A phrase from historical newspaper personal ads, explained with real examples from the archive.
Mail held at the post office for a person to collect, with no street address needed.
| Type | Historical phrase |
|---|---|
| Earliest example in the archive | January 10, 1905, New Haven Union |
| Most common | 1850s to the 1920s |
Some writers skipped the newspaper's reply box and asked for letters by name at the post office instead. The 1905 New Haven ad ends Mable Dodge, General Delivery, City.
Sources: USPS, What is General Delivery?.
MIDDLE-AGED lady would like to meet congenial gentleman; object sociability. Mable Dodge, General Delivery, City.
General delivery still exists at many US post offices.
All dictionary entries · The Personals Archive · How to write a personal ad
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