When the US Domestic Parcel Post, set up to handle large parcels, was initiated by the controversial new Postmaster General A.S. Burleson in 1913, what unexpected items were sometimes posted during the first decade of its existence?
Babies and children The first postage of a child was noted in newspapers in early 1913. The baby was 8 months old and just shy of the dimension and weight limits; his postage cost 50 cents although he was insured for considerably more. The newspapers noted that the practice was officially stopped by the Postal Service in 1920.
