Learn about these postage stamp fun facts!
Postage stamps have long been a part of sending mail. But how much do you really know about postage stamps? Check out these fun facts about stamps!
Stamps Were Not Always Sticky.
Today when you place a stamp on an envelope, it comes with adhesive. However, stamps weren't always that way. Historically, stamps required you to use paste to stick it to a letter. If you couldn't get your hands on paste, people got creative. They used pins or even sewed the stamp onto the envelope.
The Governing Body of Postage.
The Universal Postal Union is the international organization that helps to keep the world connected through good old snail mail. It was founded in 1874 and is the second oldest international organization in existence.
Your Friendly Neighborhood Postal Cat.
Carrier pigeons and horses have long been associated with assistance in mail delivery. However, in the late 19
th century, Liege, Belgium sought to train cats to deliver mail. The plan consisted of training 37 cats to deliver mail to surrounding villages, but alas the plan didn't last long.
Candling Your Postage?
The term candling comes from the 17
th century. Postal rates were determined by holding a letter in front of a candle. The less transparent the letter, the more expensive the stamp.
The First American Post Offices Were In Taverns.
In the Americas, the first post offices were located in taverns. When you needed to send a letter, you could stop by the local tavern and drop it in a special bag hanging for postal delivery.
Great Britain Started the Stamp Trend.
We have the British to thank for postage stamps. Stamps were first issued in Great Britain. Because they were the first nation to develop stamps, the Universal Postal Union allows Britain to issue stamps with out their country name.
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