Miami Beach, FL — A Feb. 5 pictorial postmark from the U.S. Postal Service will commemorate this weekend’s Boy Scouts of America --- South Florida Council’s 58th Annual Barefoot Mailman Hike.

The term “barefoot mailman” refers to the carriers on the first U.S. Mail route (1885-1892) between Palm Beach and the settlements around the body of water known as Lake Worth on the north, and Miami, Coconut Grove, and Lemon City to the south. In October 1887, Carrier James Hamilton, the most famous  of the barefoot mailmen, mysteriously disappeared along the journey. It is believed he lost his life at the Hillsboro Inlet, attempting to retrieve a dingy he used to get across the waterway.

This weekend (Feb. 4-5) approximately 200 South Florida scouts and scout leaders will hike 34 miles along portions of the historic beach trail. Modern-day participants will be carrying commemorative letters on their journey. And just like the Barefoot Mailmen, they will be self-sufficient, carrying food, water, and camping equipment. Saturday night, Feb. 4, participants will camp at Haulover Park in Miami Beach. Scouts and scout leaders, some barefoot and blistered, will complete the journey the next morning.

On Sunday, Feb. 5, postal officials will affix a “Barefoot Mailman Station” pictorial postmark (above) on the scouts’ letters on the beach. South Floridians also may obtain a postmark by addressing their requests to Barefoot Mailman Station, Postmaster, 2200 NW 72 Ave, Suite 514, Miami, FL 33152-9998. Affix stamps to an envelope, address it to themselves or others, and insert a card of postcard thickness, and then place in a larger, stamped envelope for mailing.

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