On March 22, Purgatory Post issued the latest in its long-running series of local post stamps picturing New Hampshire’s covered bridges. The 23-sola stamp pictures Blow-Me-Down Bridge, an 86-foot-long span across Blow-Me-Down Brook in Cornish, New Hampshire.
Purgatory Post 23-sola Blow-Me-Down Bridge stamp
Blow-Me-Down Bridge was built in 1877 for a total cost of just under $530, and was used for nearly a century without needing any substantial repairs. The bridge was closed to traffic in 1974, however, and remained closed for several years until needed repairs were effected. Following a second closure for repairs at the end of the 20th century, the bridge reopened in 2002 and has been in regular use ever since.
As do other stamps in this series, Purgatory Post’s newest bridge stamp utilizes a frame from one of the United States Pan-American Exposition stamps issued in 1901. It gives the stamp a classic look.
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.
