The cost of a first-class postage stamp will rise 3 cents to 37 cents this summer. With the exception of one reduction after World War I, rates have risen gradually since 1885:

_1885-1917: 2 cents.

_1917-1919: 3 cents.

_1919-1932: 2 cents.

_July 6, 1932: 3 cents.

_Aug. 1, 1958: 4 cents.

_Jan. 7, 1963: 5 cents.

_Jan. 7, 1968: 6 cents.

_May 16, 1971: 8 cents.

_March 2, 1974: 10 cents.

_Dec. 31, 1975: 13 cents.

_May 29, 1978: 15 cents.

_March 22, 1981: 18 cents.

_Nov. 1, 1981: 20 cents.

_Feb. 17, 1985: 22 cents.

_April 3, 1988: 25 cents.

_Feb. 3, 1991: 29 cents.

_Jan. 1, 1995: 32 cents.

_Jan. 10, 1999: 33 cents.

_Jan. 7, 2001: 34 cents.

(Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)