Final answer:
The post office introduced a system in 1896 that enabled direct home deliveries of packages, leading to the permanent establishment of rural free delivery by 1902. This advancement connected rural residents with the rest of the country and allowed them to participate in the growing mail-order economy. Despite technological advancements in communication, mail continued to be a vital service, especially in rural areas.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 1896, the post office introduced a system that brought packages directly to every home, including those in rural areas where over sixty percent of the population lived. Prior to this, rural inhabitants would have to collect their mail from the nearest town's post office. The postal department began experimenting with deliveries to individual farms and, by 1902, rural free delivery became permanent. This significant development in their mail rights meant that rural residents could now enjoy the same level of postal service as city dwellers. Not only did this enhance communication, but it also supported a growing mail-order market, enabling isolated consumers to have the same access to products as those in urban areas, as evidenced by the booming success of the Sears catalog.
Mail in the early 20th century was transported through various means depending on the carrier's resources, often by horse and wagon. Yet, this period also saw rapid advancements in communication technology, such as the introduction of telephone networks, which began to change the landscape of personal and business communication significantly. Nonetheless, the mail remained a fundamental service, particularly for those in rural areas, and the system utilized numerous methods to facilitate mail movement across different terrains.