Rhode Island Tercentenary Issue First Day Cover
300th Anniversary of the Settlement of Rhode Island
Issued on May 4, 1936 in Providence, RI - Scott #777

Unofficial Town Cancel - Hope Valley, Rhode Island
John B. Kilton Cachet - Planty #777-61f

The Hope Valley Post Office, (Hopkinton Township, Washington County) was established on May 2, 1864 under Postmaster John G. Arnold. This post office is currently in operation under Postmaster Deborah J. Raviele appointed on July 10, 2004.

John Godfrey Arnold was born on October 16, 1827 in Hopkinton, Rhode Island to Gorton W. and Nancy Brown Arnold. John married Sarah J. Lawton on October 11, 1852 and they had one son named Henry Edgar Arnold. John Arnold died in Hopkinton on December 13, 1881. He was a six generation descendant of Stephen I. Arnold; (born in England in 1622 and died in Pawtuxet, RI in 1699). John is listed in the 1880 Hopkinton Census as a merchant and Post Master. The census also lists Jemima Nichols, (mother-in-law) as living with the family.

Radio Station WJJF (AM 1180 on the dial) operates out of Hope Valley. Hope Valley has two Golf Courses, the Richmond Country Club and the Fenner Hill Golf Club. The Valley is also home to a unique Family Recreation area; The Enchanted Forest.

Sources:
Check List of Rhode Island Post Offices 1790-1994 - Del Beaudreau
Rhode Island Postal History: The Post Offices - Merolla, Jackson & Crowther