In Recognition of Balclutha

If you’re like us, your use of good old-fashioned postage stamps has probably diminished radically in recent years. But here’s one reason to bypass your automated postage machine — or electronically-generated, prepaid labels — and embrace the old-school method. The US Postal Service has announced the issuance of a brand new ‘forever’ stamp depicting the pride of the San Francisco waterfront, the 256-ft LOD square rigger Balclutha, which was built in 1886. (The ship’s image is one of 16 National Parks stamps sold as a panel, issued to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service.)

If you haven’t had the pleasure of checking out this splendid relic from the Age of Sail, do yourself a favor and walk her decks sometime soon. Berthed at Hyde Street Pier within the San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park, she is one of the Bay Area’s most impressive remaining links to our sailing heritage.

Learn all about her here.