RED FOREVER!

Red has long been the colour of Canadian mailboxes. Since it is the colour of British mailboxes, it remains a symbol of the Empire in many countries.

Did you know that red and white are the two official colours King George V selected for Canada's coat of arms in 1921?

Even though the shape of the boxes has gradually changed over the years, the Canadian coat of arms and the colour red remain signs of historical continuity.

MONTREAL, OCTOBER 1, 1874

After Confederation, Montreal became the first Canadian city to enjoy free home mail delivery, on October 1, 1874.

This new service, combining home delivery with the collection of mail from the thirty boxes in the city, revolutionized postal operations in Montreal. The number of letter carriers in Quebec rose from 24 to 45. Canada's main cities were quick to adopt this delivery service, starting in 1875.

Curiously enough, six years later, door-to-door service was not very popular: only three letters in twenty were delivered to the home. Montrealers preferred to pick up their mail at the post office. People enjoyed meeting each other and exchanging . . . news!

Letter Carrier's Jacket
circa 1898
serge
National Postal Museum, 1974.502.1

The military style of the time influenced the letter carrier's uniform. Navy blue was essential. A brass badge bearing the initials "CPO" (Canada Post Office) and the carrier's official number was attached to the collar. The carrier's wardrobe was expanded to include a winter coat and fur hat, a raincoat, 40 pairs of moccasins and 12 lamps.