Happy 251st Anniversary
As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, there is another milestone this month on July 26th — that’s even older: the U.S. Postal Service. Its 250th anniversary passed with little fanfare in 2025, yet its founding was so important without it, the colonies might not have succeeded in their break from the British Empire.
How the Postal Service Helped Build a Nation
In school, we only touched briefly on the Continental Congress. I was fortunate to grow up in South Jersey, where the Ben Franklin Bridge made it easy to cross the Delaware River and wander the historic streets of old Philadelphia. I visited the old State House—now known as Independence Hall—where the Continental Congress met and where so much of the nation’s early history unfolded.
In 1775, as the war intensified losses mounted in New England. Meanwhile the Second Continental Congress was meeting in Philadelphia. They recognized that a dependable mail system was essential to the war effort. Reliable communication meant better intelligence, faster coordination, and a stronger connection among the colonies. To meet that need, Congress turned to one man. They named Benjamin Franklin Postmaster General on July 26, 1775. Mr. Franklin already was experienced managing postal operations in Pennsylvania. In a time of conflict with England, the patriots connected a patchwork of separate colonial systems into a unified means of communication—an important step in building a nation.
The Birth of the Penny Postal Card
At the time of the nation’s centennial in 1876, the postcard was still new in the US. Austria introduced the first postal card in 1869. The idea quickly spread across Europe. In November 1870, Postmaster General John Creswell urged Congress to adopt a one-cent postal card. Lawmakers debated the proposal. Privacy concerns were among the main objections but finally it was approved on June 8, 1872.
Even then, progress was slow. Congress had approved the idea but not the funds. The funds were approved seven months later, on January 8, 1873. The contract then went to the Morgan Envelope Company of Springfield, Massachusetts. The first U.S. postal cards went on sale there on May 12, 1873. Each card bore a preprinted one-cent Liberty stamp.
When Picture Postcards Became Keepsakes
Picture postcards appeared in the United States in the 1890s. Early government-issued postal cards could be mailed for one cent, while many privately printed souvenir cards required two cents. Congress did lower the rate in 1898. From there, picture postcards spread quickly, becoming small, colorful keepsakes for travelers and family mementos.
I’ve covered in other blogs how postcards were used to celebrate different holidays. Popular holidays were Christmas, Valentines, and April Fool’s Day. One childhood experience, however, gave me some foolish expectations about picture postcards. It became a good life lesson—and it never diminished my love of them.
My Childhood Postcard Chain Letter
Long before I understood what a pyramid scheme was, I took part in one. I must have been in 2nd or 3rd grade. Mom showed me a chain letter for kids. I had to pick out two postcards to send out. After dropping the top two names, I’d add mine to the bottom and make 6 copies to hand out. I don’t remember if I did that or my mom. I do remember picking out the postcards. After scrutinizing my choices carefully, I selected two. A pile of puppies and a litter of kittens in a basket. I sent the cards out with high hopes of receiving replies from all over the country. None ever came. Even so, the appeal of picture postcards never left me. They carried more than messages; they carried glimpses of faraway places and the promise of connection.
Keeping the Joy of Mail Alive
In this digital age, when was the last time you sent a postcard? First-class mail is only pennies more, so why not choose a card for a family member or friend? Part of the joy is taking a little time to find one that feels just right—something that reflects their likes, their personality, or even a shared memory. That small act of choosing can say, “I was thinking of you the whole time.” There is joy on your end, and joy on the receiver’s end too. If you haven’t done it in a long time, I suggest you try it. No special occasion necessary. They even sell greeting cards in the post office. Online on Etsy there are sellers too, including yours truly. The ‘Visit Etsy’ button will take you to the Paper Crafted Bliss Etsy’s shop.
The postal service has been moving mail for centuries, let’s do our part to keep America’s institution healthy and send a card today. What a fun way to celebrate the start of year 252!
Paper Crafted Bliss 