Private Mailing Card Act
On May 19, 1898, Congress passed the Private Mailing Card Act. The act allowed private printers to produce their own postcards with the same postage rate as government-issued cards.
Postal History
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First US Airmail Flight
On May 15, 1918, America’s airmail service began when two Curtiss Jennys departed New York and Washington, DC. In the months that followed, pioneering aviators expanded airmail service over the treacherous Allegheny Mountains to Chicago and eventually the west coast.
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First International Sky Train
On May 14, 1935, US and Cuban pilots flew the first international airmail sky train. Inspired by locomotives hauling wagons, this air train consisted of a motored airplane pulling two gliders.
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Opening of TIPEX
On May 9, 1936, the Third International Philatelic Exhibition (TIPEX) opened at Grand Central Palace in New York City. The exhibition included the issue of a four-stamp souvenir sheet, a visit from he Hindenburg, and more.
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Pan-American Exposition & Stamps
The Pan-American Exposition opened to the public on May 1, 1901, in Buffalo, New York. That same day the set of six Pan-American stamps went on sale.
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Louisiana Purchase Exposition & Stamps
On April 30, 1904, the Louisiana Purchase Exposition opened to the public. The largest fair up to that time, opening day also marked the issue of a set of five stamps commemorating the exposition and the purchase.
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Jamestown Exposition
On April 26, 1907, the Jamestown Exposition opened at Sewell’s Point in Norfolk, Virginia. It celebrated the 300th anniversary of the first permanent English settlement in America.
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First US Forever Stamp Issued
On April 12, 2007, the USPS issued its first Forever stamp, which featured a patriotic image of the Liberty Bell. Since 2011, all first-class stamps have been Forever stamps.
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Consular Service Fee Stamps
On April 5, 1906, Congress passed a law calling for the creation of Consular Service Fee stamps. The act also reorganized the consular service to dissuade dishonesty and help keep more accurate records.
