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Union Pacific Railway Post Office Car #5819
Mail by Rail
Once upon a time, nearly every letter and package traveled by train. Railcars like this one contained a complete post office. Postal workers picked up the mail, sorted it, and dropped it off without ever stopping the train. For security, postal workers were required to wear pistols while on duty (see "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid").
To pick up the mail, workers used the black metal hook near the forward door to grab canvas bags hanging beside the rails. To drop off the mail, workers simply tossed the mail bags on the ground as the train passed a station.
This car was built in September 1919. It served on the Union Pacific's routes through northern Utah, southern Idaho and Oregon, delivering mail to communities in these areas. It was retired sometime during the 1960's when airplanes and trucks began carrying mail. |