MY VERY OWN
Do you own the mailbox in front of your home?
I have been told that we do not, because said item is something you agreed to provide so the federal government might have a place to put the mail they gather and distribute on your behalf. They make use of the equipment you provide and will let you know with a terse note therein, if it falls behind in any way and needs repair or replacement. In most area you must clean away snow, ice, sleet and flood sludge and other such hazards or the motorized mail-person, is not required to deliver mail or to pick up dispatches at your mailbox.. That seems to another be one of the few times you seem to have actual possess it.
Try painting your mail box some outlandish color and you will hear about such a mis-deed. Try decorating in keeping with the passing holidays or special times of either the religious or secular year and, again, there will be frowns awaiting. Did you know it is illegal to plant flower beds around the post of your mailbox in some areas? If you plant flowers there is a possibility that such blooms may interest bees which will happen to coincide with a mail person's visit and surely cause trouble. No flowers, please. Mail persons have been known be subject to the miseries of hay fever , as well and you should anticipate such possibilities and decorate accordingly.
If the mail container is made of metal or has metal or sharp plastic attachments, it is your responsibility to be sure such hinges, hooks, buttons, connectors, latches or decorative attachments are suitably smoothed over, oiled and made safe for handling. Many less used boxes will be, at times, havens for spider infestation, as well as a prime site for the construction of mud-daubers tubular mud huts, even nests of wasps and other winged foe of all mail people. You are to keep the box cleansed of such vermin visitors. Hose the box out when watering your lawn, and spray the interior to take care off bugs and thing at home in hinges corners.
Seldom does one see religious symbols on mailboxes except during the Christmas holidays, and it might be wise to avoid such decorations as much as possible. Mail boxes are everywhere and so are people who delight in seeking out silly little cases can drag into our court system.
I have never really searched for any printed legal document on the matter, nor do I intend to do so, but I have wondered, at times, if I own my mail box. I have been told both ways. I have decided it depends on circumstances. If all is going well, “they” own it as a part of their delivery system. If something goes amiss , it reverts to my sole ownership until it is repaired or replaced.
A.L.M. August 6, 2004 [c496wds]
