Philip b downing mailbox inventor

Born in Providence, Rhode Island on March 22, 1857, Philip Downing would go on to live a life of creation.

The son of well-known abolitionist and business owner George T. Downing and Serena L. deGrasse, Philip Bell Downing grew up around influential leaders from birth.

His grandfather, Thomas Downing, had been born to emancipated parents in Virginia. A successful businessman, Thomas Downing played an important role in founding the United Anti-Slavery Society of the City of New York in the mid-1830s. And Phillip was there the whole time soaking up game.

Black creativity is in everything.

One of six children, Philip Downing spent his childhood in several cities. Like all great inventors, he discovered a need and filled it.

Back then, anyone interested in mailing a letter would have to make the long trip to the brev office. Philip Downing designed a metal box with four legs, which he patented on October 27, 1891. What’s known today as a mailbox,

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Philip B. Downing facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Philip Bell Downing
Born	March 22, 1857 Providence, Rhode Island
Died	June 8, 1934 Boston, Massachusetts
Nationality	African American
Occupation	Inventor
Years active	77
Known for	Inventing the street letter box, and operating street railway switches.

Philip B. Downing (1857-1934) was an African American inventor from Providence, Rhode Island. He best known for his two most significant inventions, the street letter box, and operating street railway switches. Philip had a long career in Boston, Massachusetts as a postal clerk, retiring in 1927 after working for more than thirty years.

In the late nineteenth century and the early twentieth century, at least five patents were filed by Philip with the United States Patent Office. The most significant and recognized inventions of his were the street letter box, and the operating street railway switches.

Shortly after 1880 when Philip met and

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Philip B. Downing

African American inventor

Philip Bell Downing
Born	March 22, 1857 Providence, Rhode Island
Died	June 8, 1934 (aged 77) Boston, Massachusetts
Nationality	American
Occupation	Inventor
Years active	28
Known for	Patented a street letter box, and operating street railway switches.

Phillip Bell Downing (March 22, 1857- June 8 1934) was an African-Americaninventor from Providence, Rhode Island. He is known for his most significant invention, the operating street railway switch. This allowed the switches to be opened or closed by using a brass arm located next to the brake handle on the platform of the car. It also allowed the switches to be changed automatically in some cases. He also aided in the development of the current day Street Mailbox. He also patented an anti tampering function in the mailbox (though not the only one). The function protected the mail inside the box from the elements when the flap is open