The Peculiar History of Mailing Babies in America
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Chapter 1: The Emergence of Baby Mail
In the early 20th century, a quirky practice emerged in the United States: mailing babies. This phenomenon became possible with the introduction of parcel post by the United States Postal Service in 1913, which allowed individuals to send packages weighing up to 50 pounds, vastly increasing the range of items that could be sent through the mail.
"Back then, there were few restrictions regarding what could be mailed, leading to the unexpected practice of sending children."
The expansion of parcel services provided a much-needed resource, particularly for those in rural areas, allowing for the shipping of various goods, from pets to produce. However, it also opened the door for an unusual trend: parents began opting to mail their infants as a cost-effective alternative to purchasing train tickets.
Section 1.1: The Advent of Baby Mail
The term "Baby mail" became colloquially used among postal workers to describe this practice. Parents, seeking to economize, would send their small children through the postal system, attaching postage to their clothing.
The first documented instance of a child being sent via mail occurred in 1913, when an eight-month-old baby named James Beagle was shipped from Ohio to his grandmother in Batavia. The postage cost was a mere 15 cents, with an additional $50 for insurance.
Section 1.2: The Journey of a Mailed Child
The successful mailing of James sparked a trend, as more families followed suit. This practice reflected a significant level of trust in postal workers, who were seen as reliable. For example, May Pierstorff, a five-year-old girl, was mailed from Grangeville to Lewiston to visit her grandmother.
Transported children were not confined in boxes but rather escorted by postal workers to ensure their safety. Remarkably, no incidents of lost children or mishaps were reported during these journeys.
Chapter 2: The Decline of Baby Mailing
In the video "Why Parents Used to Mail Their Babies - YouTube," we explore the amusing yet serious implications of this bizarre practice and how it became a part of American folklore.
Similarly, the video "People used to send their kids through the mail. No, really. - YouTube," delves into the historical context and societal attitudes surrounding this oddity.
As the novelty of baby mailing grew, so did concerns about its appropriateness. By 1920, the Post Office Department officially prohibited the mailing of children, citing new regulations that barred the shipping of human beings.
"Once authorities recognized the misuse of the parcel system, they swiftly acted to end the practice."
The ban stemmed from a growing consensus that mailing children was unsafe and unacceptable. The whimsical era of baby mail came to an abrupt halt, leaving behind an intriguing chapter in postal history.
References
A Brief History of Children Sent Through the Mail
Editor's Note, December 21, 2016 Listen to the Smithsonian perspective on this story from the Smithsonian's new…
www.smithsonianmag.com
Mail-Order Babies: The Bizarre History of Sending Kids in the Mail - MyHeritage Blog
The holiday season is a busy time for postal services all over the world: people everywhere ordering and sending cards…
blog.myheritage.com
Mailing Baby: The Weird History of Sending Children by Post
Obviously, this is not the safest practice, not to mention the millions of moral questions it raises. Thankfully, this…
www.guidebooktolife.com
When It Was Legal in the United States to Mail Babies
Once-upon-a-time, it was legal to mail a baby in the United States. It happened more than once and by all accounts, the…
www.thoughtco.com
