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Please view the changes to our website. A new addition lists the areas of expertise of our daily volunteers. If you don't see the topic you are looking for, we very likely know of someone that can help you. |
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My cover this week has Scott #C2 and was mailed on July 13, 1931. The first 10 years of airmail service in the U.S. can be confusing with different rates on different routes and the post office trying to figure things out. The first six stamps were issued during that time. Service began in 1918 with the first stamp issued May 13th with Scott #C3. The rate was 24 cents and was initially received well but quickly fell out of favor as the rate was eight times that of first-class surface mail. It did receive immediate delivery (special delivery service). On July 11th the rate was lowered to 16 cents with issuance of #C2. This still received special delivery service. In December the post office dropped the mandatory immediate delivery service on airmail and the airmail rate dropped to six cents. Airmail service really took off at this new rate and the post office started expanding routes and entering into more contracts for handling the mail by air. You could still receive airmail special delivery service for 16 cents. Sending mail by air became so popular that the rate dropped to five cents in June of 1927. This was just two cents more than first class mail. The rate went back up to six cents seven years later in 1934. The C2 stamp was sold at the post office up into the 1920's for the customers that still wanted air mail special delivery service. I don't collect many airmail covers, but I do collect special delivery, and I try to get all possible rates and usages. In my mind the cover I have pictured should have been able to receive special delivery airmail service for 15 cents, so this may be overpaid by a penny. There was not a 15-cent airmail stamp until World War Two broke out, but you could have used more than one stamp to achieve the proper rate. When the airmail rate went back up to 6 cents in 1934 the post office issued a special delivery airmail stamp for 16 cents for those that wanted to receive both services with a single stamp. They released a second and final variety in 1936. They found most customers were fine using more than one stamp. |
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To sign up for the Toozeday Nooze go to our website at NORPS.org, there you will find a link for the Toozeday Nooze and on the event page where you can sign up to receive the Nooze every week and keep up on events and programs at the library as well as happenings with the local stamp clubs and shows. I have been told this does not work with some phones but should be accessible from your computer. You do not need to be a member of the library to receive this, but I encourage you to do so. We are run and organized 100% by volunteers and your donations keep the doors open and the lights on. |
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If you have anything that you want shared let me know at pjflaherty58@gmail.com |
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