Lighthouse stamp series features Umpqua River Lighthouse

The 65-foot tower that looks out over the Pacific Ocean from above the dunes at Winchester Bay was chosen to represent Oregon on a first-class stamp. Its one of five Western lighthouses depicted on stamps issued by the U.S. Postal Service as part of the Pacific Lighthouse series.

The stamps were officially issued this morning following a First Day of Issue ceremony at the Grays Harbor Lighthouse in Westport, Wash., one of the other lighthouses honored in the series.

Were really excited. We think its a real recognition of the beauty of the Umpqua River Lighthouse and all the efforts over the past few years to restore it, said Gardner Chappell, director of the Douglas County Museum in Roseburg and the Lighthouse Museum in Winchester Bay.

Each of the stamps in the series features an acrylic painting by noted lighthouse artist Howard Koslow.