MANASSA — Beginning July 21, the Manassa Post Office will offer a special pictorial postmark celebrating the town’s most famous resident, Jack Dempsey.  

The collectible postmark will be available at the Post Office located at 413 Main St. and is issued in conjunction with Manassa Pioneer Days.

Heavyweight boxing champion Jack Dempsey was born June 24, 1895 and died May 31, 1983.

Dempsey won the heavyweight championship in 1919 after knocking out Jesse Willard, but he lost it to Gene Tunney in 1926.

The citizens of Manassa still celebrate his greatness, which stimulates them to succeed on their own in many professions.  A museum is housed in the cabin in which Dempsey was born.

Dempsey appeared on a US Postage Stamp in 1998. It is no longer on sale in Post Offices. However, he will once again be remembered in this year's limited-time postmark.

“Commemorative postmarks are a great, inexpensive way to remember the important people, places and events in our lives,” said La Jara Postmaster Jennifer Jaramillo. “’This great man put our town on the map and the special postmark will ensure this remains a collectible for the ages.”

Can’t make it to the Manassa Post Office? The postmark is also available for 30 days after by mail. To request by mail, affix First-Class postage to an envelope or postcard of your choice. Place in a larger envelope (along with a large self-addressed stamped envelope for the return trip) and send to:
Postmaster
413 Main Street
Manassa, CO, 81141