Hinsdale, NH

Postmark from the oldest, continually run post office in the country with a note from the Postmaster.

Truth or Consequences, NM

Truth or Consequences has to be one of the most unique town names. And the story of how it got it's name is equally unique and intriguing. This story was shared by a postal worker there.

Springdale, PA

I sent for this postmark because I heard it was renamed after the environmentalist Rachel Carson. I was hoping the postmark might reflect that fact, which it unfortunately doesn't. I did get a nice, simple message from the Postmaster about the town.

Bridal Veil, OR 125th Anniversary

I'm relatively new to the world of postmark collecting, but the possibilities of the hobby and the successes I've had thus far have inspired me to continue collecting full force. Postmark collecting, in a way, allows me to visit new places without having to go there. I'm constantly learning about new and interesting communities all around the United States. I tend to ask postal workers to include a note on the back of the cards I send with any "thoughts or feelings you have on the town or the people there." Those are the most exciting to receive. It adds a personal, human touch to the postmark. At it's best, it gives a little more background on the town, the post office, or the people as filtered through the perspective of a key element of the community - the postal worker. Also, collecting postmarks is a cheap and easy hobby. To acquire a postmark, all you need is a self-addressed stamped postcard and an envelope stamped and addressed to the post office you are interested in. And of course, a short note explaining why you are sending them that card.

Below is a postmark from the 125th Anniversary celebration for the Bridal Veil, OR post office. The town used to be a logging and mill town but has since become a ghost town save their post office and cemetery. The post office seems to remain open mainly for its postmark. Brides will send wedding invitations to be postmarked by the town. The postmaster included a nice, brief message on this card.