Jackson Michigan News and Information, News for Jackson MI

The U.S. Postal Savings Stamp program, however, was a much more secure and reliable way to save. You had to be at least ten years old to open an account. It was designed to allow people to save in small increments as they purchased the stamps. This went on for many years. As modern banking regulations and practices became established and more utilized by our population, the U.S. Post Office began to wind down the Postal Savings Stamp program starting in 1966. Sales were allowed to continue; however, until the end of June, 1970. Redemption ended in 1985.

Here in Albion, our local public elementary school children were encouraged to participate in the Postal Savings Stamp program. From our Historical Notebook this week we present a June 11, 1966 photograph of the Postal Savings Stamp results at Harrington Elementary School, showing promoters with stamps-in-hands.

The caption reads, “Saving Stamp Salesmen. These two mothers and daughters this week ended a school year’s successful selling of U.S. Savings Stamps at Harrington School. The stamps were sold each Tuesday noon. Up until last Tuesday over $1,200 worth had been sold since last September to Harrington School children, with the fourth grade being the biggest customers.” Pictured left to right: Virginia Bricker and her daughter Nancy, and then Ellen Sweeney and her daughter Linda.

How many of our readers participated in the Postal Savings Stamp program at your school while you were growing up? I didn’t. In fact, I don’t even remember these. Did you redeem your deposits when the program ended?