Home delivery has begun to make a comeback in the 21st century.
I was a "paperboy" as a youth.
It was a position eagerly sought by many of us in those days; being able to perform what certainly was an 'official' job of sorts at the age of 12, with pay and responsibilities.
I delivered the Vineland Times-Journal Monday through Saturday (they had no Sunday edition) which cost subscribers, at the time, 59 cents per week.
It built character, I'll say that. The only times my parents would drive me around to deliver the papers were those when it was impossible to operate a bicycle, such as 18-inch snowfalls or periods of flooding from heavy rain. Otherwise, it was a task akin to the Postal Service, but without the benefit of a little truck.
MORE: Vintage photos around New Jersey
Today, while newspapers are still delivered to homes, the concept of the paperboy or papergirl on a bicycle is fading away. Most deliverers maintain routes far larger than could be covered by bike and require cars to accomplish the job.
There's something odd about this photo; see the gallery for more information. There was a time not too long ago when neighborhoods hummed with commerce. Much like having a newspaper subscription, homeowners could 'subscribe' to the delivery of a number of other things that saved trips to the store.
Milkmen brought dairy products; laundry services picked up and delivered dry cleaning and diapers. You could order from the pharmacy by phone and have your prescription brought to you; regular visits were made by ice cream vendors, vegetable sellers and folks who'd sharpen your knives and scissors.
Home delivery has begun to make a comeback in the 21st century, with services including grocery delivery and pet grooming being used by more and more people. Even milk delivery is beginning to be seen again.
And one fond memory of our childhoods, ice cream trucks, still make their musical visits to neighborhoods. But it's unlikely that we'll ever experience the 'glory days' of home delivery again.
Here's a gallery of some of those vendors who came to our neighborhoods in the past. Can't get enough? Here's a link to last year's gallery.
Greg Hatala may be reached at ghatala@starledger.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find The Star-Ledger on Facebook.