Fun Facts of the Printing World

Who is the Most Famous Mail Carrier?

Did you know several famous figures once walked a mail route? It’s true, many well-known names got their start delivering letters and packages. It’s hard to pick just one standout, so here’s a quick look at some of the most notable former mail carriers.

Abraham Lincoln – Before he was president, he was a small-town postmaster.

Benjamin Franklin – The original Postmaster General played a pivotal role in shaping the entire U.S. postal system.

William Faulkner – The Nobel Prize winner, was once fired from his post office job for reading on the clock.

Bing Crosby - The legendary singer worked as a substitute and regular postal clerk in Spokane, Washington, back in 1921 

Walt Disney - In 1918, at age 16, Walt worked at the Chicago Post Office as a substitute mail carrier and mail sorter. 

Steve Carell - Worked as a rural mail carrier in Littleton, Massachusetts in 1985, during his early years before becoming famous. He’s described it as “the hardest job I ever had.” 

Morgan Freeman - Was a real-life mail carrier, specifically a substitute letter carrier in San Francisco, circa 1965.

It just goes to show that you never know where your path may lead you. 

The Concept of Promotional Products Surfaced in 1789

Promotional products actually date back to the founding of our country? It’s true! The first known promotional products in America were created all the way back in 1789, when George Washington was President of the United States. Back then, supporters of Washington wanted to show their pride and rally others, so they crafted commemorative buttons featuring slogans and images that celebrated his election. These buttons weren’t just decorative; they were a way for people to publicly display their support, similar to how we wear team jerseys, campaign pins, or branded T-shirts today.

These simple metal buttons kicked off an entire industry of custom items designed to spread messages, build loyalty, and unite groups. Here at Hatteras, we continue this long-standing tradition by helping people create custom items that promote their brands, celebrate milestones, or simply bring people together. Whether it’s a screen-printed hoodie, an embroidered hat, or a direct mail piece, these products do more than just carry a logo, they tell a story, build connections, and create memorable experiences.

So the next time you pick up a branded pen or put on a T-shirt with a company’s name on it, remember: you’re part of a tradition that stretches all the way back to America’s earliest days.

If you ever want to explore how promotional products can help your business stand out, boost customer loyalty, or add some fun to your marketing, we’re always here to bring your ideas to life.

Does “Rocky” Wear the World's Most Famous Sweatshirt?

It might be. First worn by Sylvester Stallone in the original Rocky film in 1976, the plain gray sweatshirt became an instant symbol of grit, determination, and underdog spirit. In the iconic training scene, Rocky Balboa jogs through the streets of Philadelphia and famously sprints up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, hood up, sweat flying, eyes locked. That scene is pop culture history, and so is the hoodie.

Since then, the gray hoodie has become a symbol of perseverance for athletes and everyday people who wear it as a sign of pushing through challenges. It’s been remade, referenced, and reimagined by brands. While many hoodies have become trendy over the years, few carry the emotional weight and universal recognition of the Rocky hoodie.

Watch the iconic scene on YouTube

Deltiology is the Third-Largest Collectible Hobby in the World

Mark Twain's The Adventures of Tom Sawyer was the first novel ever written on a typewriter. Before typewriters, authors wrote everything by hand. They used pens dipped in ink and wrote on paper, which could be slow and messy. Mistakes had to be crossed out or the page rewritten entirely. Some writers hired assistants, called copyists or scribes, to rewrite their manuscripts neatly for publishers. Using a typewriter made the process faster and more efficient. Pages could be typed quickly and were easier to read and edit.

Although early typewriters did not have many features, like lowercase letters or correction tools, it was a significant step forward. Mark Twain’s use of the typewriter helped pave the way for a new era of writing, where authors could work faster and keep better drafts. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer became a literary classic and marked a turning point in how books were created. Mark Twain’s progressive approach helped shape the future of writing. His influence extended beyond storytelling as he helped change how stories were written. 

Deltiology is the Third-Largest Collectible Hobby in the World

Deltiology might sound like something you'd study in a laboratory, but it’s one of the world’s largest hobbies. Derived from the Greek word “deltos,” meaning “writing tablet,” deltiology is the study and collection of postcards.

Deltiology is the third-largest collectible hobby in the world, after coins and stamps. The term deltiology was coined in the 1940s, but the passion for collecting postcards goes back to the late 19th century. The earliest recognized postcards were sent in the 1860s.  The years 1900-1920 are called the “Golden Age of Postcards”. During this time, it was common for people to send postcards as frequently as we send text messages today. In fact, between 1907 and 1915, the U.S. Postal Service processed nearly a billion postcards each year.

Deltiology is appealing because it mixes history, geography, design, and human connection. Each postcard is a tiny time capsule. Deltiologists often collect by theme, such as holidays, cities, transportation, or famous events. Believe it or not, some postcards are incredibly valuable. Rare cards from the early 1900s or those with misprints, unusual subjects, or historical significance can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. 

The Supreme Court Protects Your Right to Display a Lawn Sign on Your Property

In 2015, in the landmark case Reed v. Town of Gilbert from Gilbert, Arizona, the Court ruled that sign restrictions based solely on the content of the message were unconstitutional. The Court found that the sign code violated the First Amendment’s protection of free speech by discriminating against certain types of messages.

The ruling in Reed v. Town of Gilbert has significant implications for local governments and their ability to regulate signs. This means that government regulations must be content-neutral, treating all forms of expression equally under the law. When using lawn signs to share a personal opinion, a local cause, or promote your business, your voice is protected.

The Bible is the Top Selling Book of All Time

The Bible is the world’s best-selling book, with estimates suggesting over 5 billion copies have been distributed globally. Its massive sales are not confined to one country or language—it's been translated into over 3,000 languages, making it accessible to people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. 

This level of distribution is unmatched by any other book in history. The Bible’s popularity is partly due to its deep cultural, religious, and historical influence. For centuries, it has been the spiritual guide for billions of Christians and Jews, but it also has had a significant impact on art, literature, law, and moral philosophy. Many Western legal systems are built upon principles derived from biblical teachings.

Valentine’s Day Cards Have Been a Cherished Tradition Since the 1840s

The first mass production of Valentine’s Day cards began in the 1840s. An American entrepreneur, Esther Howland, is known to be the “Mother of the American Valentine.”

Inspired by the intricate and elegant designs of European Valentine’s cards, Howland made her own with lace, ribbons, and colorful pictures. Recognizing the immense business potential, she embarked on a groundbreaking venture, producing these cards in large quantities. Through her New England Valentine Company, she established one of the first commercial Valentine’s card businesses in the United States.

Her remarkable success not only popularized Valentine’s Day as a major card-giving occasion but also laid the foundation for future giants like Hallmark to further expand and enrich this cherished tradition in the early 20th century.

Coca-Cola Displayed the World's First and Largest 3D Robotic Billboard

In August 2017, Coca-Cola unveiled a groundbreaking advertising display in New York City's Times Square: the world's first and largest 3D robotic billboard. The sign, 68 feet tall and 42 feet wide, earned two Guinness World Records titles: "The Largest 3D Robotic Billboard" and "The First 3D Robotic Billboard."

Designed and manufactured by a company named Yaham, the billboard comprises 1,760 independently moving LED cubes. Each cube is programmed to move synchronously with the displayed content. There are an estimated 300,000 daily visitors in Times Square.

The development of this six-story billboard took over four years. The goal was to create a "pause-and-refresh moment" in Times Square. Coca-Cola has displayed signs in Times Square since 1920. The original sign debuted at 49th Street and Broadway.  Neon lighting was added in 1923.  

Over 2 Billion T-shirts Are Sold Worldwide Every Year

Over 2 billion T-shirts are sold worldwide every year, highlighting their universal appeal and versatility. This massive demand spans all demographics, making T-shirts one of the most popular clothing items globally. From casual everyday wear to promotional merchandise, T-shirts serve multiple purposes in fashion, business, and self-expression. They are a blank canvas for creativity, allowing individuals to showcase their personality, beliefs, and affiliations through various designs, colors, and prints.

Brands, organizations, and events rely on them for affordable, customizable marketing tools, while consumers appreciate their comfort, affordability, and ease of styling. T-shirts can be easily personalized with logos, slogans, or artwork, making them an effective medium for spreading messages and building brand identity.

Fast fashion, online retail, and low-cost manufacturing have contributed to this surge, making t-shirts one of the most produced and consumed garments worldwide.

The Concept of the Envelope Dates Back Thousands of Years

The envelope, as we know it today, evolved from ancient practices of wrapping documents in materials for protection and confidentiality. The concept dates back thousands of years, with early versions used by ancient civilizations like the Babylonians, who would encase clay tablets in outer layers of clay, serving as a "seal" to safeguard the information inside. The clay would have to be broken upon delivery to access the contents. 

During this era, the average citizen couldn’t read or write, so it was only the rich who used envelopes to keep communications from prying eyes. It would also have been obvious if anyone had tampered with the letter, as the envelope would have been cracked. In the 2nd century BC, the Chinese developed paper, which led to the use of folded paper to conceal letters. However, it wasn’t until the mid-19th century that envelopes became a common part of communication, especially with the rise of the postal system. Two archaeologists, Jacques de Morgan, and Roland de Mecquenem, found examples of early clay envelopes during separate archaeological digs in the Middle East in 1901 and again in 1907.

Approximately 158,464,880 Unique Books are in the World

This is a challenging question to answer. The ISBN database boasts a list of over 34 million unique ISBNs, which are used to classify books—but that would not be the correct answer. (ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number)

Experts think Google had the best estimate. In 2010, Google tried to count how many books were worldwide, counting 129,864,880. Beginning with the invention of the printing press in 1440, Google gathered data from ISBNs, libraries, and other sources to reach its number. However, the company did not count journals, individual essays, serials, etc.  Some believe Google’s number may include duplicates.

So, how many books are in the world as of 2023? UNESCO estimates that 2.2 million books are published every year. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, better known as UNESCO, is a leading source for information regarding publishing statistics.

The organization estimates that 2.2 million new titles are published annually, so if we add that number to Google’s count, we can surmise that there are roughly 158,464,880 unique books worldwide as of 2023.

Source:  ISBNDB.com 

Politicians Had to Spread Their Agenda Via Word of Mouth

Did you know that before the Renaissance, politicians had to spread their agenda via word of mouth? The printing press aided in the spread of political agendas and made election season continue with ease.

Printed propaganda became a powerful tool for politicians to spread their ideas, promote their campaigns, and influence public opinion. Pamphlets, books, and posters could now be mass-produced and distributed widely, reaching broader audiences than ever before. This democratization of information allowed political figures to engage directly with citizens and shape public discourse on a larger scale.

The printing press facilitated the rapid spread of new political ideas and debates, contributing to the intellectual and cultural ferment of the Renaissance period. It empowered politicians to communicate more effectively and harness public support through printed propaganda, marking a significant shift in political communication strategies.  

What are the Five Most Overused Fonts for Advertising? 

Color Psychology is Considered a Controversial Method of Persuasion

Color psychology in marketing is considered a controversial method of persuasion. This stems from the ethical debate surrounding the manipulation of consumer emotions and behavior through color, yet, it's a common strategy we see from companies all around us. 

Did you know that the color red can subconsciously increase your heart rate? It's one of the fascinating quirks of color psychology in marketing. Red is often associated with urgency and excitement, triggering a sense of immediacy in consumers. That's why you'll often find it used in clearance sales or promotional offers, encouraging shoppers to hurry and act quickly.

But it's not just red that wields psychological power in marketing. Blue, on the other hand, is known for its calming effect. Brands like Facebook and PayPal utilize blue in their logos to evoke a sense of trust and reliability. Yellow is another intriguing color. It's often associated with positivity and energy, making it an ideal choice for brands aiming to convey a sense of happiness or optimism.

Think of brands like McDonald's, whose iconic golden arches instantly evoke feelings of joy and warmth. Color psychology plays a significant role in shaping consumer perceptions and behavior.

Whether it's evoking a sense of urgency, building trust, or radiating positivity, the colors chosen by marketers can have a profound impact on how we perceive and interact with brands.

What Does the Japanese Term "Tsundoku" Mean?

Tsundoku is a Japanese term that refers to the act of acquiring books but letting them pile up in one's home without reading them. The word originated in the late 19th century. It combines two words: "tsunde" (to stack things) and "oku" (to leave for a while). Essentially, it describes the habit of collecting books but not actually reading any of them. This results in a growing stack of unread books. The term is often used to humorously describe someone who is an avid book collector but struggles to find the time to read all the books they acquire. 

There are some benefits of practicing Tsundoku. It can be a way to support your local bookstore or library. It can also be a way to show your interest in a particular topic or author. Statistician Nassim Nicholas Taleb believes surrounding ourselves with unread books enriches our lives and reminds us of all we don't know. 

The Famous Rolling Stones Logo Was Designed in 1970

The famous Rolling Stones tongue and lips logo was designed by John Pasche, a British graphic designer. Pasche created the iconic logo in 1970 while studying at the Royal College of Art in London. The design has become one of music and popular culture's most recognizable and enduring symbols. 

The story behind the inspiration for the design reportedly came from Mick Jagger's large lips and the rebellious attitude of the Rolling Stones. Another theory is that Pasche was inspired by a medieval painting of the Hindu goddess Kali. The logo has been featured on numerous albums, merchandise, and promotional materials, solidifying its place as one of history's most iconic and enduring band logos.

“Dew-it-with-Dewey” – Was the First Political T-shirt

It is believed that the first t-shirt used as a marketing promotional tool is often attributed to the 1948 US presidential campaign.  Thomas E Dewey ran for president as the Republican candidate against incumbent Harry S Truman.  The Dewey campaign distributed t-shirts featuring a simple slogan: “Dew it for Dewey.”

These promotional T-shirts were a fun and effective way to engage supporters and spread the campaign message. The idea caught on, and since then, t-shirts have increasingly become a popular and widespread medium for promoting various causes, events, and brands. 

The First Adhesive Postage Stamp Was Invented by Sir Roland Hill

The first adhesive postage stamp, known as the Penny Black, was invented by Sir Rowland Hill. Sir Rowland Hill was a British educator who proposed the concept of prepaid postage and introduced the adhesive stamp.

The Penny Black was issued in the United Kingdom on May 1, 1840. It featured a profile of Queen Victoria and was printed in black ink on a small piece of paper. Sir Rowland Hill's idea of prepaid postage and the introduction of the adhesive stamp revolutionized the postal system, making it more accessible, efficient, and affordable.

The success of the Penny Black laid the foundation for modern postal services worldwide.

The "I❤️NY" T-Shirt is The World's Most Famous T-Shirt

The "I ❤️ NY" t-shirt is arguably the most recognized t-shirt in the world. The history of the shirt is tied to a larger marketing and branding campaign for the city. The logo was created in 1977 by Milton Glaser. The marketing campaign was started to promote tourism in New York.

At the time, New York City was facing economic challenges, and there was a need to revitalize the city's image. It is said that Glaser created the "I ❤️ NY" logo on a scrap of paper during a taxi ride. The campaign was an immediate success and helped contribute to the city's resurgence. The "I ❤️ NY" t-shirt has become a fashion statement and cultural phenomenon.  

The Christmas Card Was Invented in 1843

Sir Henry Cole was a busy English socialite who struggled to respond to all the written correspondence sent by his many friends.  Sir Cole had an ingenious idea.  He asked his friend, J.C. Horsely, who was an artist,  to draw an idea Cole had sketched out.  

Cole took that drawing - a picture of a family sitting at a table celebrating a holiday - and had one thousand copies printed by a local printer.  The image was printed on thicker paper and was around 5 ⅛ x 3 ¼ in size.  At the top was printed: “A Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year To You”.

The World's Smallest Printed Book Fits on the Width of a Human Hair!

In 2007, Canadian author Charlotte Elizabeth printed the world's smallest book, which measures 0.07x0.10mm. Small enough to fit on the width of a human hair!

The book's name is ”Teeny Ted from Turnip Town.” The book’s content consists of 30 micro-pages containing text and illustrations that require a microscope to be legible.

Due to the minuscule size of “Teeny Ted from Turnip Town,” it is often considered a marvel in micro-printing and has earned a place in the Guinness World Records as the world’s smallest printed book.

The image above reads, "Teeny Ted from Turnip Town a success story by Malcolm Douglas Chaplin BA" 

The First Post Office in America Was Established Almost 400 Years Ago!

Did you know that the first post office in the United States was established on July 26th, 1639? The first post office was located in Boston, Massachusetts, and was placed near the waterfront. This was a purposeful location due to sending and receiving mail from ships and other modes of transportation. 

The first postmaster was Richard Fairbanks. As postmaster, he was responsible for overseeing the operations of the post office, which was mainly handling incoming and outgoing mail. The invention of the post office provided a central location for collecting and distributing mail. The early post office not only facilitated communication but also played a role in disseminating newspapers, promoting trade, and fostering connections between different regions. Overall, the first post office contributed to the growth of commerce and the exchange of ideas.

The Highest Print Run In History

J.K. Rowling set the world record for the highest print run of any book when she published Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.  

The first order of printing was a whopping 12 million copies! Scholastic used three printers and multiple bindery houses to produce the books.  No other book publication has come close to that size of an order.

The Hollywood Sign is the Most Famous and Recognizable Sign

Since 1923, this sign has been looming over the town and celebrating the LA community. This sign was originally built for a real estate advertisement however, now the sign is a cultural icon that represents the entertainment industry and the glamor of Hollywood.

The Hollywood sign symbolizes the American Dream and even has come to represent the hopes and dreams of people all over the world.

Comic Sans is One of the Most Hated Fonts by Designers

Comic Sans has been widely regarded as the most hated font by graphic designers. Although there has been no formal vote or survey conducted by a specific organization. Instead, it has evolved over time through discussions and opinions in the design communities. The font was designed for a playful and casual appearance. However, it is often misused in formal documents and serious communications. This has led to a perception of unprofessionalism. 

Comic Sans was created by Vincent Connare, a British typographer and font designer. The font was designed in 1994 while Connare was working at Microsoft. The font was initially intended for use in a specific software called Microsoft Bob, which had a cartoon-like interface.

Helvetica is the Most Popular Font Ever Used

Did you know that the font Helvetica is one of the most popular fonts ever used?  Helvetica was named Neue Haas Grotesk and was developed by Swiss typeface designers Max Miedinger and Eduard Hoffmann in 1957. Over the years, the typeface has been updated with different weights, styles, and sizes.

After some reworkings in 1983, this font was modified and known as subset Neue Helvetica.  Today the original Helvetica family consists of 34 different font weights. Some of the largest corporations in the world use this extremely popular font.  BMW, Target, Jeep, Microsoft, Apple, NASA, and the US Government all use the Helvetica typeface.  

National Dog Bite Prevention Week Was April 9-15th 2023

In 2022 the US Postal Service reported that more than 5,300 postal employees had been attacked by dogs nationwide. To highlight this serious issue the US Postal Service has begun a campaign to educate the public using the hashtag: #dogbiteawareness

The US Postal Service also dedicates a week every year to help educate the public on helpful do’s and don’t when it comes to receiving your mail - and to stress the importance of responsible pet ownership. Even friendly dogs instinctively will want to protect their family and home.

Here are some of the helpful Do’s:

• When a letter carrier comes to your house, keep animals inside or behind a fence.
• Keep pets on a leash at all times
• Teach children in your home about how to care for their pets and protect mail carriers

Do Not:

• Do not accept mail from the carrier directly. Dogs can feel this is a threat. Mail should be placed in your mailbox not handed to anyone. 

Once Upon a Time, It Was Legal to Mail a Baby in the United States!

Smithsonian curator, Nancy Pope, confirmed and documented in her article “Very Special Deliveries” that several children, including one 14-pound baby, were stamped, mailed, and delivered by the US Post Office between 1914-1915. 

According to Pope, there were few postal regulations and they failed to specify what could and could not be mailed via the postal service. In January 1913 an unnamed baby boy in Batavia, Ohio was delivered by postal carrier to his grandmother about one mile away. Pope writes that “The boy’s parents paid 15 cents for the stamps and even insured their son for $50”.

Pope also details that the longest trip taken by a “mailed” child was in 1915 when a six -year old girl traveled from Pensacola, Florida to Christiansburg, Virginia. The 50-pound little girl made the 721-mile trip on the mail train for just 15 cents in postal stamps.  

The Post Office officially stopped “baby mail” in 1915 after regulators barred the mailing of human beings. Today the USPS regulations allow the mailings of live animals, including chickens, reptiles, and bees - but no more babies.

The Hulk Wasn't Always Green

Marvel's The Incredible Hulk was not always the recognizable green that we all know and grew up with. The Incredible Hulk was created by super hero extraordinaire Stan Lee. After writing the first issue of his Incredible Hulk comic, Lee took his drawings to be printed. Lee originally envisioned The Hulk to be the color gray. Lee was hoping his character would have mass appeal and didn’t want him to have any one ethnicity. However, the printer struggled to keep the gray consistent on every page.

For the 2nd issue, Lee changed the color of his famous character to green. The printer found it was easier to print in green rather than gray. Lee later said in an interview, "It turned out to be a great choice. By making him green, I was able to give him nicknames like "the jolly green giant" so I'm very glad we made him green."

KISS Teams Up With Marvel Comics

In 1977 at the peak of their popularity, the famous rock band KISS teamed up with Marvel Comics and created a special edition (and at the time very controversial) comic book. The four members of the supergroup KISS traveled with Stan Lee to the Marvel Comics printing facility in Buffalo, New York.

A nurse drew blood from each member of the group (Gene Simmons, Paul Stanely, Peter Criss, and Ace Frehley). The event was even recorded by a notary public to confirm authenticity. Their blood was then mixed with red ink and used to print their special edition comic book ”A Marvel Comic Super Special!:  KISS”.

This comic turned out to be a success and sold over 500,000 copies. It was Marvel’s best-selling single issue for several years until the 1990s with the relaunch of Spider-Man.

The Postmaster General is the Next Highest-Paying Federal Government Employee

The postmaster general is the next highest-paying federal government employee after the U.S. President and even makes more than our vice president.  The U.S. president Joe Biden, earns a base salary of $400,000 a year.

In June of 2020, Louis DeJoy was appointed as the 75th postmaster general in the United States. His current salary is $305,681.00 - which is surprisingly higher than any other federal government official including our vice president who earns $235,100 per year.  

Paper was invented around 100 BC in China. 

In 105 AD, a Chinese government official, Ts’ai Lun was the first person to start the paper-making industry. It is thought he made paper by mixing finely chopped mulberry bark and hemp rags with water, mashing it to pulp and laying it flat, and then pressing out the water and letting it dry in the sun.

Previously, people communicated by carving pictures and symbols into tree bark or painted on cave walls or clay tablets. It took almost 300 years for Ts'ai’s “paper” to travel to the region that is now known as the Middle East.

Edible Ink Was a Gourmet Treat

Using a Canon i560 inkjet printer, Chef Humaro Cantu of Moto in Chicago, Illinois, began producing edible sushi in 2005. Chef Cantu prepared some of the most mouthwatering sushi plates for his guests while using edible ink.

Although the restaurant is now closed, at the time people offered to pay up to $240 to sample his unique menu.

Benjamin Franklin Was the First Postmaster General in U.S. History

Benjamin Franklin was the first Postmaster General of the United States. He was appointed in 1775. Prior to this, the American colonies had their own postal systems.

Franklin played a key role in establishing a more organized postal system for the newly formed United States. Franklin established mail delivery routes and setting postal rates. 

Printing Presses Became Battlefield Allies During the Civil War!

It's hard to imagine, but soldiers used printing presses on the battlefield during the Civil War. Printing presses played a significant role in passing along information, propaganda, and orders to troops during the war. Printing presses were portable and could be transported among armies.

Presses were operated by soldiers who had some experience or were trained to run the presses. Printed material served multiple purposes, like boosting morale, spreading propaganda, and providing information about military operations. Both Union and Confederate armies recognized the importance of effective communication. The printed newspapers were called "camp newsletters" or "soldiers' newspapers" and helped connect soldiers with the latest news on the war's progress. 

Print Messaging is Less Annoying than Internet Messaging

Printing has been found to be 43% less annoying than the internet. Customers are often perturbed by the large number of junk emails, pop-up ads, and unsolicited online promotions that crowd their digital spaces daily.

Surprisingly, traditional print media—be it a well-crafted catalog, a personalized letter, or a thoughtful thank-you note—is often appreciated. Unlike digital messages, which are often dismissed with a swipe or a click, printed materials invite engagement and linger in the recipient's physical world, creating a meaningful and lasting impression.