On October 20, 1960, America’s first automated post office opened in Providence, Rhode Island. Issued that same day, this stamp was so popular it inspired the Post Office to continue producing stamps with postal themes.
On October 16, 1940, the US Post Office Department issued a set of three stamps to raise support for a strong national defense. Conceived and designed by President Roosevelt, more than 19 billion stamps were sold, more than any other US stamp series up to that time.
On October 12, 1989, the USPS issued the first stamp in the America Series. The stamp series was a collaboration between the 24 Western Hemisphere countries in the Postal Union of the Americas and Spain (PUAS).
On October 9, 1994, the USPS released its first joint-issue stamps with China. The stamps picture two different species of cranes – one from each country.
On October 4, 1922, an 11¢ Hayes stamp was issued on a specific date in a specific city for the first time. Many consider this to be the start of modern First Day Cover Collecting.
On October 1, 1981, the USPS began its very first National Stamp Collecting Month. Four years later, they began issuing stamps to help promote National Stamp Collecting Month, a tradition that continues today.
On September 13, 1886, a group of stamp collectors met in New York City to establish what would become the American Philatelic Society. Today the APS is the largest nonprofit stamp collecting organization with over 25,000 members.
On September 9, 1969, the US Post Office issued its first ever jumbo-sized commemorative stamp. Honoring the Moon landing, the stamp was produced in secret and wasn’t announced until a week before the Apollo 11 launch.
On September 4, 1833, the first American newspaper boy was hired. Today, this event is celebrated as National Newspaper Carrier Day.