Arago: Commemorative Activities

Commemorative Activities

Parcel Post Service Inauguration commemorative trophy cup

Description:

Postmaster General Frank H. Hitchcock mailed this engraved trophy cup from Washington, D.C., to New York City Postmaster Edward M. Morgan. Hitchcock mailed the cup at 12:01 a.m. on January 1, 1913, one minute into the first day of Parcel Post service.

Postmaster Morgan knew Hitchcock planned to send him this trophy. Not to be upstaged, even by his boss, Morgan sent a tall trophy cup to Hitchcock by Parcel Post. Morgan also mailed his cup just after midnight on January 1, 1913.

Prior to January 1, 1913, packages heavier than four pounds in weight could not be carried through the U.S. mail. Parcel Post service proved to be one of the most successful services offered by the Post Office Department.

Date:

January 1, 1913

Markings:

This Cup / Was the first article sent by / Parcel Post / in the / United States / It was forwarded to Postmaster Edward M. Morgan / of New York City by Postmaster Frank H. / Hitchcock whom mailed it in person at the Washington / City Post Office immediately after midnight / on the morning of January 1, 1913. / Presented to the National Museum / By / Postmaster Morgan.

Medium:

metal (silver)

Dimensions:

20.3 x 17.8 cm (8 x 7 in.)

Museum ID:

0.055726.1

Place:

District of Columbia

Collection:

National Postal Museum (SI)

Nancy A. Pope, National Postal Museum

May 1, 2006