Have you ever stopped to wonder why the 19073 ZIP Code isn’t just for Newtown Township? Perhaps you haven’t thought about it, or maybe you already know. You could live in Radnor Township, Edgmont Township, Marple Township and even Chester County and use the 19073 in your mailing address. Let’s 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 towns that use the same five-digit ZIP Code.
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) represents the larger sorting station area and, depending on which post office is delivering your mail, your ZIP Code ends in 73 (Newtown Square) or 08 (Broomall).
Our Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors Resident Feature story this month highlights Chip Miller whose family has deep roots in Edgmont Township. Chip explained that, “Within Edgmont township, there are three rural delivery post offices; Media, Newtown Square and Glen Mills.” 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. Those in Radnor and Marple Townships and Chester County who use the 19073 ZIP Code rely on the Newtown Square Post Office to deliver their mail.
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.”