Today marks Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 139th birth anniversary. Did you know he was a lifelong stamp collector?
He started at just 8 years old, building a collection of nearly 1
million stamps in his lifetime! When he contracted polio in 1921, his
collection helped settle his mind. While governor of New York,
Roosevelt became a member of the American Philatelic Society. And
throughout all four terms as president, he actively shared his love of
stamps with the nation.
During WWII and the Great Depression, FDR used stamps as an outlet to raise spirits. He also had a traveling exhibit (the “Philatelic Truck”)
created to show America how stamps were made. Roosevelt even sketched
several designs himself AND personally approved every stamp issued
during his presidency
Saturday, January 30, 2021
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT
Monday, January 25, 2021
SCOTT #716 OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES 2 CENT
On
January 25, 1932, the US Post Office Department issued its first stamp
honoring the Olympic Games. This year marked the third time the Winter
Olympic Games were held – and it was the first time they took place in
the United States.
The 1932 Winter Games were hosted by Lake
Placid, New York, a small town in the Adirondack Mountains with less
than 3,000 year-round residents. The Lake Placid Chamber of Commerce
asked the village postmaster to suggest a commemorative stamp for the
event. A New York congressman was able to persuade reluctant officials,
and the stamp was approved.
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Friday, January 8, 2021
SCOTT #2724-30 LEGENDS OF AMERICAN MUSIC 29 CENT
When Elvis died in 1977, fans around the nation immediately wanted a stamp honoring him. After ten years, he was eligible to appear on a US stamp, and requests for it poured in. A decade later, the postmaster general hinted at issuing a stamp to honor Elvis along with other major American music figures. While many people liked the idea of an Elvis stamp, he was also a controversial subject due to his history of drug use. However, after long debate, Elvis was chosen for the first stamp in the new Legends of American Music Series.
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
SCOTT #2720 YEAR OF THE ROOSTER 29 CENT
On December 30, 1992, the USPS issued its first Chinese New Year stamp (#2720) honoring the start of the Year of the Rooster.
The
stamp was designed by first-time stamp designer, Clarence Lee, who used
an airbrush to produce the artwork. It was the last US stamp of 1992,
and was extremely popular. Many post offices sold out in just a few
days and the stamp was in high demand in Asia.
The 1992 Chinese
New Year stamp marked several “firsts.” In addition to being the first
Lunar New Year stamp, it was also the first Happy New Year stamp AND the
first non-high-value stamp issued in panes of 20 rather than 50.
Tuesday, December 29, 2020
SCOTT #348 FRANKLIN 1 CENT GREEN
Did you know the first coil stamps were an experiment, sold only in a handful of American cities? And that 112 years ago in 1908, the first nationwide coil stamp (#348) went on sale? It’s true! The rest is fascinating stamp history…
Friday, December 18, 2020
HISTORY OF LATVIA STAMPS
Germany and Russia battled for control of Latvia during WWI. The country finally claimed its independence on November 18, 1918. As a new nation, Latvia knew it was important to print its own stamps, but the war left them with a severe paper shortage. However, one source of top-quality paper was found: WWI military maps left behind by the German army. So just one month after claiming independence, Latvia released its very first postage stamps – with the military maps on the back!
