Rhode Island First Day of Issue Covers
State Birds and Flowers Issue
Scott NRs 1953-2002 ⁽Tagged) and 1953a-2002a (Not Tagged)
Issued April 14, 1982 in Washington, D.C. & State Capitols

Andrews Cachet with Nostalgia Add-On for the 37c Greetings Issue

The Rhode Island Red became Rhode Island’s official state bird on May 3, 1954. An American breed, the Rhode Island Red was developed in 1857 from Red Malay game fowls crossed with reddish-colored Shanghais It also contains some  brown Leghorn, Cornish, Wyandotte, and Brahma blood. The Rhode Island Red is good for meat production and is one of the top breeds for the production of eggs. It has brilliant red feathers and lays brown eggs.

When I was a teenager I worked for Irving Hazard on his farm in Saunderstown and he had a few Reds. I still remember how well that old Rooster protected his territory. He wasn't afraid of me at all and if I didn't watch him closely, I was liable to be subjected to a fierce attack. (Irving also raised Black Angus cattle and Hampshire sheep.)