New Minnesota Commemorative Stamp By Longtime OP Contributor

To honor the 150th anniversary of Minnesota’s statehood, the U.S. Postal Service on Saturday unveiled a commemorative stamp to be released next year. Here are the details:

The image:
A golden vision of the Mississippi River near Winona contrasting the centennial stamp of 1958, which showed a northern lake fringed with pine. The islands are part of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge.

The significance:

Version 2008 draws us back to the state’s origins, when Ol’ Man River was the freeway and river towns such as Winona were major centers of commerce. The view is toward the remainder of the state.

The photographer: Richard Hamilton Smith of Park Rapids.

The ceremony:

Took place at Winona State University.

The event:

Minnesota’s sesquicentennial celebration, which will peak in mid-May. The actual anniversary is May 11, 2008, when bells are to ring throughout the state. But festivities will hit their high point about a week after that.

To learn more: www.mn150years.org