Recently my father, who is getting on in years, gave me his first day of issue stamp collection. While preparing an inventory of the first day covers I came across one entitled 'Cape Hatteras National Park' with a picture of what looks like the Bodie Island Light but identified as the 'Oregon Juliet Lighthouse'. Now I have to admit that in all my trips to the Outer Banks and the books I have read, I do not recall hearing the Bodie Island Light referred to as the Oregon Juliet Light. I assume the "Oregon" comes from the nearby Oregon Inlet. Does anyone know the story behind this second name? Unfortunately there is no stamp affixed to the envelope so I don't know the date of issue.

[This message has been edited by Deb Weissler (edited 12-11-99).]

I think that 'Juliet' may be 'Inlet'. Get out your magnifying glass and less us know.

Deb,

I have, I think, at least one of each US stamp to show a lighthouse. It's possible that your cover is from 1972. There was a block of four set issued April 5, 1972 as part of the National Parks Centennial. The stamps, a block of four different stamps, make up a scene from Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Cape Hatteras lighthouse is on the top right stamp. The others finish a typical beach scene. A ship offshore and the ribs of a shipwreck in the foreground.

The stamps are 2¢ denomination.

Rick

John- no, the title under the lighthouse sketch clearly says 'Oregon Juliet Lighthouse'. The lighthouse in the sketch is obviously Bodie Island Light with its distinctive horizontal black & white stripes, including the attached entrance way. To the right of the lighthouse is a pathway leading to a raised platform and viewing deck. That platform is no longer there; the current viewing platform and marsh trail is now on the light's left (as you face the light from the visitor's center). Below the title 'Oregon Juliet Lighthouse' are the words Cape Hatteras National Park (not seashore) and "first recreational national park". So the mystery remains. Perhaps "Juliet" is a typo and should have been "Inlet".

[This message has been edited by Deb Weissler (edited 12-12-99).]

[This message has been edited by Deb Weissler (edited 12-12-99).]

Deb,

A mystery indeed. Here's a web page that has pictures of US Postal Service first day covers. I don't know if they're all there, but they go back to the 1920's at least.

http://www.unicover.com/US_FDC_C.HTM

Good luck with your search.

Rick

I am a first day stamp cover collector. The "Oregon Juliet Lighthouse" is a typo. It was corrected to "Oregon Inlet Lighthouse" by the producer of the cachet, Art Craft. I have both in my collection. The National Parks Centiennial set of four stamps are attached to the covers.

Harry

Harry - thanks for clarifying the "mystery". Does that make our 'Oregon Juliet Lighthouse' envelopes rare like a LE 'Coquille River'? : )

Sorry no. Both are very common. They are offered on ebay quiet often.

Harry