slight angle, like a drunk trying to find his balance point. The wooden posts, that support the single long board for the boxes, are old and leaning, looking like they might give up holding on in a powerful enough wind.
In this day of technological wonders, it remains the official way for contact with you. Email has its uses, but if it’s legal or official, more than likely you’ll receive it in person or through the mail. I’m not sure how to classify this inanimate object. It’s not magical by any stretch, yet the contents that change day to day can bring Hope, Love, Pain, Joy and life changing decisions. I’ve seen these boxes hold things that shouldn’t even fit. Of course, it isn’t the box but the person inserting the objects.
I watch people going to and from the row of boxes throughout the day. You can almost tell what it has brought them. Sudden drooping of the shoulders and standing reading, then a furtive glance at the sky as if to ask, “why”. Those that smile while walking and reading. The grumpy, unhappy, or just ‘angry at the world’ type, that looks about and just tosses the junk mail fliers on the ground in disgust.
I find it strange that the owner of the park allows them to look so shabby. He is responsible for the mounting point, tenants provide the box. It is the first thing you see when you arrive. He insists on weekly mowed lawns and no rubbish in the yards. You would think he would worry about how the mailboxes look to prospective tenants. It’s like looking at a nicely dressed man in a pair of muddy shoes.
Fun fact: The most common type of mailbox used for residences is the tunnel style. It was designed in 1915 by an employee at the Post Office named Roy J. Joroleman, who was also an engineer.
Comments welcome,
I enjoyed this, especially your descriptions of the mailboxes – sad, abused, drunken.
Thanks for the kind words Maggie. I’m glad you enjoyed it and thanks so much for the comment and visit.
I enjoyed this as well. I also liked the fun fact at the bottom…
Thank you so much tripleclicka, Thanks for taking time to stop by and share such a nice comment.
Mailboxes like these have much more character than the modern boxes. We often see sights like this on the back roads here in Tennessee.
I agree, I enjoy seeing old mail boxes, barns, wooden houses that are abandoned. I can just look and wonder what they have seen. Thanks for dropping in and the like and comment seniorhiker.
1915?!! I thought they went back to the Pony Express! Nice evocative post, Ron! (You had me at “morning sunshine” – which we haven’t seen here in about a week. Rumour has it that it’s moved to another more hospitable galaxy.) Love your ‘muddy shoes’ analogy!
Thanks Ellie. Your right the Pony Express was the first real carrier service around 1860. 1915 was the first designed tunnel shaped mailbox.
Thanks so much for the comment and like. I’m working on my ” and ‘ usage. I get them messed up all the time. Thanks again for visiting I enjoy your comments.
Wonderful piece, happy to have read it and delighted to have discovered you! (I owe finding you to Debbie on Strawberries IN The Desert!) Look forward to reading more.
Thank you very much for the nice compliment. I enjoy Debbie’s blog. Drop in here anytime.