Build Your Own Mailbox

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To set a pipe post, insert the end of the vertical pipe through a fresh-poured concrete pad and tap it down into the hole-bottom gravel layer. Use a carpenter's level to assure that the pipes are plumb and square. Then, as the concrete sets up over the next few minutes, rotate the vertical pipe so it will be free to swivel to the side if banged by the plow. Let the concrete set overnight, fill the hole with soil, and make sure it is tamped well.

POSTAL DRIVERS PROVIDE SERVICE SIX DAYS A WEEK THROUGH THE WORST KIND OF WEATHER.
A HOLIDAY TIP IS DEFINITELY IN ORDER.

Making a Statement

The mailbox that fronts your driveway (or clusters with others at the nearest traveled intersection) is more than than a receptacle for letters and magazines. It makes a public statement—especially if you are newcomers from town. You don't want your neighbors to misinterpret your mailbox's appearance as a reflection of your rural values. Case in point:

Awhile ago, new owners bought an elegant vacation home on a hill overlooking the last operating dairy farm in town. On their mailbox was a figure of a smiling cow, which I'm sure they considered friendly and cute. Harvey, the hard-working bachelor farmer did not. He felt patronized by his affluent new neighbors. "Them new summer people may grin at 4 A.M. milkin's," he said, "but I don't."

So design and install your mailbox to complement (or at least not offend) its environs. Of course, it is your mailbox—its looks are up to your own good taste; its construction is up to your home-handy skills. But, if you're moving onto an estab lished country place, leave an existing mailbox as is for a while—replacing an old but serviceable mailbox may be viewed as a city-rich extravagance, while scraping off rust and painting it would be virtuous, country economy.

Postal Etiquette

As soon as you can, visit the local post office and introduce yourself to the postmaster. Don't be surprised to hear "Oh, you're the folks who bought the old Peters' farm," and then to have your home referred to as "The Peters' Farm" for the next generation. Find out the official name of your road (many country roads go by several), and your rural route and box numbers to send your correspondents. Give the postmaster the full names of everyone who will be receiving mail at your place. Also, ask the name of your rural motor route carrier and the approximate time of mail delivery. If you can, be out at the box to say hello at the first opportunity.

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