The History of the Chain Letter: How and where it all began…

You check your inbox. It’s completely full. And at the top is yet another chain letter. The chain letter might seem like a minor annoyance, clogging up your inbox. But it actually has deeper roots, making its debut over 100 years ago.

The famous chain letter originated in the “small” town of Chicago during 1888. The idea was the brainchild of an interesting man – with high hopes of raising money for a charitable cause.

Starting with Dimes

The letters were sent by a Methodist academy for women missionaries. The school was struggling with debt and the founder came up with a plan. He decided to send letters, asking every person receiving the letter to send a dime. Then, make three copies of the letter and ask friends to do the same thing. 

The chain letter was born.

The concept quickly spread across the world, with Britain adopting the new trend. In the U.S., a new cause was launched. Letters were sent on behalf of the Spanish-American War Soldier’s fund.

Recipients were urged not to break the chain, which would dishonor the men who sacrificed their lives. Quickly chain letters took on a life of their own.

Exploitation of the Chain Letter

The dark side of chain letters was revealed when con-artists devised new scams for profit.  For example, there was the “Self Help Mutual Advance Society” in London that combined the exponential growth of chains letters, with a pyramid scheme payment structure.

Recipients were asked to mail dimes to previous senders, while adding their name to a list. Eventually, their name would rise to the top of the list, showering them with coins. Unfortunately, this never happened.

U.S. Postal Service Says “No More”

The U.S. Postal Service had enough by 1899. They declared the “dime letter” chains a violation of lottery laws and prohibited the letters through mail.

However, this wasn’t the end for chain letters.

Distribution moved to telegraph and hand delivery. Then, with the internet revolution – came the internet chain letter. Even though the chain letter is nearly 100 years old, it continues to make a comeback.

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