From the "There's Always ONE" files. This is what the typical outer borough mailbox was like in olden days, like when I was little. Actually, by the 1960's I'm sure their numbers were already down to the critically endangered species zone. This may well be the last one left.
How did it survive? It obviously holds more than just letters. It holds the secrets to life itself. Or maybe it's an evil mesenger from Hell! One of those horror movie monsters that passes itself off in the most unassuming guise possible. "MAILBOX! Special Delivery from HELL!!!" Really, how on earth did this one make it into 1999? Why? Who is it's protector and are there others?
It was made by Bridgeport Casting Co. of Bridgeport, CT. and Lord only knows when that might've been. In addition to these stellae-type concrete posts, these boxes were often attached to utility poles. The last time I remember having seen one, their top halves were painted red, so we're probably talking the 70's at the latest. This one is at the corner of Union Tpke and 268th Street, in Glen Oaks, Queens.