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Spotted…in Indiana: Unusual mailboxes greet Hoosier motorists.

January 21, 2021

1 Min Read
corn sheller mailbox
SHELL OUT THE MAIL: A mailbox attached to this old corn sheller near Churubusco, Ind., “shells” out mail every day. Jim and Pat Alspaugh

You never know what you will see driving rural roads in Indiana. Unusual mailboxes have been spotted all over the state. From an antique plow serving as a frame for a mailbox to an antique hit-and-miss engine being the centerpiece for mail delivery, Hoosiers find unique ways to receive their mail.

Here is another unique find. Thanks to Jim and Pat Alspaugh, Churubusco, for sending this picture of the corn sheller mailbox. Churubusco sits in northeastern Whitley County, touching the Allen County line. This corn sheller of unknown make and origin is doing a good job of protecting the mailbox.

From another time

Small corn shellers were popular on small farms when ear corn still dominated. The David Bradley corn sheller pictured below, repainted and partially restored, could be driven by a belt from a power source like an early tractor.

David Bradley belt-driven corn sheller

This sheller is in the Hancock County Ag Museum in Britt, Iowa. The historians who prepared it for display believe it was likely manufactured by the Stover Mfg. Co., Freeport, Ill., but sold by Sears, Roebuck and Co. Note that it is on small metal wheels with a tongue for transport. The discharge spout is missing on this unit.

If you spot something unusual on Indiana highways, send an email with a large-format, digital picture, preferably shot horizontally, to [email protected] or call 317-431-8766. If it is used in the Spotted…in Indiana column, you will receive a gift card.

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