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What African American invented the mailbox?
Philip B. Downing
The street letter drop mailbox with a hinged door that closed to protect the mail was invented by Philip B. Downing. Downing, an African-American inventor, patented his new device on October 27,1891 (US Patent # 462,096).
Who is Paul Downing?
Paul Milton Downing (November 27, 1873 – December 11, 1944) was an American college football player and coach. He played at Stanford University and was the head coach at Oregon Agricultural College (today’s Oregon State University)….Paul Downing.
| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| 1895 | Oregon Agricultural |
| Head coaching record | |
| Overall | 0–2–1 |
Why did Paul L Downing invent the mailbox?
Downing’s invention would instead allow for drop off near one’s home and easy pick-up by a letter carrier. His idea for the hinged opening prevented rain or snow from entering the box and damaging the mail.
Who invented the letterbox?
The first letter box (where the public could leave its letters) sanctioned by the United States Postal Service was patented on March 9, 1858 by Albert Potts. His design incorporated the lampposts that his company made with a letter box.
How many patents did Philip B Downing have?
He has a total of 7 known patents. In 1891, he received the patent for the “street letter-box”, and the “letter-box”; those are what we call mailboxes today.
What does flag on mailbox mean?
When the flag is raised, it means that there is outgoing mail inside. The postal carrier will stop even if she has no incoming mail to deposit because she knows there is outgoing mail to be picked up. In contrast, postal carriers will not stop at mailboxes without flags unless they have incoming mail to deliver.
Is the hole in a door for mail called?
A letter box, letterbox, letter plate, letter hole, mail slot or mailbox is a receptacle for receiving incoming mail at a private residence or business.
How old was Paul L Downing when he died?
Paul L Downing was born on May 22, 1915. He died on January 12, 1990 at 74 years of age. We know that Paul L Downing had been residing in Lakeland, Polk County, Florida 33803. Every life has a story to tell. This collaborative biography is dedicated to tell the story of Paul L Downing.
What did Philip b.downing invent in 1890?
On June 17, 1890, the U.S. Patent Office approved Downing’s application for “new and useful Improvements in Street-Railway Switches.” His invention allowed the switches to be opened or closed by using a brass arm located next to the brake handle on the platform of the car.
Where was Philip B Downing born and raised?
Born in Providence, Rhode Island on March 22, 1857, Downing came from a prominent background. His father, George T. Downing, was a well-known abolitionist and business owner, while his mother, Serena L. deGrasse, had family roots in New York City, New York dating back to the mid-1600s.
What did Philip Downing invent the letter box?
Among his significant inventions were a street letter box (U.S. Patent numbers 462,092 and 462,093) and a mechanical device for operating street railway switches (U.S. Patent number 430,118).