Only in Indiana! These unusual mailboxes might make you want to sign up to be a mail carrier, just to see what you could spot every day! These two boxes aren’t on the same mail route.

The old-fashioned engine holding up the mailbox in the photo above helps protect mail for Allen King at King Farms near Rushville. Find it on County Road 600 South, just west of Indiana Highway 3. David Hedrick, who spotted this mailbox, reports that the name of the company stamped on the casting of the engine is Houston, Stanwood & Gamble Co., Cincinnati, USA.

While on a different trip, Hedrick spotted what looks like a giant insect, perhaps a praying mantis, fashioned out of metal. He wonders if it is “praying for mail.” Or maybe it’s programmed to pray for no bills! This mailbox sits along Indiana Highway 9, south of Hope, in Bartholomew County.  

GIANT INSECT ON THE LOOSE! If you were the mail carrier, wouldn’t you smile every time you delivered mail here?

Hedrick is quickly becoming a master at spotting unusual things in rural Indiana. Look for more from him in the future.

Meanwhile, what have you spotted along Indiana’s highways and back roads? Send us a picture of it, preferably a large-format, horizontal digital picture, and as much information as you can. If we print it, we will send you a gift card.

Email [email protected]. Or write and include a picture to: P.O. Box 247, Franklin, IN 46131. And we’re still waiting for someone to spot the flying tractor! It’s not even on a back road.