Over A Hundred Years Later, This Outdoor Home Feature Looks Completely Different

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It's hard to imagine a time when the classic U.S. mailbox didn't exist. Almost any American can draw one from memory, with its arched shape and little red flag. This design was created in 1915, after several earlier versions didn't stick. From 1850 through 1915, mailboxes went through several iterations. From letter boxes attached to lampposts in the city, to DIY containers in the countryside, you'd hardly recognize the mailboxes from the turn of the century. If you were ever curious about how the quintessential mailbox came to be, the story is fascinating.

It's no secret that a sleek mailbox is an easy way to boost your home's curb appeal, but they used to be far from a status symbol. In fact, in the late 1800s, mailmen became frustrated with the wide range of self-made mailboxes in rural areas. People were using everything from syrup cans to lard pails to collect their mail. Compared to today's sculpted metal containers, these would look closer to upcycled craft projects than actual mail receptacles. The plethora of makeshift boxes led to the Post Office Department providing specifications for mailboxes in 1901. These early agreements required the boxes to be made of metal, at least 6 by 8 by 18 inches, and complete with a small flag. This led to a boom of metal manufacturers crafting countless mailboxes, with only some officially "approved by the Postmaster General."

The arched, tunnel-style box we know and love was designed by Roy Joroleman, and became the standard in rural areas, until they lifted the requirement in 1978. Although mailboxes today come in a variety of shapes and sizes, the Joroleman is still a very popular shape and design. Today, apartment living and the rise of cities has led to even more styles, like cluster mailboxes, locking residential boxes for multi-unit dwellings, and Harry Potter-reminiscent door mail slots. However, not many current-day mailboxes will resemble the rural food-container craft projects from pre-1915. 

Although there are now guidelines, your modern mailbox doesn't have to be boring. While it technically still needs to bear the Postmaster General's seal, you can take your custom mailbox into your local postmaster who will ensure it meets the requirements and grant you approval. If you prefer to play it safe, you can always use a standard mailbox and add your own decals for personalization. This can give your old mailbox new life and repurpose an otherwise ordinary box. In most places in the U.S., you can decorate your mailbox as long as the decor doesn't bear any advertisements or present a safety issue. Magnetic decals, like these Weewooday Flower Magnet Decorations, are the best option as they can be easily removed and won't damage your mailbox.