posted on September 9, 2002 11:07:40 AM new
I am trying to date a flour sack that has the state abbreviation of "MASS". My question is when did the states abbreviations switch over from the old format of three-four letters to the 2 letter format used now. Thanks for your help!
posted on September 9, 2002 04:57:41 PM new
I am not sure exactly but I remember in the late 60's there being a big "push" to use the two letter. I do know that even today many manufacturers still use the four letters or even use the whole name because some people still don't know what the two letters mean. Good example is MA - could be Maine, Mass. or who know what people will think it is.
posted on September 9, 2002 10:54:42 PM new
It's actually not required, you can spell out the full name, or even the other version (i.e. Calif for California) - These were instituted by the Post Office in 1963, along with the ZIP code.
