“Mail on Wheels” book signing | PHOTOS

Key Takeaways:

• “Mail on Wheels” is a new children’s book centered on Carroll County’s first rural free delivery.
• Author Mona Kerby teaches in Graduate and Professional Studies at McDaniel College.
• The book was developed with support from Union Mills Homestead and the Historical Society of Carroll County.
• It underscores an important piece of local history.
• Originally covered by the Baltimore Sun on August 24, 2025.

Introduction

“Mail on Wheels” celebrates a defining piece of local heritage through a child-friendly lens. Written by educator Mona Kerby, the book documents the creation of Carroll County’s first rural free mail delivery, capturing the historical moment when letters and packages first rolled efficiently into remote areas for the benefit of the community.

The Historical Spark

At the heart of “Mail on Wheels” lies the true story of how rural free delivery began in Carroll County. This service transformed the way local residents received their mail, connecting them more closely to each other and to the greater region. By focusing on this milestone, the book serves as both an entertaining narrative and a window into an essential development in U.S. postal history.

About the Author

Mona Kerby, who teaches in Graduate and Professional Studies at McDaniel College, brings a strong educational perspective to the project. She leverages her background in children’s literature and her passion for local history to craft a story that resonates with young readers and their families. Kerby’s involvement in the campus community also ensures that “Mail on Wheels” is grounded in both scholarship and accessibility.

Partnerships and Community Involvement

This project received notable support from Union Mills Homestead and the Historical Society of Carroll County. Both organizations contributed essential insight and resources that helped shape the book’s historical accuracy. Their involvement underlines the strong sense of community pride in preserving and sharing Carroll County’s heritage with future generations.

Conclusion

“Mail on Wheels” serves not only as an engaging children’s book but also as a testament to the power of local stories. By depicting the origins of rural mail delivery, Kerby offers a reminder of how small changes—like regular routes for letters and parcels—can bring wider communities together. Through partnership with key local institutions, she preserves the history of Carroll County in a format that young readers—and the adults who guide them—can truly appreciate.