up to the late 50's flower orders were sent via Western Union to and from retail flower shops. In fact I operated a telex machine in the flower shop going directly to the local Western Union Office. It was big and clumsy but did the job. Then the phone took over where florist called direct. Now they use e mail .
those must have been the good old days.
I remember my parents telling me that they got a telegram from the Marine Corps when I arrived safely at boot camp in Parris Island back in 1981. I thought that was rather odd and this was a quarter century ago. I had no idea telegrams were still being used today.