The Curious Case of Mailing Children: When Kids Were Sent by Parcel Post in 1913

 

In 1913, a new era of mail delivery began in the United States with the introduction of the Parcel Post service. This innovative service allowed Americans to send packages that were too heavy for regular letter post, with a weight limit of up to eleven pounds. For the first time, families could send goods, produce, and other items across the country with greater ease and affordability. However, this new service also led to some unexpected and rather unusual uses—most notably, the mailing of children.

 The Advent of Parcel Post

The Parcel Post service was a significant development for the U.S. Post Office. It revolutionized how goods were transported across the country, allowing for the easy shipment of items like groceries, clothing, and other essential goods. People quickly embraced this new service, sending everything from farm produce to baby chicks. However, some families saw an opportunity that went beyond the conventional uses of the postal service—they saw a way to transport their children.

 Mailing Children: A Peculiar Practice

Shortly after Parcel Post became available, a few parents decided to test the boundaries of the service by mailing their children. While it might sound outlandish today, at the time, the idea of sending a child via mail was not as absurd as it seems. The Post Office had no specific regulations against it, and with the advent of the new parcel service, it became technically possible—at least in terms of weight limits—to send a child through the mail.

One of the most famous cases was reported by The Times, which described how a young boy was mailed by his grandmother from Stratford, Oklahoma, to his aunt in Wellington, Kansas. The two-year-old child, weighing under the eleven-pound limit, was shipped with a tag around his neck indicating that it cost just 18 cents to send him. The journey involved a rural route delivery, where he was transported 25 miles before being placed on a train. The mail clerks took care of the child during the trip, sharing their lunch with him and ensuring he arrived safely at his destination.

 The Story of Mrs. E. H. Staley's Nephew

The specific case highlighted by The Times involved Mrs. E. H. Staley of Wellington, Kansas, who received her two-year-old nephew via Parcel Post. The boy had been staying with his grandmother in Stratford, Oklahoma, and after his visit, it was decided that he would be sent back home through the mail. The child’s journey was treated much like the delivery of any other parcel, with the postal workers taking responsibility for his safety and well-being during transit.

This story, while unusual, was not an isolated incident. Several other reports emerged during this period of children being sent through the mail, often by families who found it a convenient and cost-effective way to reunite with their young relatives. In most cases, the children were well cared for by the postal workers and arrived at their destinations without incident.

 The Public's Reaction and the Post Office's Response

News of children being mailed through Parcel Post quickly captured the public's attention, both amusing and alarming people across the country. While the idea of sending a child via mail might seem like a humorous anecdote today, it raised serious concerns about the safety and welfare of these young "parcels."

As the stories of mailed children continued to surface, the U.S. Post Office eventually recognized the need to establish clearer guidelines. By the end of 1913, Postmaster General Albert S. Burleson had issued regulations to prevent children from being sent through the mail. The new rules specified that "no living person, animal, or bird shall be accepted for mailing," effectively ending the brief and bizarre practice of mailing children.

 The Legacy of Mailing Children

The stories of children being mailed through Parcel Post have become a quirky and fascinating footnote in American history. They reflect a time when the boundaries of new technologies and services were still being tested and when the postal service was seen as a reliable means of transport for more than just letters and packages.

These incidents also highlight the sometimes pragmatic, if unconventional, thinking of early 20th-century Americans. For families living in rural areas or facing financial constraints, the idea of mailing a child might have seemed like a reasonable solution, albeit one that would not be acceptable by today’s standards.

 Conclusion

The brief period during which children were sent through the U.S. Parcel Post service is a testament to the evolving nature of communication and transportation in the early 20th century. While it may seem bizarre by modern standards, this practice underscores how people adapted to new technologies in ways that were often unexpected and creative.

Today, the story of mailing children serves as a reminder of the curious and sometimes eccentric episodes in our history. It also illustrates how societal norms and regulations evolve over time, often in response to the unintended consequences of new innovations. While the idea of mailing a child through the post is now unthinkable, it remains a captivating story that continues to intrigue and amuse us over a century later.