Why did the Postmaster General once approve of mailing children through the post?

Approved by the Postmaster General? · 6:40 · Video: Today I Found Out · Watch at the source

In short: This video investigates the origins of the Postmaster General approval stamp found on mailboxes. It also explores the peculiar and historical practice of mailing children, which was once a legitimate and surprisingly affordable way to transport kids.

The video examines the regulatory history behind the official approval markings seen on standard mailboxes. While these boxes appear mundane, their design and certification were subject to specific oversight by the Postmaster General.

Beyond mailbox regulations, the video covers the historical phenomenon of parents mailing their children. This practice was once a common and cost-effective method for families to transport minors, highlighting a surprising chapter in postal history.

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