WESTERN NY – On April 14, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in Washington, D.C. In the ensuing weeks, the nation was given the opportunity to pay tribute to the president as the funeral train carrying his body traveled from Washington, D.C. to his burial place in Springfield, Illinois, making numerous stops along the way.
Sixteen western NY cities and towns, stops on the Lincoln funeral train procession, are commemorating the 150th anniversary with pictorial cancellations. One of four pictorial designs will be available for history buffs and philatelists starting June 30th through October 28 (120 days) at the following Post Offices:
In addition, the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library is hosting a postmark stamping event at the Central Library, 1 Lafayette Square on Tuesday, June 30 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Buffalo design will be available.
The Farnham postmark was design by Rosalee “Tish” Hill. The other postmarks and commemorative envelopes were designed by Angola native Christian LoGrasso. The request for the commemoration of Lincoln’s Funeral Train Procession with pictorial postmarks was initiated by the Brant-Farnham Historical Society in cooperation with the Postal Service and the local historical societies.
Pictorial postmarks are collectors’ items, making excellent souvenirs of special dates and events. Those unable to go to the participating Post Offices in person can request the pictorial cancellation by mail. Post Office addresses are available at usps.com or by calling 1-800-ASK-USPS.
The Postal Service does not receive tax dollars for operating expenses; it relies entirely on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.
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