Carriers' Addresses

Carriers' addresses were published by newspapers, usually on January 1, and distributed in the United States for more than two centuries. The custom originated in England and was introduced here during colonial times. The newsboys delivered these greetings in verse each New Year's Day and the customers understood that a tip was expected. The poems, often anonymous, describe the events of the past year, locally, regionally, and nationally, and end with a request for a gratuity for the faithful carrier. Often the poem referred to the carrier's diligence and hardships during winter weather. Illustrated with wood-engravings and decorative borders, carriers' addresses are distinctive examples of popular publishing in nineteenth century America. Brown University Library holds one of the largest collections of these charming works, in the Broadsides Collection and the Harris Collection of American Poetry and Plays.

Format(s): Books, Broadsides
Library: John Hay

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Access to the collection:

Online Catalog (BruKnow):
Individual records for most printed materials available on BruKnow

Other Online Access:
Exhibit: The Carriers' Address in Nineteenth Century America
Digital Collection: Carriers' Addresses Database

In-house Access to the Collection:
Database

Related Collections:
Broadsides Collection
Harris Collection of American Poetry and Plays Collection