Once-in-a-Century Alignment: Irvine Harvest Station Post Office Celebrates Rare Date and ZIP Code Match
On September 26, the Irvine Harvest Station Post Office was flooded with dozens of eager customers. What drew them in? A limited edition postmark that commemorated a truly unique event—the alignment of the date on the calendar, 9.26.23, with its corresponding ZIP Code, 92623.
This extraordinary alignment only occurs once every century, and it is a rare occurrence that takes place in only a few locations across the country.
The post office marked this special occasion with a unique postmark design. Stamped in bold black ink on small envelopes, the postmark featured the words “92623 Date Meets Zip Station,” capturing the significance of this momentous event.
The postmark design showcased iconic elements of Irvine, including palm trees representing the Irvine Spectrum shopping center and a hot air balloon in honor of Irvine Great Park. To add a touch of celebration, each envelope also featured a colorful “celebrate” stamp, available for purchase at $3 per copy. Throughout the day, hundreds of residents eagerly lined up to secure their own piece of this historic moment.
Adding to the charm, the envelope displayed a captivating black and white photo of the original Irvine Harvest Station Post Office, dating back to the 1890s.
Irvine Post Master Lam Le holds limited edition postmark at Irvine Harvest Station Post Office in Irvine, Calif., on Sept. 26, 2023. (Carol Cassis/The Epoch Times)
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Irvine residents were invited to visit the post office, not only to purchase the commemorative cancellation stamp but also to enjoy complimentary pastries and refreshments.
“We’re thrilled and honored to host this extraordinary event that only happens once every century,” expressed Irvine Postmaster Lam Le. “It symbolizes the special bond between USPS and our community.”
According to Ms. Le, Irvine has seen a significant increase of 5,000 residents in the past year. Many of them took the opportunity to visit the post office and acquire their own copy of the commemorative stamp.
Local residents gather at Irvine Harvest Station post office to grab a copy of commemorative postmark in Irvine, Calif., on Sept. 26, 2023. (Carol Cassis/The Epoch Times)
“This is a truly special day for us, and I feel incredibly honored to be here,” shared Ms. Le with The Epoch Times. “Not many post offices have the chance to celebrate such a unique date. It’s an incredibly rare event.”
Attendees at the event also expressed their excitement and appreciation.
“I’m thrilled to add this stamp to my collection,” exclaimed Irvine resident Barbara Nichols. “Commemorations like this don’t come around every day. I’m a big fan of stamps!”
How did the post office commemorate the rare alignment of date and ZIP Code?
Eds of customers lined up at the post office, brimming with excitement to send letters and packages with this unique postmark.
The alignment of the date and ZIP Code is a rare occurrence that has captured the attention of both residents and visitors in Irvine. It is a momentous event that only takes place once every century, making it truly special. The significance of this alignment is not lost on the community, as it serves as a reminder of the city’s rich history and its connection to the broader postal system.
The post office went above and beyond to commemorate this once-in-a-century alignment. The postmark design itself was carefully crafted to capture the essence of Irvine. The palm trees symbolize the vibrant Irvine Spectrum shopping center, a popular destination for residents and tourists alike. The inclusion of a hot air balloon pays homage to Irvine Great Park, a beloved landmark known for its beautiful landscape and recreational activities.
In addition to the unique postmark design, customers had the opportunity to purchase a special “celebrate” stamp. These colorful stamps added a festive touch to the envelopes and served as a memento of this extraordinary occasion. Priced at $3 per copy, they quickly became a popular item among those seeking to commemorate the date and ZIP Code alignment.
The celebration of this once-in-a-century alignment is not limited to the post office alone. Throughout Irvine, the community has come together to celebrate this momentous event. Local businesses have organized special promotions and events, creating a sense of unity and excitement among residents and visitors alike.
The Irvine Harvest Station Post Office has truly become a gathering place, bringing people together to celebrate this rare occurrence. The enthusiastic response from customers and the community as a whole is a testament to the importance of this event and its impact on the city of Irvine.
As the day draws to a close, the post office reflects on the joy and excitement that filled its halls. The limited edition postmark will surely be treasured by those who were fortunate enough to obtain it. The next alignment of date and ZIP Code will not occur for another century, making this a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The Irvine Harvest Station Post Office and the community it serves can be proud of their role in commemorating this rare event. They have created a lasting memory for themselves and for future generations, reminding us all of the power of small moments and the beauty of rare occurrences.
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