By Tamara Shiloh During the early 19th century, pieces of mail and packages could only be posted at the town’s post office. For many, this meant traveling long distances and delays due to inclement weather. A more convenient solution was presented in October 1891, when Philip Downing’s (1857–1934) patent for the Street Letter Box made | By Tamara Shiloh During the early 19th century, pieces of mail and packages could only be posted at the town’s post office. For many, this meant traveling long distances and delays due to inclement weather. A more convenient solution was presented in October 1891, when Philip Downing’s (1857–1934) patent for the Street Letter Box made