Here is what Wikipedia says about Twitter ...
Twitter is an American microblogging and social networking service on which users post and interact with messages known as "tweets". Just in case you need to know more about Twitter, click on the link and read all about it.
108 years earlier, in 1898, a company called Postal Telegraph-Cable Company would send a FREE digital message of 20 words, also known as a TELEGRAM, if you applied one of the stamps shown below on your message. (You remember telegrams, don't you?)
From my collection of old stuff, here's how it looks ...
108 years earlier, in 1898, a company called Postal Telegraph-Cable Company would send a FREE digital message of 20 words, also known as a TELEGRAM, if you applied one of the stamps shown below on your message. (You remember telegrams, don't you?)
From my collection of old stuff, here's how it looks ...
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| Booklet of Stamps for use in 1898 Personal and Social Messages Only signed by J P Randall |
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| Open the booklet to see Conditions and Stamps |
The conditions are pretty specific …
These
stamps cover ONLY THE PERSONAL AND SOCIAL MESSAGES of the holder and must not
be used for BUSINESS OR POLITICAL COMMUNICATIONS. They must not be USED BY nor
FOR any other than the person to whom they are issued. If offered by any other
person, Managers will take up the frank and collect regular tolls.
A stamp
must be affixed to every message containing twenty words or less, not including
address, date or signature; and an additional stamp for every additional twenty
words or fraction thereof. Answers may be franked by affixing the stamps as
above.
The recipient
of these stamps, by accepting and using them, assumes all risks, and agrees
that the Telegraph Company shall not be liable for damages, whether from
negligence of Agents or from whatever cause arising.
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| Stamps are about the size of regular US Postage Stamps |
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| Good for One Message of 20 Words |
Perhaps these stamps were sort of like today's Gift Cards. Telegrams were EXPENSIVE to send but these stamps appear to be FREE as they are marked COMPLIMENTARY FRANK. By the way, Twitter is also FREE but the message may arrive a little bit faster today. On the other hand, no computer was required in 1898.
Thank you for stopping by John's Island.
Thank you for stopping by John's Island.
Hello John, It is interesting how social messaging started out. Free 20 word messages, that is great in 1898.
ReplyDeleteAt least the old stamps and telegraphs could not be hacked, which was a good thing. Great post, thanks for sharing. Enjoy your day, happy weekend!
Thank you Eileen.
DeleteInteresting!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you happyone.
DeleteThat is interesting.
ReplyDeleteThank you Ruth.
DeleteYes, at one time the telegraph was the only game in town. Seems hard to believe that it;s been gone for a long time.
ReplyDeleteThank you Red.
DeleteTelegrams are part of our memories. We received some on our wedding day almost 44 years ago. Today we are never out of touch with family really.
ReplyDeleteThank you Marie.
DeleteAn interesting post John, thank you.
ReplyDeleteCall me old fashioned but I still enjoy writing letters and receiving them ... although in these modern times letter writing is definitely 'out of fashion'
Wishing you a good new week, the days still seem to fly by so quickly.
All the best Jan
Thank you, Jan, for your comment. I still love writing and receiving letters too. Wishing you a fine week ahead and you are so right ... the days seem to fly by so quickly. Best regards from Seattle.
Delete