Mailboxes were around since 1896, with standards being published in 1901. The current iconic design dates to 1915. Before then, home delivery was via mail slot

Mailboxes were around since 1896, with standards being published in 1901. The current iconic design dates to 1915. Before then, home delivery was via mail slot or by handing the recipient the mail directly. https://99percentinvisible.org/article/open-source-icon-rural-americas-classic-metal-mailbox-with-flag-design/ https://99percentinvisible.org/article/open-source-icon-rura...