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Establishment of Free Rural Mail Delivery, The
One of the most significant developments in the history of postal service in Canada, free rural mail delivery was established largely through the efforts of two Ontarians, George Wilcox and Joseph Armstrong. Wilcox, a farmer here in South Norwich Township, roused wide support for the system through numerous newspaper articles and a prolific letter writing campaign. At the same time, following his election in 1904 as the representative for Lambton East, Armstrong became a tireless advocate in the House of Commons for rural mail delivery. Anxious to retain the farm vote, the Laurier government soon responded to this pressure. In September of 1908, it announced the establishment of a limited system of free rural mail delivery, and within a month the first route was in service.
Location
In front of Springford Hall, County Road 19, Springford