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January 3, 2007
The Boston Globe
Just about 20 years ago I lived in Lowell, Massachusetts. Right across the street from the Montessori School that pops up in Jack Kerouac's book. I lived on Wanalancit Street. One of my roommates, Jeff, was a guy I'd known since college.
About 10 years ago Jeff visited me in Ohio. As we sat around talking about nothing in particular he made a throwaway comment something akin to, "That is, if I can get the Boston Globe to give me a paper box."
"What do you mean?" I asked.
Jeff went on to explain that he'd been trying to get one of those newspaper boxes that you sometimes see attached to mailbox poles. He'd contacted the Globe several times and had been assured, more than once, that they'd get him a box.
"Wait," I said. "I've got a couple in the garage."
Another friend, another Jeff (Jeff Dodge, to be exact) had given me a couple of boxes when I had dinner with him and his wife one night, many years before. Pack rat that I am, I had carried them 1/4 way across the country and from one home to another.
I gave Jeff one of the boxes.
What are friends for?
I still have this one.
Posted by delmer at January 3, 2007 11:21 AM
Comments
Oh I love those boxes for newspapers and mail! I got very excited on my recent trip to the US when I saw the mail boxes with cute little flags on them (yes I do know I need to get out more)- any idea where I can get one in England? My postman would have a kitten!
Posted by: Pen at January 3, 2007 1:47 PM
We have to have mailboxes and newspaper boxes as it's illegal for a newspaper delivery person to put the paper in a mailbox. The mailman can put a newspaper in the mailbox if the paper has been mailed.
I believe it is illegal for anyone other than the mailman and homeowner to put anything in a mailbox. Oftentimes flyers and coupons will be hung from the outside of the box.
When I was little the mailman used to walk up and down our street delivering mail to a box on the porch (not like the ones with the flags). It seems like new housing developments all have boxes at the curb and the mailman drives up and down the street.
Wait, my mailgal currently walks to my porch ... but I live in an older area of the city.
I wonder if there's a company over here that would mail you a mailbox?
Posted by: delmer at January 3, 2007 11:36 PM
Hi!!Very correct answer. The boxes that you refer to are called cluster boxes. They allow for faster delivery and more customers served with less man-hours spent. The end result would be a decrease in expense which should result in a lesser cost for the purchase of postage by the customer. Although, when the higher cost of fuel, employee cost, Lance Armstrong, etc., is factored in, postage rates will continue to go up. All mail receptical manufactures in America must be approved by the USPS. Unless postage has been paid, no attachment nor placement of any unpaid item may be placed in or on a mail box. Naturally, you could place a item with the money, check, etc., for your carrier to take to the post office. A person can purchase stamps by mail or over the internet.
Posted by: Granny at January 4, 2007 8:00 AM
Mom,
I was hoping you'd chime in. I almost called last night to verify my facts, but though you all might be sleeping. I know Millie can be a real slave driver and I thought you'd be exhausted.
Posted by: delmer at January 4, 2007 8:50 AM
They need a separate box for all those mortgage re-fi mailers we get. That would be cool. It could have a built-in shredder.
Posted by: The Phoenix at January 4, 2007 3:34 PM
That is a genuinely good idea. Credit card offers and pizza coupon mail could go in there too. Well, about 90% of the stuff I get.
Posted by: delmer at January 5, 2007 8:49 PM