Before 1891, folks who wanted to send a letter would have to visit their local post office to do so. Philip Downing invented a metal mailbox that is the predecessor for the modern version of the ones we use today. Downing was born March 22, 1857 in Providence, R.I., although some have written that he hailed from Ontario, Canada. His father, George, was a successful businessman and abolitionist, and his grandfather, Thomas, set the tone for the family in similar fashion. Downing eventually settled in Boston after living across New England and in Washington, D.C. He passed on June 7, 1934 at 77. (READ MORE)(SOURCE: BLACKAMERICAWEB.COM)
