By Vicky House

Correspondent

BAINBRIDGE – On July 18, 2012, the Bainbridge Post Office participated in a Pictorial Postmark hosted by the US Post Office and the Chenango County Civil War Commemoration Project Committee.

Each post office in Chenango County is participating in the Pictorial Postmarks and Bainbridge was another big surprise – especially for one postal patron. Anne Fell Terzo arrived at the post office to find that her great grandfather’s image was depicted on an envelope to commemorate his service in the Civil War. Not only was there one image of her ancestor, but two images of Frank Phinney; one as a young soldier and the other as a GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) veteran.

Gary Darling, Bainbridge Historian, Mary Drachler; President of the Bainbridge Historical Society, Tammy Muller; Postmaster, along with several members of the Chenango County Civil War Commemoration Project and other members of the community were there to share in the excitement when Anne saw her ancestor’s image on several envelopes. This was not a planned happening for Anne or the committee – it just worked out that way.

If you have ancestors who served in the Civil War and would like to share your stories or images, contact your local historian or historical society. Any images or documents, along with the stories, can be reproduced and returned to you unharmed and at no cost to you. The committee would like to see that all Civil War soldiers and veterans are given the proper recognition for their service.