Height x Width x Depth: 53 1/2 x 33 x 17 in. (135.89 x 83.82 x 43.18 cm)
Type:
Seals, Symbols & Signage
Place:
United States of America
Date:
c. 1970
Description:
This plywood form was cut to the shape of Mr. ZIP, the marketing tool used by the Post Office Department to encourage the use of ZIP codes. The printed image of Mr. ZIP is adhered to black-painted plywood, which is mounted on a base.
The Post Office Department Poster 134 was printed to be used as a template for a standing frame like this, and the National Postal Museum has an intact poster in the collection (see object 2011.2010.19). The Postal Bulletin on June 13, 1963 outlined the promotional material for the new ZIP code program, and how the to use guide included a note for the "Life size Mr. ZIP Poster," which stipulated that "Instructions for mounting on a suitable backing are packed with the poster. The finished figure should be displayed in your lobby where it will attract the most attention with Postal patrons. Order from your Regional ZIP Code Coordinator" (No. 202366, page 4).
The energetic, smiling man in blue appeared on posters, stamp selvage, and stamps from 1964 to 1986. Mr. ZIP became a household feature only a few years after he appeared, and, in fact, Mr. ZIP has become one of the most iconic figures in advertising history. By the 1980s, more than 95-percent of the U.S. mail bore ZIP codes. The bouncy, funny-looking mascot of the service had done his job so well that in 1986 the Postal Service gave Mr. ZIP a well-earned retirement.
