Cal Farley’s uses faux stamp designs on another BRE
Over the past few years, I’ve received several mailings from Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch that have included business reply envelopes with preprinted stamp-sized designs. Another such item arrived in the mail last week, this one with four designs picturing flowers, a birdhouse, and boots.
Cal Farley’s business reply envelope with preprinted stamp-sized designs
The art style used in the designs appears similar to that used on other Cal Farley BREs I’ve received, but the colors all seem rather muted. Nevertheless, if the goal is simply to make the envelope kind of, sort of appear to have stamps affixed to it, it’s probably adequate.
Another Fellowship BRE features preprinted faux stamps
I wrote last month of receiving a business reply envelope from the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. That envelope bore four preprinted stamp-sized designs--two copies of each of two different designs—featuring various Jewish symbols.
Last week, I received a different BRE in another mailing from The Fellowship. This envelope featured four copies of two new preprinted designs: one pictures a menorah shield design, while the other has an illustration of the Old City of Jerusalem with the Wailing Wall.
International Fellowship of Christians and Jews business reply envelope with preprinted stamp-sized designs
Technically, I suppose the two copies of the Old City design could be considered different since one has blue shading throughout, and the second has blue shading only in the sky, but other than that they look identical.
The earlier envelope had simulated preprinted die cuts around the designs printed on it, and this one has simulated preprinted perforations. While I probably would have omitted the drop shadow behind the designs, I like the overall look.
Como Park Post issues new stamps, reprints official seal
On February 26, 2024, Como Park Post issued a set of three new local post stamps. The various designs featuring symmetrical vignettes have 1¢, 3¢, and 5¢ face values.
Como Park Post 1¢, 3¢, and 5¢ stamps
The 3¢ value is printed on a very thin paper. Each of the stamps appears to be printed in at least two colors.
Como Park Post operator Tom B. also sent along a sample of a new printing of an official seal that I first mentioned last April. This one appears to be in a maroon or burgundy color, and features a profile of George Washington.
Como Park Post official seal
If you’re not familiar with this modern local post, Como Park Post has operated in the Saint Paul, Minnesota, area for years, and it’s good to see Tom is still producing new material.
Bermagui Local Post issues stamps picturing dragon, blue pool
Bermagui Local Post in February issued two new stamps, and I recently received on-cover copies of both.
The first, a 40¢ Year of the Dragon stamp, was issued February 4.
Bermagui Local Post 40¢ Year of the Dragon stamp
The second, also a 40¢ stamp, pictures the Blue Pool, an ocean swimming pool in Bermagui, New South Wales, Australia. The stamp was issued February 11.
Bermagui Local Post 40¢ Blue Pool stamp
Bermagui Local Post operator Miro J., who makes local deliveries in the immediate Bermagui area, designed both of these stamps. In addition to his local post activities, Miro also manages the Universal Register of Local Posts.
Purgatory Post commemorates Winnie-the-Pooh’s centennial
New Hampshire’s Purgatory Post on February 29 commemorated the centennial of the beloved bear Winnie-the-Pooh. The 6-sola stamp features two illustrations of Winnie-the-Pooh—accompanied by Piglet in one—as well as a photo of author A.A. Milne and his son Christopher Robin, after whom the boy in the stories is named.
Purgatory Post Winnie-the-Pooh Centennial stamp
The first reference to Winnie-the-Pooh appeared in a February 1924 edition of Punch, and he later appeared in other magazines and books. To modern audiences, the Walt Disney version of Pooh wearing a red shirt is probably best known, and I’m quite certain that was the earliest version of which I was aware.
I know this because of a small book that I have on display in my home office, Winnie-the-Pooh and the Pebble Hunt. Judging by the inscription inside the front cover, I think it was probably one of my first books, being presented to me by Uncle Ronnie and Aunt Wileen when I was less than 16 months old.
Winnie-the-Pooh and the Pebble Hunt
The book reminds me of dear friends who are no longer with us, and Purgatory Post operator Scott A.’s new stamp reminded me of the book. Very nice.
