With a long and rich history, the U.S. Postal Service has helped foster and connect communities that defy geographical boundaries. One of these communities is the membership of the American Amateur Press Association (AAPA). We contacted AAPA’s Official Mailer Frederick Moe to learn more about AAPA’s mission and why they depend on a strong Postal Service to keep their organization running.
The American Amateur Press Association was founded in the 1930’s, back when “amateur” meant “hobby” and the word “blog” had yet to be invented. The AAPA brought people together who loved the letterpress and amateur journalism and wanted to create journals for the “sheer joy of doing it, without financial compensation.”
According to Moe, back then:
“People used to set type and print their own newsletters, booklets, and ephemera on a variety of topics and share them with one another. One person might write something about farming conditions and someone else might discuss favorite books that they had read recently. People shared recipes and family stories as well as deeper philosophies and ideas. Some members enjoyed designing fonts and illustrations. “
In the early days of the AAPA, members turned their garages and basements into printing shops to create everything ranging from “simple one-page sheets to almost book-like tomes.” The group did keep up with the times though. Eventually xerography and desktop publishing methods became popular among members as well.
Today’s members cover a wide swath of the American demographic. Like those in the early days of the organization, some members have professional experience in newspaper journalism or printing, but most members honed their craft as true amateurs.
Each month, members send Fred Moe, the AAPA official mailer, their publications for him to sort and compile. Fred sends out packages to the 170 members with each bundle usually consist of 12 to 15 member-created booklets, broadsides, and zines. Since each person’s journal is printed at various intervals, the contents of the bundle are a surprise to the members every time. The AAPA relies on the Postal Service’s timely services to ensure the bundle comes together each month—complete with an official AAPA news journal.
But the flow of mail does not stop when Fred sends out the bundle each month. Often, members share their thoughts and responses to particular pieces by mailing the author letters or postcards. The USPS continues to connect AAPA members in many ways throughout the month.
As Fred says:
“Mail delivery is at the heart of our AAPA community. Letterpress machines, foundry type, ink, paper and laser printers are the tools that we use, but the Postal Service is the essential ingredient that makes it all work. Without the Postal Service, the AAPA as we know it would disappear. We’re not interested in using any other delivery services because for almost 80 years, using the USPS has worked for us without fail.
Door-to-door delivery is important for our older members who may have difficulty with mobility or transportation. It is certainly important for me as the central mailer. My local letter carrier, Mike, brings package after package every month right to my kitchen door, no matter how heavy they may be. All of the postal workers in Warner know me personally and have contributed to making my venture as the AAPA mailer a success.”
This year, the American Amateur Press Association will be celebrating 78 years. Here’s wishing them another 78 with the support of a strong Postal Service!
