Topic starter
19/09/2011 10:48 am
Steamboating colleagues:
I'm not a stamp collector in any sense, but did want to call your attention to the relatively new U.S. Postal Service issue stamps honoring the 'U.S. MERCHANT MARINE.' This 20 stamp 'Forever' series honors the Merchant Marine helping to meet the nation's security needs while transporting commodities that sustain the American economy. Fine artist cut stamp plates in color are:
1. 1950s pioneer container ship. 2. World War II 'Liberty Ship.' 3. Clipper ship of the 1840s Gold Rush. 4. Sidewheel auxilary steamship: transatlantic mail/pssenger service.
My mail still goes out daily nearly by the pound. You do remember pre E=Mail days writing on paper, sealing in an envelope, sticking a stamp on to mail, don't you? Cheers.
R. Dale Flick
Coal Haven Landing, Ohio River, Cincinnati.
19/09/2011 3:12 pm
thanks for letting us know. Will make a request for those stamps at the local PO and see what kind of blank stare I get.
Topic starter
19/09/2011 3:35 pm
*RE: Post office "blank stares."
Hi, Lexie & Steamboating colleagues:
Yes, the above MERCHANT MARINE stamp issue is worth purchasing--if you can find them. At our post office they have a glass display cabinet featuring all types of stamps honoring this n' that to purchase.
Some years back an issue of stamps featuring steamboats appeared. England [UK to most] did a fine series years ago also of great steamships from the first BRITANNIA down to the QE-2. All well done and worth saving.
Hard to believe that in some distant parts of the world postage stamps still serve also as a kind of 'currency' in exchange. I'm sure you all remember the official post box with 'Steamboat cancellation' aboard the DELTA QUEEN some years ago. This one of Betty Blake's PR programs. I forget. Wasn't there a real metal red/white/blue mail box aboard the boat?
R. Dale Flick
Coal Haven Landing, Ohio River, Cincinnati.
19/09/2011 4:17 pm
There was a real red & white mailbox. It was located on a post between the Purser's Office and the Gift Shop.
19/09/2011 4:22 pm
The mailbox is still there. I wonder about the cancellation stamp though.