Using Special Postmarks

It is embarrassingly easy:

• Go to any local branch of the post office and peruse the latest National Zip Code Directory to see what weirdly named towns currently have their own postmark. An alphabetical listing by town name can be found in the second volume, as well as a listing by zip code. (#Amninnies: There is no 31337 zip code in the US. I checked).
  The US Postal Service offers a Zip Code Search Engine, but you can't yet browse it the way you'd prefer.

• Pick a postmark and find/create an appropriate postcard.

• Address and label your postcards with first class postage.
  • REMEMBER: Canada actually is another country and requires more postage.
  • Also remember to send one to yourself.
  • Send a few EXTRA to yourself. People will request the postcard mere minutes after you've mailed them.

• Include your return address on the postcards. That way, if you screw up, or a stamp falls off in transit, at least the postcard comes back to you.

• Enclose all the postcards in a big envelope.

• Include a letter to the postmaster requesting hand-cancellation (usually a darker, more legible, and generally nicer looking postmark) for however many postcards you have. Include your contact address and remember to say "thank you". (I make a point to be incredibly patient and polite with postal workers these days).

• Address your envelope to:
  • Postmaster
    (more detailed address if applicable)
    Weird Town Name, State, Zip Code
• In the lower left-hand corner of the envelope or envelope label, include:
  • Attention: Pictorial Cancellations Clerk
    Requesting [Month, Day, Year] Cancellation.

• Try for at least four postal days in advance of the target postmark date to mail off your big envelope. Priority mail (whichever one is $3 for up to 2 pounds) usually takes no more than 3 days, but they are not legally required to process it that quickly. If you can't take that risk, send it earlier or spend the $15+ it will cost to get the guaranteed express mail.

• If you're seeking a special cancellation around the big gift-exchange and greeting card holiday season, (i.e. "North Pole") give yourself and the post office a lot more time.