The Cutler Mail Chute
The first Cutler Mail Chute was installed back in 1884 in a building in Rochester, NY. Who knows how many of these are still in active use. I read that in Manhattan and the Bronx alone, there are well over 900 still in operation. Although, as a matter of fire safety, they have been banned in new construction since 1997. Which makes good sense. I suppose. I just love that there was an entire industry devoted to designing, manufacturing and installing these things. And, if you live in a city, you have doubtless seen, or perhaps even used, one of these. I can’t quite describe the thrill of seeing my little envelope hurtling downward into the box on the ground floor!
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Thursday 10.27.11 at 7:55 pm
Hello,
My husband collects anything Cutler and has a beautiful collection of Cutler Mail Boxes, Pin Trays and like I said, anything Cutler. I was very interested in the comment that there are well over 900 still in operation in the Bronx alone. This is wonderful. It’s part of history that was American made, beautiful and functional. We saw one in Amarillo Texas and like you said, it was thrilling. If you have any more information, please contact us.
Thanks again,
Lynda & Kim Blake
Monday 06.24.13 at 3:41 pm
If you need to know or if you are collecting, Call me.
I was the Cutler, as well as other mailchutes/mailboxes distributor and service company in NYC and the tristate area since 1980.
I have over 100 floors of mailchutes, mailboxes, locks and more going back to 1883.
(845)222-6055
[email protected]
Tuesday 06.25.13 at 9:57 am
Wow, your collection sounds incredible! I will keep your number, and if, someday, I am up in your neck of the woods, I’ll drop a line.
Thursday 06.16.16 at 1:29 pm
Interesting, I just acquired 1 chute section, beautifully embossed with eagle and lettering, and the first floor wall box mail was deposited in. The box is great also, but most of the brass plating is gone. Still great!! But will probably sell them, have no place to put them in my house.