Local post
From Free net encyclopedia
Image:Stamp US local Boyds City Express 2c.jpg
A local post is a mail service that operates only within a limited geographical area, typically a city or a single transportation route. Historically, some local posts have been operated by governments, while others, known as private local posts have been for-profit companies. Today, many stamp collectors operate hobbyists' local posts, issuing their own postal labels for other collectors but rarely carrying any mail.
Official local posts
Government local posts go back to at least 1680, when the Penny Post was established in London to handle intra-city mail delivery at a uniform rate of one penny.
Later on, when postage stamps were first introduced, special stamps were often issued; for instance the cantons of Switzerland issued stamps for use within a canton, and inscribed them "Poste-Local" or "Orts-Post". The Russian province of Wenden issued stamps for a local post from 1862 to 1901, while Nicaragua issued stamps for Zelaya only, due to its use of a different currency.
Rural Russia had a great many zemstvo posts handling local mail independently of the central government; some of these lasted until the 1917 revolution.
Private local posts
Many countries have had private local posts at one time or another. Usually these operated with the acquiescence of the government, and at other time in competition. Types of local posts included intra-city systems, transcontinental delivery (such as the Pony Express), and riverboat routes.
Many of these existed for only short periods, and little is known of their operations. Some of their stamps are among the great rarities of philately.
An example of a private local post currently in operation is Hawai'i Post.[1]
Private local posts typically issue their own stamps, which can become collectors' items. These stamps are typically cancelled with special cancellations, and their first day of issue can be thus commemorated.
For a list of worldwide local posts, go here.
Hobbyists' local posts
Issuing what are called "labels" rather than stamps, hobbyists operating local posts commemorate any of a wide range of events or personal interests. This sort of local post is effectively a "home-brewed" postal system , and the typical hobbyist carries little, if any, mail (though some do carry mail over a short distance for themselves or a few people).
The Local Post Collectors' Club coordinates communication among local posters.