For the last 24 years a project that started out as a way of preserving the Angelica post office has grown into a world-wide affirmation of the spirit of Christmas better known as the Angelica Station postal cancellation.
The artist who designed the first, and all, the Angelica
Angels Pat Kaake, is bringing that spirit back again this year in the hope that
the 2020 angel during this most stressful time will bring healing to the
nation-wide community.
Kaake who at almost 82 is still designing the angel did
something a little different with the design this year. While in the past the
folk-art styled angels have been decorative and ornamental playing horns or
throwing stars. This year the angel reflects the stay-at-home, relaxed lifestyle
that following COVID-19 restrictions have placed on people. She is dressed not
in flowing, angelic gown, but in what most resembles a plaid nighty.
“I wanted her to reflect our times,” Kaake said.
The Angel Station postal cancellation is available to anyone
wanting their Christmas mail to be extra special. Ever since its beginning in
1997 the cancellation has been sought by philatelists from around the world and
country. The post office receives requests for the cancellation and bundles of
mail to be struck with it. Individual envelopes are also welcome.
While it started out as a one-day event, in recent years it
has been extended and will take place this year from Dec. 4th to Dec. 24th for
regular mail.
Starting on Dec. 4th mail submitted to the Angelica Post
Office, on Main Street, will be marked with the Angel Station cancellation from
8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 12:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. Monday through
Friday and from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.
All mail received requesting the Angel Station cancellation
after Dec. 24th will be for collectors only and only for 30 days. Collectors
should provide a return, stamped, envelope or the postmarked item w/stamp will
be sent through the normal mail stream.
For more information contact the Angelica Post Office at 585-466-7869.
