Foot Heaters Helped Rural Letter Carriers to Keep Warm

Nancy Pope, National Postal Museum historian and curator, writes on the museum's Pushing The Envelope blog about foot heaters that were once used by rural letter carriers to keep warm.

Pope pens, "From the first days of the service, America’s rural letter carriers have been responsible for providing their own transportation to make their daily rounds. In cold winter months, carriers turned to small metal heaters to keep warm on their route. The side drawer could be opened and packed with hot coals to keep the heater operational. When new, the heater would have been covered with carpet fabric. Those riding in wagons equipped with such heaters could rest their feet in warmth and comfort during the journey."

Shown above, advertisement for carriage heater with drawing of rural delivery carrier. Click on picture to enlarge. 

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