Abstract: A retractable and extendable mail box comprising a vertical support disposed adjacent and spaced from the side of a road, a horizontal support member mounted on the vertical support and extending toward the road, a platform hingedly connected to the horizontal support member, a mail box mounted on the platform, a spring and shock absorber to extend and retract the platform and associated mail box, and a semi-rigid pull member attached to the mail box and having a free end extending in a arc such that, in a retracted position of the mail box, the free end of the pull member is disposed at a position in the road or on the road's edge to which a snowbank or other physical barrier extends and blocks access to the retracted mail box, whereby, when the pull member is pulled downwardly, the platform and associated mail box are extended to an access position across the snowbank or other barrier.