Letterboxing (hobby)

Tompkins Square Park Central Knoll

Letterboxing is an outdoor recreational activity that combines elements of orienteering, art, and puzzle solving. Participants seek out hidden containers, known as "letterboxes," by following clues and solving puzzles. Letterboxes are typically hidden in publicly accessible places such as parks, forests, and urban areas.

History

The origins of letterboxing can be traced back to Dartmoor, England, in 1854. A local guide named James Perrott is credited with starting the hobby when he left his calling card in a bottle for visitors to find at Cranmere Pool. Over time, the activity evolved, and enthusiasts began leaving self-addressed postcards or notebooks for others to find and sign.

Equipment

Participants, known as "letterboxers," typically carry a few essential items:

• A personal rubber stamp to mark their visits in the logbooks found in letterboxes.
• An ink pad for stamping.
• A notebook or logbook to collect stamps from the letterboxes they find.
• Clues or maps to locate the letterboxes.

Finding Letterboxes

Letterboxers use a variety of methods to find letterboxes:

• Clues: Written descriptions or riddles that guide participants to the letterbox.
• Maps: Some letterboxes are located using detailed maps.
• GPS coordinates: While not as common as in geocaching, some letterboxes provide GPS coordinates.

Types of Letterboxes

There are several types of letterboxes, including:

• **Traditional Letterboxes**: These contain a logbook and a rubber stamp.
• **Hitchhiker Letterboxes**: These are smaller letterboxes that travel from one location to another.
• **Personal Traveler Letterboxes**: These are carried by letterboxers and can only be stamped by meeting the owner.

Letterboxing Communities

Letterboxing has a strong community aspect, with enthusiasts often sharing their experiences and clues online. There are several websites and forums dedicated to the hobby, where participants can exchange information and plan events.

Letterboxing in Popular Culture

Letterboxing has been featured in various media and has inspired similar activities such as geocaching. It continues to be a popular pastime for those who enjoy outdoor activities and treasure hunting.

See Also

• Geocaching
• Orienteering
• Treasure hunting

External Links

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