Lighthouse Postage Stamps - June 21, 2007
The United States Postal Service issued five new lighthouse postage stamps
on June 21, 2007. The five “Lighthouses of the Pacific,”postage
stamps feature Diamond Head Lighthouse in Hawaii, Five Finger Lighthouse
in Alaska, Gray’s Harbor Lighthouse in Washington, Umpqua River Lighthouse
in Oregon and St. George Reef Lighthouse in California.
You can show the government your support of lighthouses by purchasing these
postage stamps. It may convince them to eventually issue a postage stamp
honoring the U. S. Lighthouse Service as well as a series of postage stamps
of some of the lighthouse keepers and other lighthouse individuals who
have served over time. Personally I’d like to see a postage stamp
honoring Kenneth Black, “Mr. Lighthouse”.
One of the groups selling FIRST DAY OF ISSUE envelopes is the Juneau Lighthouse
Association. Individual stamped envelopes are $5.00 each or a set of all
five for $20.00 plus postage. They can be ordered by sending your check
to Juneau Lighthouse Association, P.O. Box 22163, Juneau, Alaska 99802.
Also selling a set of the FIRST DAY OF ISSUE lighthouse stamped envelopes
for $20.00 plus $2.50 postage are: Bob & Sandra Shanklin, The Lighthouse
People, 517 Thornhill Road, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547.
JoAnn Feindt, County Vice Mayor - Ilene Lieberman, Rear Admiral - Johnson,
Hib Casselberry, Christopher Ryan - Chair of the Broward County Historical
Commission
The new Commander of the Seventh Coast Guard District (Miami), Rear Admiral
Harvey E. Johnson Jr., was the main speaker at the Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse’s
special event for the dedication of the new U.S. Postal Service Southeastern
Lighthouse Stamps. The elevated open stage with a backdrop of 3 Coast Guard
boats in the inlet and the lighthouse behind them was an ideal setting
for the ceremony.
“This lighthouse was chosen because it is a true example of beauty and
colorful example of America ’s lighthouses,”Jo Ann Feindt, district
manager of the U.S. Postal Service, told the crowd of over 300. Broward County
Vice Mayor Lieberman called the lighthouse “a jewel in Broward County.
It is a tangible reminder of our present and our future,”and noted that
this landmark is the first in the county to appear on a postage stamp.
Carmen McGarry, official historian for the Town of Hillsboro Beach, reviewed
the local maritime history. In the last half of the 1800's, Congress was
petitioned 17 times to build a lighthouse half way between the Jupiter
Inlet and Cape Florida lighthouses. There were no roads so everything had
to come by sea. From 1885 to 1892 the mail between Palm Beach and the settlement
at the Miami River had to be carried by the Star Route, better known as
the “Barefoot Mailman”route traveling along the shoreline until
a rock road connecting the two towns was built inland. In 1903 a 3-acre
parcel was sold to the Federal Government for $150 for the lighthouse site.
McGarry called on postal representatives at the ceremony to issue a Barefoot
Mailman stamp as well. Prior to the formal program, HLPS had a number of
story tellers entertain the audience. The well known locals -- Stuart McIver,
Dr. Raymond McAllister, Arthur Makenian, and Sheldon Voss spoke about events
surrounding the light station and inlet.
Joyce Hager set up HLPS’s Gift Shop under a tent and sold “Special
Dedication Ceremony”commemorative stamped envelopes emblazoned with
an additional rendition of the lighthouse by retired local architect and
HLPS board member, Paul Bradley. Golf & T- shirts with a large image
of the postage stamp on the back were also sold. Both are still available
in the Gift Shop. Admiral Johnson and staff, plus
the postal and government dignitaries traveled over to the Lighthouse Station.
The VIPs took turns “Breaking Ground” for the foundation
of the Barefoot Mailman. After a number of picture taking opportunities
in front of about 60 people, the group went into the Hillsboro Club. Refreshments
were served and plaques of appreciations were given out.
37¢ Stamps
Pictured:
- Old Cape Henry, VA
- Cape Lookout, NC
- Morris Island, SC
- Tybee Island, GA
- Hillsboro Inlet, FL
In June 2003, five Southeastern lighthouses represent the third installment
in a series of stamps depicting the silent sentries of the U.S. shoreline
and the Great Lakes. This set of five stamp designs continues a popular
informal series of lighthouse stamps by artist Howard Koslow. Spanning
the coast of the United States from Virginia to Southern Florida, these
five structures - Old Cape Henry, Cape Lookout, Morris Island, Tybee Island
and Hillsboro Inlet - typify the beauty and colorful history of the nation's
lighthouses. A book with detailed histories and lots of photographs will
accompany the release.
The Hillsboro Lighthouse Preservation Society has several stamp items for
sale in its Gift Shop. Items include stamp t-shirts,
stationery, and envelopes.
25¢ USPS stamps
32¢ USPS stamps
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