The Journey of a Greeting: The History of Cards Sent Through the U.S. Postal Service

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Sending greeting cards through the mail has been a cherished tradition in the United States for over a century. This practice, which allows people to share heartfelt messages across distances, has evolved alongside the growth and development of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). From early hand-delivered notes to the modern era of mass-produced cards, the history of greeting cards in the U.S. is a fascinating journey of innovation, connection, and sentiment.

The Beginnings of the U.S. Postal Service

The roots of the U.S. Postal Service date back to the early days of the American colonies. In 1775, Benjamin Franklin was appointed the first Postmaster General by the Continental Congress, establishing a system that would become crucial to communication in the burgeoning nation. The USPS was officially created in 1792 with the passage of the Postal Service Act, providing a reliable means for people to send letters and packages across the country.

The Advent of Greeting Cards

The practice of sending greeting cards began in earnest in the mid-19th century. The first known Christmas card was created in England in 1843 by Sir Henry Cole, and the idea quickly spread to the United States. By the 1850s, American printers began producing Christmas cards, and the tradition of sending holiday greetings took root.

Valentine's Day cards also became popular during this period. Esther A. Howland, known as the "Mother of the American Valentine," started producing elaborate, handmade valentines in the 1840s. Her success demonstrated the demand for greeting cards and paved the way for the development of the commercial card industry in the U.S.

The Growth of the Greeting Card Industry

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw significant advancements in printing technology, making it easier and more affordable to produce greeting cards. Companies like Hallmark, founded in 1910, and American Greetings, established in 1906, began to dominate the market. These companies introduced new designs, themes, and sentiments, expanding the range of occasions for which cards were sent.

The USPS played a vital role in the growth of the greeting card industry. The introduction of the penny postcard in 1873 made it possible for people to send short messages inexpensively, further popularizing the practice of sending greetings by mail. The postal service also introduced special holiday postage rates, making it more affordable to send cards during peak seasons like Christmas and Valentine's Day.

The Evolution of Card-Sending Traditions

Throughout the 20th century, the tradition of sending greeting cards became deeply ingrained in American culture. Cards were exchanged not only for major holidays but also for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and other special occasions. The act of sending a card became a way to show care, celebrate milestones, and maintain connections across distances.

The design and content of greeting cards also evolved. Early cards often featured elaborate illustrations and poetic verses, while modern cards offer a wide range of styles, from humorous and playful to sentimental and heartfelt. Advances in printing and graphic design technology have allowed for increasingly creative and personalized card designs.

The Digital Age and the Enduring Appeal of Physical Cards

The rise of digital communication in the late 20th and early 21st centuries introduced new ways for people to send greetings and messages. E-cards and social media platforms provided convenient alternatives to traditional mailed cards. However, despite the convenience of digital greetings, physical greeting cards have maintained their appeal.

Sending a physical card offers a tangible, personal touch that digital messages often lack. The act of selecting, writing, and mailing a card requires effort and thoughtfulness, making the recipient feel valued and appreciated. Additionally, the tradition of displaying received cards in the home adds to the festive atmosphere during holidays and special occasions.

The history of sending greeting cards through the U.S. Postal Service is a testament to the enduring power of personal connection. From the early days of hand-delivered notes to the modern era of mass-produced cards, this tradition has evolved alongside advancements in printing and postal technology. Despite the rise of digital communication, the practice of sending physical greeting cards remains a cherished way to express sentiments and maintain relationships across distances.