Program

NYS Historic

Subject

Government

Location

4 S Main St, Elba, NY 14058, USA

Lat/Long

43.080876, -78.18644

Grant Recipient

Historical Society of Elba

Around 1896, the U.S. Postal Service was trying to determine the best method of delivering mail to the most rural areas of New York State. The first rural free delivery of U.S. Mail in New York State occurred on October 15, 1896 in the village of Elba. The 1896 Annual Report of the Post Office Department, remarks about the selection of Elba:

In making the test of the free-delivery service, I have selected a town in which the conditions are such as are ordinarily to be found in the average farming community of New York State. It has been my aim to determine whether there was a demand by rural inhabitants, whether rural free delivery was feasible, and what would be the probable expense in the State if it were established.

The report continues:

The physical conditions of the territory selected for the test in this state are very favorable, the surface being comparatively level. The town of Elba is 6 miles square, and contains about 80 miles of highways, the greater portion turnpiked. With the exception of a few weeks in winter and early spring, when many of the crossroads are usually impassible, the residents can be reached, and their mail delivered.

Served by three mail carriers, the test was carried out. Rural free delivery proved to be both successful and cost effective, which led to statewide implementation.