Monday, February 4, 2013

Grand Central Terminal Turns 100

On February 1st––as part of the centennial anniversary of New York’s Grand Central Terminal–– the U.S. Postal Service commemorated the landmark railroad station by releasing the Grand Central Terminal Express Mail stamp in the terminal’s main concourse under the vaulted constellation ceiling.

USPS VP Richard Uluski (2nd from right) and NY District Mgr. William Schnaars (extreme right) unveil Grand Central Terminal Express Mail stamp with dedicating official at 100 year anniversary event
The all day event featured a variety of guest speakers and musical performers.
“This beautiful stamp captures both the universal appeal and excitement of travel and architectural grandeur that is uniquely New York,” said USPS Northeast Area VP Richard Uluski at the ceremony.
“Stamps are a unique and beautiful way for us to honor our common American heritage,” said dedicating official NY District Manager William Schnaars. “They focus attention on the significance and beauty of great cultural icons like Grand Central Terminal. Every stamp sends a message. Our message today is; it’s time to celebrate the 100 years of the positive, historic impact that Grand Central Terminal has made in the development of our great city.”
As evidenced by the large number of people who lined up in the lower concourse to buy the Grand Central Terminal Express Mail stamp, the message was heard loud and clear.
“It’s not just philatelists who are lining up to buy these Express Mail stamps,” said Special Events Supervisor Deborah Hart who estimates that her team sold more than 55,000 stamps on Friday alone. “There are historians, architects, and people who love New York City and appreciate this building.”
“This stamp is just beautiful,” said artist and native New Yorker Ann Redmond. “The art deco design, the way the light streams through the huge windows, it’s just perfect.”
“I had to come today to buy these stamps,” added Wanda Chambers who works for the MTA. “You only turn 100 once.”

to see more photos of event Click HERE


Ordering First Day-Of-Issue Postmarks

Customers have 60 days to obtain first-day-of issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at local Post Offices, at usps.com/stamps, or by calling 800-STAMP-24 (800-782-6724). They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes to themselves or others, and place them in larger envelopes addressed to:

Grand Central Terminal Station
Postmaster
380 W 33rd Street Room 4032
New York NY 10199-9998

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by April 1, 2013.

Ordering First-Day Covers

The Postal Service also offers first-day covers for new stamp issues and Postal Service stationery items postmarked with the official first-day-of-issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog, online at usps.com/stamps, or by calling 800-782-6724. Customers may request a free catalog by calling 800-782-6724 or writing to:

US Postal Service
Catalog Request
PO Box 219014
Kansas City, MO 64121-9014

Philatelic Products

There are four philatelic products available for this stamp issue:


Customers may view the Grand Central Terminal Express Mail stamp, as well as many of this year’s other stamps on Facebook at facebook.com/USPSStamps, on Twitter @USPSstamps or on the website Beyond the Perf at beyondtheperf.com/2013-preview. Beyond the Perf is the Postal Service’s online site for information on upcoming stamp subjects, first-day-of-issue events and other philatelic news.