Have you ever stopped to wonder why there are so many ZIP Codes in Edgmont Township? Perhaps you haven’t thought about it, or maybe you already know. Which one do you use: 19073, 19342, 19063, 19028 or 19039? Either way, we’re going to take a few minutes to explore the history behind how ZIP Codes came to be, what the sequence of numbers means and why there are so many in Edgmont.
First, we need to go back to the early 1960s. As many postal service workers went off to war, post offices were left struggling with the significant increase in the number of letters, advertisements and bills being sent to households across the country. The sudden increase in volume was because companies had begun using computers to send automated mailings and billing statements.
Recognizing a need to improve the speed and accuracy of mail delivery, the Postal Service created the Zone Improvement Plan (ZIP) in 1963. The ZIP was introduced on July 1, 1963 as part of a larger plan called the Nationwide Improved Mail Service (NIMS) that included a new, less time-consuming mechanical sorting system.
ZIP Codes were determined by breaking the five digits into sections. The first digit, (0-9) identified one of ten areas of the country, the second 2 digits indicated either the State, a portion of a heavily populated State, or two or more less-populated States. The fourth and fifth digits identified the smaller city post office that delivered mail to your address.
A nationwide print and television campaign was launched to make the public aware of the new ZIP Code system and to
encourage them to start using ZIP Codes to speed up mail delivery. Two of the most popular campaigns were the creation of the cartoon character, Mr. ZIP and a catchy tune performed by the popular singing group, The Swingin’ Six.
“You know you’ve got to have a ZIP Code
on the envelope, a ZIP Code so you won’t
just have to hope. A ZIP Code morning, noon
and night and everything will be alright.”
So, what do our area ZIP Codes mean? Pennsylvania, Delaware and New York all share the number 1 as the first digit in their ZIP Codes, whereas folks living in Illinois, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska share the number 6 as the first number in their ZIP Codes. The next two digits in our area (90 or 93) represent the larger sorting station area and, depending on which post office is delivering your mail, your ZIP Code ends in 73 (Newtown Square), 63 (Media), 42 (Glen Mills), 28 (Edgemont Post Office Boxes only), or 39 (Village of Gradyville Post Office Boxes only).
Our Resident Feature story this month highlights Chip Miller whose family has deep roots in our area. He explained, “Within our township, there are three rural delivery post offices; Media, Newtown Square and Glen Mills. Folks who want their mail delivered to their homes use 19063, 19073 or 19342 ZIP Codes.” He then explained that the lesser known 19028 is for residents with a Post Office Box in the Edgemont Post Office, and 19039 for Post Office Boxes in the Village of Gradyville Post Office.
When ZIP Codes overlap townships and counties, things can get confusing, and it’s not just when ordering pizza delivery. “There are many streets in Newtown Township and Edgmont Township that share the same name like Chestnut, Walnut and Locust Streets,” Chip explained. “It’s important to remember that if you have to call 911 in an emergency you tell the dispatcher which township you live in, otherwise help may be directed to the wrong house.”
Just like advancements in technology, our ZIP Codes are evolving. In 1983, the USPS expanded ZIP Codes further by
introducing the ZIP+4 system. This nine-digit system added four numbers to everyone’s ZIP Code, identifying the side of the street for an address or, in the case of some very large buildings, the part of the building where the addressee is located. This allowed more detailed sorting, so postal carriers could get your mail to you more quickly. These days, ZIP Codes are being used to create Geocodes to pinpoint an exact location that can be used for deliveries, data analytics and more targeted marketing campaigns.
But the more things change, the more they stay the same. Just listen to Ethel Merman who sang it best to the tune of
Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah… “Welcome to Zip Codes, learn it today. Send your mail out the five-digit way.”