18c Surrey Coil Stamp - Notch, MO (Where Is It?)

Just a question or two about this modern first day of issue postmark:



Where is Notch, Missouri? According to the USPS web site, the ZIP Code nor the post office town by that name no longer seems to exist. Is it a discontinued post office? Even Jim Forte's Postal History web site does not reference a modern Notch, MO postmark.

As far as I can tell it's part of Branson West, MO and there are several post office locations in the area that would seem to be in the vicinity, but not with this ZIP Code. Seems a bit curious that a relatively modern stamp would be issued in such a small place. Was there any historical significance to the stamp being issued at that location?

Just curious.

Off hand, I don't know the historical significance of that location in relation to the Surrey.

Based on what you said, I would guess that the Notch post office is a historical site (i.e., a former post office site). Perhaps it was reopened for the first day ceremony? Just a guess. Maybe someone else knows for sure or can do some research?

It appears as if the Notch PO was in business from 1895-1934

http://www.missouripostalhistory.org/st209ga.htm

I did some modern research on this, too, and as Stallzer noted, the post office "officially" closed in 1934, however, it has been somewhat of a tourist attraction in the area it would seem, as it was known as "Uncle Ike's Post Office". Here's a "modern" photo postcard showing the post office next to a vintage postcard showing the same location:



I even went a step further and found an image of the First Day Ceremony Program that references the great-grandson of "Uncle Ike" being a participant in the First Day of Issue ceremony for the stamp.



Nevertheless, I still can't make the connection of what the Surrey stamp had to do with the FDOI being assigned to this location.

OK, so yes then, it was reopened for the first day ceremony. According to the historical site application, some time after the post office was moved in the 1930s, it was turned into a museum, which was subsequently closed to the public in 1972 for reasons of preservation.

http://www.dnr.mo.gov/shpo/nps-nr/79001397.pdf

No mention of any connection to surreys.

Very interesting history about Levi Morrill and the "Uncle Ike" Post Office. Still no connection to the Surrey stamp that I can find, though.

Here's another link to Levi Morrill and it even makes reference to the Surrey stamp issue (Read Chapter: "More on Yesterday in Barton County"):

http://books.google.com/books?id=OY...20MO&f=false

One thing I do find rather interesting is the ZIP Code for Notch, MO of 65737. Since the post office "officially closed" well before ZIP Codes made their debut, could it be that the USPS assigned this location a ZIP Code solely for the Surrey Stamp and then rescinded it as a discontinued post office immediately thereafter?

Probably not worth any more research, but it just shows that one question leads into another!

Almost all First Day Covers (with the "First DAY OF ISSUE" in the canceler originate from (now) the USPS Kansas City, MO.

I can help with the ZIP-code enigma. 65737 is the ZIP-code for Reeds Spring, MO, and was 'borrowed' for one day especially for the First Day ceremony at Notch, MO. I do not know why Notch was chosen for this honor, even the official announcement ( USPS Stamp Poster 81-17 ) does not give an explanation of any kind.

Peter

A little search tip - plug any "Zip Code -----" into Google and it will tell you everything about it. Same for "Area Code ---".

Great tip Doug
Works well for Australia.