What is a mailbox?
For most of us, just what the name says: a box for receiving our mail.
But for some folks, mailboxes are outlets for creative expression.
The boxes become whimsical airplanes, classic cars, yellow school buses, black-and-white cows and John Deere-green tractors.
Or conventional mailboxes are placed on or in unconventional supports: old plows or other farm implements, interesting tree stumps and hand-water pumps.
We passers-by aren't the only ones who enjoy creative mailboxes; mail carriers like them too, says Jean Green, customer-relations coordinator for post offices in Fresno, Calif.
"It's intriguing to see how inventive and creative some of our customers are. They come up with some really wonderful things," she says.
So it's OK to have some fun with mailboxes?
Yes, within reason, Green says. "You have to be realistic and ask yourself if the carrier can do the job properly" if alterations are made to the mailbox.
The key things to remember are that the address should be clearly displayed on the box, mail must go in appropriately and nothing can obstruct the carrier.
"Some are cute, but nails are sticking out inside the box" from the decorations on the outside, Green says. "And others are so tiny you can't fit anything but letters inside. Parcels won't fit."
Postal regulations say that customers on motorized city or rural routes must place mailboxes so a carrier can safely and conveniently serve them without leaving his or her vehicle.
Generally, mailboxes are installed at a height of 3 1/2 to 4 feet from the road surface to the underside of the mailbox. Boxes are to be set back 6 to 8 inches from the front face of the curb or road edge to the mailbox door.
The Postal Service doesn't regulate mailbox supports except for carrier safety and delivery efficiency. Regulations do say, however, that post or support designs may not represent "effigies or caricatures that disparage or ridicule any person."
Seems that folks in Madera Ranchos and Bonadelle Ranches in California are particularly fond of decorative mailboxes. Cruise through the area and you'll be treated to lots of eye-pleasing mailboxes, as pictured here.
Contact Shirley Armbruster of the Fresno Bee in California at www.fresnobee.com.