by Tara Maginnis, Ph.D.
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How do I find an image of a 1930's Postman's Uniform?

Hello. I am hoping you can help me solve a special problem. I am costuming a show that takes place in the 1930's in rural America, and I need to know what a US mail carrier's uniform would have looked like. I am having a devil of a time finding such an image on the net. Might you have a picture of a 1930-something mailman on file, or know where I could find one? Any help would be much appreciated! Thanks, Cynthia


I don't have one, and I doubt you will find it on the net. However, I expect there are four likely places to look. #1 look up collections of the work of Norman Rockwell's covers to the Saturday Evening Post. If anyone ever did a detailed painting in color of a postman's uniform at that time Rockwell is likely it. #2 Look in AP "general interest" and "women's" periodicals of the 1930's. You might find a picture of a mail carrier in one of the many illustrated stories that fill things like the Post or the Women's Home Companion, or the many other publications that included illustrated fiction. #3 Other good places include 1930's movies on tape, or 1930's plays that include a postman character. If your play was originally produced in the 1930's you can probably find photos of the original production in theatre periodicals of the time. Finally, #4 Look in a library that has a big "government publications" section and see if they have the regulations on uniform of the time. This is difficult, but a final option. -- ---Tara

Thank you for your suggestions. You have been most helpful. --Cynthia

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