Mailboxes and post boxes are inextricably interlinked with the development of the postal service and the introduction of postage stamps. Before personal and business mail began to be delivered to private addresses in the mid 19th century, people had to go to their post office to pay for postage and for mail to be delivered; the home owner had to be found so that it could be handed over personally by the postman. It soon became necessary that every private household had their own personal mailbox, either in the form of a letterbox cut into the front door of their property, or as a post box or mailbox on a post on their property which was easily accessible to the postman. In 1849, the British Postal service encouraged all private residents or businesses to either have a letterbox or dedicated mailbox which was weatherproof and could hold a relatively large capacity of correspondence. In the United States, post boxes became a legal requirement in 1923, with basic dimensional guidelines also set into the statute books. The classic US mailbox with semaphore flag was designed by US mail employee Roy J Joroleman and became hugely popular. As times have changed and security issues have arisen, theft and vandalism of private mailboxes has become a serious problem for private residents and businesses alike. It is now possible to purchase post boxes which are anti-arson, anti-theft and are heavily reinforced in order to protect mail. Furthermore, keys, padlocks and digital security locking systems can also be found on some modern mailboxes. Therefore the basic function of mailboxes has never changed although the styles and security features have constantly evolved. As with all fashions, the recycling of styles dictates that mailboxes whose style harks back to the Victorian era or the 50s are commonly available, although they may feature 21st century security and access systems.
