This Week in 1914 – First Parcel Received

SPRA 2001.01.204: Centre: the Patterson & Son Store in 1911, one of the first buildings on the Grande Prairie townsite, and location of the post office.
SPRA 2001.01.204: Centre: the Patterson & Son Store in 1911, one of the first buildings on the Grande Prairie townsite, and location of the post office.

The Post Office parcel post system was first inaugurated February 10, 1914. The rules and rates are set out in the article of February 10. The rates seem a bit complicated, involving counting how many provinces the parcel has to cross to determine the rate, and range from 5 cents a pound to 12 cents per pound. Then, as now, parcels containing intoxicating liquor or explosives were expressly prohibited. The article from March 3, 1914 proudly announces that the Herald received the first parcel via the Post Office.

Grande Prairie Herald Feb. 10, 1914
Grande Prairie Herald Feb. 10, 1914
Grande Prairie Herald March 3, 1914
Grande Prairie Herald March 3, 1914

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