I received a response form the historical society. John Schoenknecht was gracious enough to reply.
Part of my initial email included the following.
Quote:
My questions then. Did Waukesha use a star in a circle cancellation?
Was there any practice that would have mail sent without a town and date marking?
One thought I had was, a local business moving multiple pieces. Stamping each piece but ultimately combining them into one postmarked package.
Here are parts of John's comments.
Quote:
It is probable that this was the cancellation that Waukesha used.
Quote:
I believe that the writing on the back is the postmaster's mark. It says
P.M. (Post Master?)
Waukesha Wisconsin
?? Wis July 15th
R. (Received?) July 19th 1888
The only thing I can't read is what is written before the July 15th line. It looks like "Lev"
The postmaster in 1888 was Patrick Carney, a lawyer, judge and a Democrat who was very active in civic affairs.
He has referred me to Darren Mueller. John mentions him as a postal expert.
Obviously that will be my next email.
Posted 01/30/2016 5:03 pm
