The latest new stamp from Mick’s Local Post in Oregon pays homage to Thomas Pynchon’s The Crying of Lot 49.
According to a release included with the copy of the stamp I received, the “1” on the stamp indicates it is intended for local use.
Purgatory Post Harriet E. Wilson stamps
The Crying of Lot 49, which was released in 1966, tells the story of a woman who unearths evidence of a feud between Thurn-und-Taxis Post (a real postal service that operated in Europe from 1806 to 1867) and a competitor known as Trystero or Tristero, which was driven underground by the better known operation. The protagonist suspects Trystero developed into a secret society. Wikipedia says it’s “both an ‘exemplary postmodern text’ and a parody of postmodernism” with plenty of cultural references that would have been widely understood at the time.
While I’ve never read the book myself, the title apparently refers to the auction of a collection of rare local post stamps—an interesting topic to be included in a book intended for general consumption!
Project HOPE BRE repeats five preprinted faux stamps
It feels as if the past few weeks have been insanely busy, and as a result, I don’t have a great deal to write about this evening, but I did want to share one recent arrival: a business reply envelope included in a mailing from the nonprofit Project HOPE.
Project HOPE business reply envelope with preprinted stamp-sized designs
If this looks vaguely familiar to you, there’s a reason. It has been very nearly a full year since Project HOPE used the same basic images on a previous business reply envelope, but on that example, the designs had imitation perforations printed around them. This new copy has a straight border around each image.
USPS Mailin’ It podcast covers counterfeit coupons
I have to admit that I’ve never listened to a huge number of podcasts; it seems there’s always something else going on that requires attention. But when I saw a promotion in a recent USPS email regarding a podcast featuring a United States Postal Inspector, my interest was piqued, and I tuned in.
The Mailin’ It podcast episode titled How Postal Inspectors Clipped a $31 Million Coupon Scam covers the US Postal Inspection Service’s involvement in tracking down the people responsible for selling counterfeit coupons.
Counterfeiting coupons may sound like a fairly harmless crime, but we’re not talking about 25¢ or 50¢ discounts. No, the coupons in question had face values much, much higher; one example given was worth $25! By the time inspectors finished their investigation, charges had been filed against multiple people accused of producing over $30 million worth of counterfeit coupons and distributing them through the mail; that’s where the Postal Inspection Service came in.
Admittedly, counterfeit coupons fall more than a bit outside the world of philately, but if you’re interested in learning more about the Postal Inspection Service’s activities, I think this podcast is well worth a listen.
Prickly pear cactus on new Philosateleian Post stamp
Turning its attention to Texas flora, Floresville-based Philosateleian Post will soon release a local post stamp picturing the prickly pear cactus.
The 1-stamp stamp is scheduled to be issued May 14, 2025.
Philosateleian Post Prickly Pear Cactus stamp
The cactus shown on Philosateleian Post’s new stamp is a “spineless” variety, but many prickly pears have long spines. The prickly pear produces colorful flowers, and both the green leaves (or nopal) and fruit (“tuna”) can be eaten once the spines are removed.
“I’ve remarked that there are two types of vegetation suitable for South Texas: cactus and rocks,” says Philosateleian Post’s proprietor, Kevin Blackston. “The prickly pear pictured on my new stamp is part of a stand in our back yard, and it’s about as local as I can get.”
Technical Specifications
Format: sheets of 63 (7×9). Plate number: P250209. Design size: 23×23 mm. Overall size: 26×26 mm. Separation method: perforated 12. Adhesive: water-activated dry gum. Printing method: laser.
Philatelic Services
To receive a mint single of Philosateleian Post’s Prickly Pear Cactus stamp, or for first day cover service, send either $2 or a self-addressed stamped envelope and your request to:
Kevin Blackston
Philosateleian Post
PO Box 217
Floresville TX 78114-0217
United States of America
Harriet Wilson honored with pair of Purgatory Post stamps
It was just last week that I wrote about Purgatory Post’s Maid of the Isles stamp issued earlier in March. I’ve received another pair of stamps from the New Hampshire-based local post, this time honoring novelist Harriet E. Wilson (1825–1900).
The 10-sola stamps were issued March 15.
Purgatory Post Harriet E. Wilson stamps
Wilson was born in Milford, New Hampshire, the same location out of which Purgatory Post operates, in March 1825. While living in Boston in the middle of the 19th century, she wrote a book based on her life as an indentured servant. It was the first American novel written by an African American woman and, so far as is known, the only one Wilson wrote.
One of the stamps issued by Purgatory Post features an image of Wilson, while the other depicts a statue erected in her honor in Milford’s Bicentennial Park early in the 21st century.
I like how this subject is very much relevant to Purgatory Post’s geographical area. That’s one of the great things about local posts: we can create stamps featuring subjects that might not garner national attention but that have local relevance.
