Wacky mailboxes

Ranger Rick, July, 2002 by Elizabeth Schleichert

Look where some people's mail is ending up these days! Many of the mailboxes on these pages are made of recycled bits of this or that--a tank, a bucket, chains, or flat pieces of metal. They're all awesome works of art that happen to hold mail too!

These do-it-yourself mailboxes may make passing cars slow or stop. And some have even led tour bus drivers out of their way--to give passengers a good look.

Which one would you want by your house? A tank-and-bucket creature like the one shown at left? Or a simple "bee" like the one below?

What about the bright yellow fish above? You've gotta love that metal Big Bird (red, not yellow!) clutching the egg with a look-alike chick (left). (Can you guess where the mail goes on this one?)

Whichever box you choose, one thing's for sure: With such an eye-popping creation at the end of your driveway, NOBODY will get lost trying to find your house!

Looks as if some animals have escaped from a barnyard and are heading down the road! The long-legged chicken at left prances by, all dressed up with red and white reflectors. The high-flying horse gallops along with its tail streaming merrily behind it (right).

The cow stares with wide eyes at the whole scene (small photo, below left). Check out her orange udder: It's made from the fingers of a rubber glove! And who knows what's up with the postal pig and its curlicue tail and perky ears (below). You can bet that little oinker can gobble up some mail!

Keep Your Eyes Open

Of course you won't see this many goofy mailboxes all in one place. (Some of these are as far away as Australia.) But maybe you know of a wacky box near you. Or maybe you'll see one this summer. If so, send us a photo! If possible, tell us the name of the road, town, and state where you saw it. Or design a silly mailbox of your own and send us a drawing of it. Here are the addresses:

Ranger Rick, Dept. MB
11100 Wildlife Center Dr.
Reston, VA 20190-5362

E-mail: rick@nwf.org

We enjoy seeing your pictures. Sorry we can't return them or publish all of them.