Today is a special person's birthday. But first some background. Most people hardly think about the series of numbers they put at the bottom of the address on an envelope. However, the inclusion of the Zone Improvement Plan (ZIP) Code number on an address was not always second nature and its history is interesting to me. I found a very groovy video explaining how a Zip Code works. It's a fun watch.

Interestingly in 1966, only about 44％ of all first class mail had ZIP Codes in the mailing address. One year later, the percentage had risen to about 63％ due to the USPS hiring of the Ad Council who saturated the American media with the “Mr. Zip message” through massive distribution of print ads and broadcast spots. The vast scope of the Ad Council campaign had succeeded in attracting a great amount of attention to Mr. Zip and ZIP Code. By 1969, 84％ of all mail was properly addressed. Wild, right?

One of the main goals of Mr. Zip was to appeal to children, so they would grow up knowing to use Zip Codes. Soon Mr. Zip had his very own comic strip and board game. Plus he was pictured on a variety of memorabilia, including a thermos set, and tin bank. In later years he would appear on a toy mail car, toy train, jewelry, clothes, mugs, and have his own bobble head. In the 60s, children were also encouraged to include the North Pole’s Zip Code on their letters to Santa.

How funny that in the 60s they were trying to Stamp Out SNAIL MAIL. I certainly have a different definition for that term now. I 🩵 Snail Mail.

Today, the USPS “zips” around nearly 42,000 zip codes across the United States. While Mr. Zip is not quite as visible as he used to be, it’s because of this character we know mail moves the country and zip codes move the mail. Now that's a birthday worth celebrating!!!

During his official career, post offices across America displayed mounted figures of Mr. ZIP. Some Mr. ZIPs have been back on unofficial display in several post offices since his retirement. Steve and I are always delighted when we have the opportunity to be photographed with this Postal Legend.