Name: Rattlesnake Island Local Post
Address: US

Airmail Service from Rattlesnake Island, Lake Erie to Port Clinton, Ohio

Hello Rattlesnake Island Local Post Collector, Oct. 15th, 2024

The first listed set of postcards which will feature the 2024 Island Aviation Through the Decades is original artwork images in a type of collage similar to what she did with the last stamp series. They will be different than the limited unveiling postcards. The new postcard design will be offered in the 4" x 6".

On the 4x6 postcard, there is not enough room to put the "First Day of Issue" info box on it.

The second postcard design that is the aerial view of the island from 11-10-22. This is to update the previous aerial view postcard that has been used since the 60's. So it will always be available with new issues for decades to come in a 4" x 6" size only.

The First Day of Issue started on Rattlesnake Island on the morning of 9-10-24. Then at 1:00 pm the actual ceremony and completion of the First Day of Issue was next door to the Port Clinton Airport at the Liberty Aviation Museum. It was so cool to be taxied by pilot Thomas Griffing III directly to the museum when we flew off of the island. The Port Clinton Post Office had a postal clerk, Marissa, at the ceremony cancelling all of the covers that were flown in from Rattlesnake Island. Several pilots that had flown the various planes featured on the new stamps spoke at the ceremony. Plans are to have the 60th anniversary FDI ceremony at the museum again on Thursday Aug. 27th, 2026.The 60th anniversary in 2026 will be here before we know it. As in past RILP traditions, there will be a 3-stamp issue and a 4th special $2.00 stamp celebrating the 60th anniversary as well as plans to release a 3rd edition on John Wells book “The History and Local Post of Rattlesnake Island Lake Erie”. This will have all updated info since his 2nd edition of 2009. Also, a printed Rattlesnake Island Local Post Catalog is in the works as well.

Announcement

After a 12 year hiatus, RILP has come back with a new set of 3 stamps on

Nov. 10th, 2022.

As of 2024, the USPS still does not have mail service to Rattlesnake Island.

RILP last issued stamps in 2010, and with Dr. Frackelton's passing Nov. 30th, 2012

it appeared the RILP too had passed. Interest in the local post stamps and the need to help off-set the cost of mail service to the island has encouraged the restart of the RILP. Beth Lynne Gregerson, designer of the 2007-2010 issues, has designed the new 2020-2024 issue. And with the continued interest of many people, it looks like the famous triangle stamps of the local post will continue to have new yearly issues.

Custom Covers

Pre-orders for 2024 "Airmail through the Decades" RILP stamps are completed. 2025 pre-orders will open in August of 2025.

For custom cachet covers, please specify which stamps you would like to be affixed and cancelled on the next first day of issue - tentatively Sept. 10th 2025 . Please include the face value of the .50 - .75 - 1.00 stamps in perf.12 or Imperforate types with your payment.

Also, include a SASE for mailing back, unless you would like them in the USPS mailed back. Also, be sure to leave enough room for the special first day rectangle box on the front as well as the stamps & cancel. If the hand stamps don't fit on the front, they may be stamped on the back of the cover.