HALL OF FAME INDUCTION 2019
Again, Post Office Here
Offers Induction Stamp
COOPERSTOWN – The post office here is again marking Induction Weekend with a souvenir picture postmark – also known as a pictorial cancellation in collectors’ circles — to be offered at a special postal booth 9-6 p.m. this Sunday in the post office’s parking lot.
The postmark bears an image of the logo of the Baseball Hall of Fame and Sunday’s Induction Day ceremony date. The Postal Service applies the postmark on any envelope that has proper postage, making it a first class souvenir of the day.
Souvenir postmarks are a big hit with visitors each Induction Day, with some returning each year for a new postmark, said Postmistress Mary Brown.
She said picture postmarks are placed on more than just the local postcards of the Hall of Fame, which is right across the street: Seasoned stamp collectors and sports fans ask for postmarks on autographs, pictures, newspaper articles, books, baseball cards, caps and even baseball bats and balls. Collectors blend stamps and postmarks with hopes of adding to the value of collectibles featuring the national pastime.
If you miss Sunday’s postal station, submit a mail order request. Pictorial postmarks are available only with the dates indicated, and requests must be postmarked no later than 30 days following the requested pictorial postmark date.
Customers wishing to obtain a postmark should affix First-Class Mail postage to any envelope or postcard, address the envelope or postcard and tuck in the flap. Place the envelope or postcard in a larger envelope and address it to Postmaster, Induction Day Station, Postmaster, 40 Main St., Cooperstown, NY 13326-9998.
After applying the pictorial postmark, the Postal Service returns the items under an addressed protective cover.