Vorgepostessene

Vorgepostessene, also known as the "pre-postal service," refers to a historical system of communication that predated the modern postal service. This system was used primarily in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, particularly in rural areas where regular postal delivery was not feasible. The term "vorgepostessene" is derived from the German words "vorgepostet," meaning "pre-posted," and "essene," meaning "to eat." The service was named after the practice of sending letters or parcels ahead of time, often by a trusted individual who would carry them to the nearest post office.

The pre-postal service was a crucial means of communication for farmers, merchants, and other individuals in remote areas. It allowed for the timely exchange of information, including market prices, weather forecasts, and personal correspondence. The "vorgepostessene" was typically carried out by a local messenger or courier who would collect letters and parcels from various households and deliver them to the post office. In return, the messenger would receive a small fee or other compensation.

The system was particularly useful in regions with poor road infrastructure or where horse-drawn carriages were the primary mode of transportation. It helped to bridge the gap between isolated communities and the rest of the world, facilitating economic and social interactions. However, the advent of the railway and the expansion of the postal service in the mid-19th century gradually rendered the pre-postal service obsolete. Today, the term "vorgepostessene" is largely historical, but it serves as a reminder of the ingenuity and resilience of early communication systems.