Thanks Rob! This PHS really drives home the importance of written communication. Only 162 years ago, communication (like this note to you) which can move at the speed of light - took weeks! Also, how critically important postage rates were when mail was so vitally important for the day to day functioning of business and the world. I'm a fairly old guy, but it is still easy to forget how much we NOW take for granted, and how unimaginable what we have now would have been in 1862 - only about 2.4 of my own 'lifetimes' ago.
And that, my friend, is one of the many reasons I like exploring postal history (and history). It grounds me in a healthy and useful way to see better things I take for granted.
Thanks, Rob. I look forward to more "29 cent stamp" stories. And a bunker fire? Sounds scary to me.
Thanks Rob! This PHS really drives home the importance of written communication. Only 162 years ago, communication (like this note to you) which can move at the speed of light - took weeks! Also, how critically important postage rates were when mail was so vitally important for the day to day functioning of business and the world. I'm a fairly old guy, but it is still easy to forget how much we NOW take for granted, and how unimaginable what we have now would have been in 1862 - only about 2.4 of my own 'lifetimes' ago.
And that, my friend, is one of the many reasons I like exploring postal history (and history). It grounds me in a healthy and useful way to see better things I take for granted.