NORMAL - Amy Miller is a self-professed history buff.

Her father, aunts and uncles were raised around Normal's Fell Park and Miller now lives in the same area, so she is particularly interested in the man for whom the park was named.

"Jesse Fell was a modest man, a visionary man ahead of his time," said Miller. "He and Hester (his wife) were a very able and capable couple. They had hardships and losses, but they always persevered."

Miller has wanted to do something to recognize Fell's contribution to Normal for "quite some time."

She came up with the idea of a special stamp cancellation in Fell's honor and hoped to have it organized by the 2007 Fell Fest. That didn't happen, but Miller didn't give up.

"I realized there was more than enough time to commemorate Mr. Fell's 200th birthday (Nov. 10)," she said. "I knew it could happen."

Miller contacted town officials and met with Lauren Sunkel, the town's associate planner. Sunkel, who also is staff representative for the town's Historic Preservation Commission, designed a cancellation stamp and a "cachet," which is a commemorative design on an envelope marking a historic event.

The stamp had to be approved by the U.S. Postal Service and fit a certain space, Sunkel said. The design for the envelope is a picture of Fell's first Normal homestead, "Greenwood." The photo was supplied by the McLean County Museum of History.

Miller said she was thrilled with the stamp design that includes a picture of Fell and the words "Founding Father" and "Philanthropist."

"It sums up the life of a complicated man," she said.

The town ordered 500 of the cachet envelopes and is offering them free to anyone who wants one.

Sunkel also has organized an event at which residents can get a stamp cancelled with the special Fell cancellation. That will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday in the council chambers at Normal City Hall, 100 E. Phoenix Ave.

In order to get the special cancellation, residents must bring something with a new postage stamp on it. They also can pick up a free envelope at City Hall, place a stamp on it, and get the stamp cancelled with the special cancellation, Sunkel said.

Normal Mayor Chris Koos will unveil the special cancellation at the beginning of the event. Cake also will be served.