Seneca County Historian, Pamela Becker, reflects on the evolution of mail delivery in Central New York in a recent article. From the early days of horseback mail services in the late 1700s to the development of post offices in Seneca County, Becker highlights the crucial role of the postal system in connecting communities in the region.
Becker traces the history of mail delivery in Seneca County, from the first road approved to run from Fort Schuyler to Seneca Lake in 1789, to the introduction of steamboat mail services on Seneca and Cayuga lakes in the early 1800s. She also discusses how the completion of the Rochester and Syracuse railroad in 1841 further revolutionized mail delivery in the area.
Personal letters from historical figures such as R.H. Goodwin in the 1830s and a Civil War soldier in 1862 provide insight into the importance of mail communication in the past. Becker also reflects on the impact of local events, such as the Seneca Falls fire of 1890, through letters expressing grief and concern.
As technology continued to advance, the advent of automobiles and planes in the early 20th century changed the face of mail delivery once again. However, Becker emphasizes the enduring value of personal communication in letters, even as the postal service adapts to the digital age.
Becker’s historical perspective on the evolution of mail delivery in Central New York offers a nostalgic look back at a time when letters were the primary mode of communication, highlighting the importance of the postal system in connecting communities in Seneca County.
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