Forever Stamps 2020 Winter Scenes – Seasonal Celebration, First-Class Postage

First Day of Issue:  October 16, 2020
First Day City:  Winter Park, Florida
Printed by:  Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd.
Printing Method:  Offset

The stamp commemorates the beauty of a large red barn in a snowy landscape.

The stamp design showcases a photograph of a red barn adorned with a wreath on the front, set against a snowy backdrop, featuring a prominent evergreen tree in the foreground.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the First Day of Issue Ceremony took place virtually, with a First Day of Issue postmark from Winter Park, Florida.

The set comprises 10 stamp designs, each featuring various photographs of animals, buildings, and landscapes during winter, aiming to serve as reminders that winter, despite its cold and snowy aspects, also has moments of genuine beauty.

In the countryside, many classic barns, painted in the classic combination of red and white, contribute to the timeless beauty of the surroundings. Traditionally, farmers used linseed oil, often mixed with rust (iron oxide), to seal their barns against the elements. This practice not only effectively preserved the wood but also imparted a rich red color to the sealant. Although modern paint became more common, the tradition of painting barns red persisted. In recent years, many couples have chosen to celebrate weddings in such barns due to their rustic elegance and striking exteriors.

Regardless of the season—spring, summer, fall, or winter—the countryside’s timeless beauty is enhanced by the presence of these old barns along the way.