posted on April 23, 2002 08:17:58 PM new
Trying to date a series of books with no copyright dates in them - they all have a "NEW YORK 1" address rather than the modern NY NY 10010. Anyone know when zip codes became standard for use in the US? thanks!
posted on April 23, 2002 11:12:07 PM new
I think these might be from the 1948-9 to 1952-3 period. I have several old magizines that have advertiers with their addresses in them. The addresses have the 1 number zip in them from that period. Hope this can help!
posted on April 24, 2002 03:00:01 AM new
It is difficult to argue with the article on zip-codes, but I must do so. In 1960 or 1961, zip-codes had been assigned to post offices. I put zip-code numbers on a newly- built post office in Lowpoint, Ill. They were not completely implemented yet, but the Postmaster got permission to put them on the new building. I have since tried to find anyone who installed them earlier, and have come to believe that I put up the very first zip numbers. Senator Dirkson spoke at the dedication and commented on the zip-code numbers on the new building. I left Lowpoint in March of 1961 and am looking for a dated picture I have of myself, installing the numbers. I guess for dating purposes, though, the 62-63 timeframe would be the one to use.
posted on April 24, 2002 10:23:39 AM new
Off the cuff, Postal Zones were used from post WWII to very early 1960s. In some magazine ads and books the Zones were still used in mid to late 1960s. It took a lot of years for the Post Office and Publishers to adjust to the new Zip Codes. A rule of thumb is to think of City Zone numbers from 1945 to 1964 and Zip Codes from 1960 and on. This would hold true in most publications. The overlap would be a coin-toss.
Bob & Alice's Antiques
P.O. Box 4120
Pasco, WA 99302-4120
(509) 547-9023
[ edited by antique777 on Apr 24, 2002 04:38 PM ]
