Americana

March 17, 1893 marked the first recorded reference to Paul Bunyan in the Gladwin County Record. A series of tall tales made their way from lumber camps to newspapers, to books, and beyond, making Paul Bunyan an American folklore hero.

Cowboy and showman Bill Pickett was born on December 5, 1870. During his life, he was famous for his “bulldogging” act at rodeos. Decades after his death, he became famous once again, as the subject of rare modern stamp error…

Since 2013, National Bison Day has been held on the first Saturday in November, which falls on November 5, 2022. Once close to extinction, bison populations have recovered due to prolonged conservation efforts and in 2016, the bison was made America’s national mammal.

On October 8, 1793, statesman, merchant, accused smuggler, and patriot John Hancock died at his home in Boston, Massachusetts. Most famous for his large signature on the Declaration of Independence, he was a very influential Founding Father.

John Chapman, popularly known as Johnny Appleseed, was born on September 26, 1774, in Leominster, Massachusetts.  A popular figure in American folklore, he planted countless apple seeds, helping the fruit to prosper in America.

On September 9, 1776, the Second Continental Congress declared that the United Colonies would now be known as the United States.

On August 9, 2001, the USPS inaugurated the American Treasures Series with the issue of four stamps depicting Amish quilts. The series would span more than a decade and feature paintings, tapestries, glassware, and more.

On July 8, 1776, the Liberty Bell was rung to announce the reading of the Declaration of Independence.  

On July 4, 1957, the US Post Office issued its first stamp with the US flag as the central element.  It was also the first stamp printed by the Giori press, which allowed the design to be printed in its natural colors in one step.