Mail Call!

Postage and mail delivery gained attention in the newspapers of Sherburne County, 1915.  Based on the news coverage by the Sherburne County Star News, the postal service was very busy.

Harold Keayes on his Harley Davidson motorcycle
ready for deliveries

Beginning in January, local news reporters became curious about the mail delivery in Sherburne County.  Harold Keayes, a carrier around Elk River and east Sherburne County, estimated he delivered over 11,000 pieces of mail in the month.  The weight of all of this delivery amounted to more than 6200 pounds. 

Clearly the postal service diligently delivered in 1915. 

 

Later in the year, the post office issued new stamps.  A picture of Benjamin Franklin would soon appear on 11 cent stamps.  As the developer of the first postal delivery service in the United States, Franklin’s profile commonly appeared on postage stamps.  With these news stamps, the Postal Service signaled an anticipated increase in letters and packages. 

The weight of mail deliveries would no doubt grow and intrepid delivery men, such as Mr. Keayes, would feel a greater burden on their shoulders.

 

Elections 100 Years Ago: How The Times Have Changed

With the coming elections, we thought it might be interesting to compare voting from 100 years ago.  Oh, the times have changed! 

These photographs illustrate the sample ballot published in the Sherburne County Star News for the election of 1916.  A feature of the ballots for 100 years ago in Minnesota in 1916 there were no direct votes for the President.  When voters cast their ballots, they voted for “Presidential Electors.”  In other words, they voted for members of the Electoral College.

 

It would appear, in the election of 1916, a more literal interpretation of the Constitution directed voting in Minnesota.  At that time, the state legislature was appointed to set the rules for balloting and selection of members of the Electoral College.  And so you see the different ballot of 1916. 

Also, remember voting for federal offices was a privilege reserved for men.  The women’s ballot consisted of selections to the local school board. 

Yes, voting practices have definitely changed in 100 years!