The Postbox

The good old postbox .

When was the last letter you posted ?

I remember we had to note the time for clearance so we could ensure that the letter posted would be cleared in time.

There would also be a different postbox for faster delivery of any mail. ( Green in colour).

When one posts a letter you had to ensure a correct value of stamp was stuck onto the envelope .

The postman cleared the postbox at the designated time and then mail was sorted to be sent to the respective destinations.

Most often the local letters were posted in the postbox .

Foreign mail would be weighed at the counter and appropriate stamp stuck and handed over to the clerk .

These were sent by airmail.

To save on the cost of foreign mail , one could send letters by sea .

This is a big difference to the current way of communication. We would send Christmas cards at least over a month before the 25th December. However post by sea mail could take even two months and it’s not surprising that greeting cards would reach even after Christmas.

During the early years , there were inland letters and foreign letters (aerogramme) which had already been stamped for use. Even earlier were the self stamped cards.

Now most people prefer sending greetings by WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram or on the email. This communication is instantaneous. No paper is involved .

Do you prefer the card or a greeting on the internet ? Which is more personalised?

Technology has improved in leaps and bounds

So where is our postbox now ?

It has become an antique, and beautifully coloured in red; a treasure for our memories.