You have to pay for mail forwarding and in case for a address that old it probably didn't really something worthwhile. But we have email addresses now.
I recently changed my address and USPS charged me $1 to file the online mail forwarding form but I believe it's free if you go the post office or mail in the form (requires stamp). They will forward all mail to the new address for 18 months. After that I believe you can get a year extension but that will probably cost you another $1.
they claim thats there to verify you are really you who is trying to change the address.
you do not have to pay for mail forwarding with the us post office. i've moved twice in the past few years and have had a bunch of mail forwarded without ever paying for anything.