Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte will continue the postal tradition of affixing a special postmark commemorating the 34-mile Barefoot Mailman Hike. Photo: Debra J. Fetterly
Boy Scouts and their leaders who hiked from Pompano Beach to Haulover Beach in 2016 are ready for a repeat performance this weekend, February 4-5. Photo: Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte
This hike honors the efforts of the 1890s South Florida letter carriers, known as the “Barefoot Mailmen,” who walked and carried mail on a four-day journey from Palm Beach to Miami. In October 1887, Carrier James Hamilton mysteriously disappeared along the journey. It is believed that he lost his life at Hillsboro Inlet, attempting to retrieve a dingy he used to get across the waterway. The annual Barefoot Mailman Hike commemorates these mailmen by completing Hamilton’s final route.
The Scouts and their scout leaders will hike the 34 miles, starting at Pompano Beach Pier and ending in South Beach. Participants will be carrying commemorative letters on their journey. And just like the Barefoot Mailmen, participants will be self-sufficient, carrying all their food, shelter, and items on their backs.
On Saturday night, February 4, participants will camp at Haulover Park at the end of their journey. On Sunday, February 5, at 1 p.m., Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte will affix a “Barefoot Mailman Station” special cancellation postmark to each commemorative letter. Barefoot Mailman Station will be located in a parking lot along Collins Avenue, between 21 Street and 22 Street.
Employees are invited to attend as an off-the-clock activity.
No comments:
Post a Comment