Airmail Service from Rattlesnake Island, Lake Erie to Port Clinton, Ohio
Hello Rattlesnake Island Local Post Collector, Sept. 2nd, 2023
The first listed set of postcards which will feature the 2023 Battle of Lake Erie original artwork images in a type of collage similar to what she did with the last stamp series. They will be totally different than the very limited unveiling postcards. The new postcard design will be offered in the 4" x 6" and 5" x 7"
sizes for 2 reasons. On the 4x6 postcard, there is not enough room to put the "First Day of Issue" info box on it. And 2nd is the 4 x 6 only requires a postcard stamp which is a sailboat and the 5 x 7 postcard requires a first class stamp which will be the 2013 Battle of Lake Erie forever stamp that I secured a quantity of.
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. It too will be sold in 2 versions, 4x6 & 5x7.
The FDI will be on Rattlesnake Island on 9-10-23. The 9-10-23 issue will feature the last issue Dr. Frackelton was working on before his health failed him. This will feature the Battle of Lake Erie and will be issued on Sept. 10th, 2023 (the 210th anniversary).
No more roulette 24 perforations are planned to be issued. Just normal perf 12 & imperforates.
I have set up this website – RILP.ORG for the purpose of selling RILP stamps and to form a type of RILP collectors club where information regarding the history and “all things RILP” may be freely discussed. The site is free and there will be no advertising or info phishing involved.
Plans are underway for more yearly issues. 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.
Below are order forms that may be printed or requested if you wish to order & pay for stamps through the mail verses web site
Announcement
After a 12 year hiatus, RILP is coming back with a new set of 3 stamps for a
Nov. 10th, 2022 First Day of Issue.
As of 2022, 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 2023 issue. And with the help of many people, it looks like the famous triangle stamps of the local post will once again have new yearly issues.
Custom Covers
We are currently taking pre-orders for 2023 "Battle of Lake Erie" RILP stamps. Shortly the pre-order status will be changed to regular orders.
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 2023 . 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.
Drop us a Line
Rattlesnake Island Local Post, LLC (or RILP)
Po Box 45
Gypsum, OH 43433