Post Office puts stamp on Hebron’s 300th anniversary with souvenir postmark

Postal souvenir ‘rocks’ local program, notes Postmaster

What:
The United States Postal Service in Hebron joins the commemoration of the community’s 300th anniversary as part of local Memorial Day activities with a keepsake picture postmark — also known as a pictorial cancellation in collectors' circles — to be offered at a special booth at the event

Where:
Hebron Town Green on Main Street

When:
May 26, 2008 – Memorial Day

Background:
Postmaster Douglas Bardot said the picture postmark is free.

"We apply the postmark on any envelope, program, booklet or other item that has proper postage. That makes it a first class souvenir of the day," the postmaster said.

The postmark bears an image the town’s landmark eagle-shaped rock and the slogan, Hebron Rocks. "It's a postmark that is more than circles and bars," added Mr. Bardot. "It is a picture that tells a story that is as special as Hebron itself."

Mr. Bardot added that two popular stamps — the Forever Stamp featuring the Liberty Bell and Purple Heart stamps — will be provided on site, as will the new Elk envelope.

People attending the local event may obtain the postmark in person at the temporary Post Office station established there. Residents may then mail the item or request postal “hand-back service,” Mr. Bardot explained “Once postmarked, we do not ordinarily return mail to the customer,” he said. “But these are designed as souvenirs of our local history. Under those conditions, almost everyone wants a keeper or two. They make an affordable remembrance of the day.”

If you miss the postal station, but wish to obtain the postmark, you may submit a mail order request. Pictorial postmarks are available only with the dates indicated, and requests must be postmarked no later than 30 days following the requested pictorial postmark date.

Customers wishing to obtain a postmark should affix First-Class Mail postage to any envelope or postcard, address the envelope or postcard and tuck in the flap. Place the envelope or postcard in a larger envelope and addressed to Postmaster, 93 Main Street, Hebron CT 06248.

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