Rhode Island Stamp Issues - 1960 Automated Post Office
The First Automated Post Office in the United States
Providence, Rhode Island and Intelex Machine Cancels

On October 20, 1960 the United States Postal Service under Postmaster General Summerfield issued a commemorative stamp to publicize the opening of the first fully automated post office in the United States at Providence, Rhode Island.
VIEW: Full Size First Day Ceremony Program

The ceremony was sponsored by the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and the Providence Civic Committee. Guest Speakers included, Postmaster General Arthur Summerfield; Dr. William C. Gaige, President Rhode Island College; Mayor Walter H. Reynolds; Governor Christopher Del Sesto; and Harold S. Geneen, President of ITT.

There were two different types of official First Day Cancellations issued as shown to the left. Both variations include the standard First Day of Issue bars, a United States Post Office Official Logo and  a Providence Post Office CDS, (Circular Date Stamp) for October 20, 1960.  The Type 1 places the CDS and Logo side by side and the Type 2 places the CDS above the Logo. 

VIEW: Collection of Automated Post Office First Day Covers

Shown on the left, is an Intelex Turnkey Machine Cancel. The first day of use for the Intelex Canceling Machines at the new Providence Post Office was on November 30, 1960. First Day covers with this cancel are bogus. Intelex Markings will be discussed in depth in Part III.