For years, romantically inclined letter writers have coveted postal markings bearing the names Heart’s Content and Cupids. Each post office has a unique Valentine’s-themed cancellation postal marking to apply to stamps to prevent their re-use. Those letters are then returned to the senders.
Donna Gibson, a Canada Post employee in Cupids for 24 years, has come across plenty of unique requests. She’s received mail this time of year from China, Hong Kong, Japan, Germany, Spain, France, and plenty of Canadian provinces. They’re all looking for the special stamp with the Feb. 14th date.
“I’ve had people plan their trip to come here at this time of year to get the cancellation in person,” Gibson told The Compass last week. “I’ve had one couple come here to have their wedding invitations using the date stamp with the Valentine hearts.”
The Cupids stamp used to be quite large and was redesigned a few years back at Gibson’s suggestion.
Lisa Chislett has served as Heart’s Content’s postmaster since 2015. Born and raised in the community, she’s encountered plenty of surprised reactions when discussing where she comes from.
“They always say what a nice name,” said Chislett. “And when you tell them there’s Heart’s Content, Heart’s Desire and Heart’s Delight, they always get a kick out of the fact there’s three of them right in a row.”
She still lives in a Trinity Bay community that conjures romantic thoughts, now calling Heart’s Delight home.
As usual, Chislett has come across lots of special requests tied to Valentine’s Day. Last Thursday, mail arrived from France, Ontario and Quebec. Requests from the latter province are particularly frequent, she said.
Like Gibson, Chislett has handled a request to stamp wedding invitations, and she meets plenty of tourists in the summer seeking it as well.
Cupids has three unique cancellation stamps. There’s the normal one, the Valentine’s-themed stamp, plus another recognizing the Cupids 400 anniversary.
“There’s times that I have people coming in looking for three cancellations on one letter,” said Gibson.
Both post offices currently boast heart-shaped decorations, and there’s also some special activities planned for 2017. On Valentine’s Day, cake will be shared with customers who care for something sweet.
