First Days 1 RICAN F E IR M S a T

January–February 2020

RICAN F E IR M S A T

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Y ® C T O IE VER SOC DAYS Journal of the American First Day Cover Society

A Mirror of the Past www.jamesmccusker.com The One-Stop Web Site for First Day Cover Enthusiasts!

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U.S. FIRST DAY COVER SPECIALISTS James T. McCusker, Inc. Bus: 508-822-7787 804 Broadway Fax: 508-822-1230 Raynham, MA 02767-1797 TOLL FREE: 800-852-0076 http://www.jamesmccusker.com E-mail: [email protected] Licensed & Bonded Auctioneers Member: ASDA • APS • AFDCS • ATA Please see our other ad on the center spread. January–February 2020 • First Days 1 RICAN F E IR M S A T

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★ January / February 2020 • www.AFDCS.org Y ® C T O IE VER SOC Whole Number 450 • Volume 65 Number 1

The American First Day Cover Society publish- es First Days bimonthly at POB 16277, Tucson, AZ 83732. The subscription price is included Contents with membership. Content ©2020 American First Day Cover Society; Design ©2020 Albert Eric O. Wile: A Mystery Solved...... 16 W. Starkweather. Ralph H. Nafziger: The Oregon Statehood Issue...... 24 No portion of this journal may be reproduced without the written permission of the editor. Alan Warren: Finland Birth Certificates Part .2 ...... 38 Opinions expressed in First Days are those of Foster Miller: The President’s ‘Mail Clerk’...... 50 the authors and not necessarily of the society. Submit editorial matter to the editor. Send all Foster Miller: Monte Eiserman Dies at 93...... 52 advertising material to the advertising manager. Foster Miller: John Byrnes Dies at 67...... 55 Every effort is taken to ensure accuracy, but Alan Warren: George Giffenhagen Dies at 95...... 56 validity is not guaranteed. Some names may be trademarks or registered trademarks, and are Todd Ronnei: Getting Crazy With Combos...... 57 used for identification and explanation, without Tony Dewey: A Mirror of the Past...... 60 intent to infringe. The AFDCS logo is a registered trademark. Americover 2019 Awards & Reports: Editor Four Receive Distinguished Service Awards...... 72 Albert W. Starkweather Membership Meeting ...... 73 5668 Tranquility Oaks Dr., Unit 208 Board of Directors Open Meeting...... 74 Tampa, FL 33624-5849 Business Meeting and Exhibit Awards...... 75 [email protected]; 813-962-7964 Contributing Editors Departments & Columns Gary Denis President’s Message: Michael Litvak What Is the AFDCS Cooking Up Now?...... 4 Ralph Nafziger Editor’s Opinion: 5 Todd Ronnei Can You Trust Guinness...... Gerald H. Strauss GB Covers: Backstamped London...... 6 Alan Warren Youth Field: Collecting Women on Stamps...... 8 Advertising Manager In-Sites: StampOnTheWeb Worldwide Links...... 9 Mark Thompson ArtCraft Variety Spotlight: 10 1709 Russell Street Rutgers Football FDC...... Nashville, TN 37206 Hammered Down: Mohler Sale Falls Short...... 14 [email protected] Tris Fall: First Days 2019 Subject Index...... 42 Executive Secretary Book Review: An Up-to-Date Norway Catalogue...... 62 Doug Kelsey POB 16277 Question Box: What is the Correct Spelling?...... 64 Tucson, AZ 85732 AFDCS Chooses Scott as Board Chair...... 64 [email protected]; 520-321-0880 Auction News: A New Year and a New Decade...... 65 Printed in the United States of America. Pe- riodicals postage paid at Tucson, Ariz., and Canadian Cachets: 3AngryCatss Classy Cachets..... 66 additional mailing offices. Awards & Honors: 2019 FDC Exhibiting Declines..... 70 Postmaster ...... 71 Send address changes to FDC Exhibits Set Record in Peachtree Corners AFDCS Chapter News: A Busy Season...... 76 POB 16277 Executive Secretary’s Report ...... 78 Tucson, AZ 85732 Advertiser Index...... 79 ISSN 0428-4836 • USPS 196460

2 First Days • January–February 2020 AFDCS Leadership

MEMBERSHIP SERVICES General Counsel Cynthia Scott (2021) Executive Secretary Tris Fall Albert Starkweather (Editor) Doug Kelsey [email protected] James Tatum, Jr. [email protected] Education [email protected] First Days Editor Gary Denis Mark Thompson (2020) Albert W. Starkweather [email protected] [email protected] Advertising Manager Membership Lloyd de Vries (2022) Mark Thompson Foster E. Miller [email protected] Executive Secretary ABOUT THE AFDCS AFDCS Sales Doug Kelsey Foster E. Miller Editor The AFDCS was founded [email protected] Albert W. Starkweather in 1955 and is devoted to EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE BOARD OF DIRECTORS the advancement of first [email protected] [email protected] day cover collecting. President Chairman It is a tax exempt Lloyd de Vries Cynthia Scott (2021) organization under [email protected] [email protected] Section 501(c)(3) of the Executive Vice President Members US Internal Revenue Michael L. Litvak Lorraine Bailey (2021) Code. It is APS Unit 33. [email protected] [email protected] The Facebook site is: www. First Vice President Gary Denis (2020) James Hogg [email protected] afdcs.org/facebook. [email protected] Tris Fall (Counsel) Recording Secretary Doug Kelsey (2021) Ralph Nafziger Ron Klimley (2020) Time To Renew [email protected] [email protected] If your journal has a brightly Treasurer Foster Miller (2020) colored label on the front Mark Thompson Ralph Nafziger (2021) cover, your membership has [email protected] Tom Peluso (2022) expired. Renew by mail or Past President [email protected] on the AFDCS website at: Chris L. Lazaroff David Peterman (2022) www.afdcs.org/renewal. [email protected] [email protected] ContributingAFDCS to Leadership First Days

his journal depends on its readers suming and often introduces errors. Tfor articles. All submissions will be Contributors should be aware that considered. Quality illustrations are a key the normal deadline for First Days element. Please submit 300 dpi or better submissions is sixty days before the jpg or png file scans on a CD or crisp magazine’s first cover date. If you have color photocopies on a contrasting back- submitted an article and have gotten no ground — usually black — or via email. response, please let me know. Handwritten and printouts of text Send your articles and illustrations to cannot be accepted as typing these into Albert W. Starkweather, 5668 Tranquility a word processor or using optical char- Oaks Drive, Unit 208, Tampa, FL 33624- acter recognition (OCR) is time con- 5849; [email protected]. ■

January–February 2020 • First Days 3 Lloyd A. de Vries: President’s Message What Is the AFDCS Cooking Up Now? as it really been 20 to those board members Hyears since the end of who voted for me for the 20th century? Twenty another term as president. years since Y2K? We can However, I am disap- argue about whether this pointed that only 110 peo- is the start of a new decade ple voted, less than a tenth or the final year of the pre- of our membership. Please vious one, but I am certain make a note to vote in it is the beginning of a new next year’s board election. era for the AFDCS. In Memoriam We enter the new It seems as if there decade in better financial are more deaths from shape than at the begin- de Vries “natural causes” in the ning of the teens. Thanks to winter, especially around Ron Allen, we update the Current Cachet- the end of the calendar year, than at makers Directory more often and made it any other time. Perhaps it is perception, free to nearly everybody. (There is a new perhaps there is a psychological or January 2020 edition.) Todd Ronnei put medical reason. In this and the previ- all our back issues into a searchable elec- ous issue, you will find obituaries for tronic archive. We have more FDC exhib- several people whose names you will itors winning gold medals at top exhibi- recognize. (See obituaries for Diane tions, not just Americover. We can put Achgill and William Stroebel in the the collective energy we used to produce November–December 2019 issue and our own show in other areas. for Monte Eiserman and John Byrnes Those are just a few of our accomplish- in this issue.) ments in the last decade. Our accomplish- Some were prominent in first day cov- ments, not mine or the officers’ or the er collecting, some known for their work board’s. We did it together. Thanks for in the society; most were notable in both. your help. Some had not been active for a few years, We have more goals and more im- but their accomplishments live on. For provements that are needed. “A man’s example, we plan to update Eiserman’s reach should exceed his grasp,” wrote poet Handbook for First Day Cover Collectors. Robert Browning. So, too, an organiza- It is available in hard copy or download. tion’s reach. “May their memories be a blessing,” my Humbled But Disappointed religion teaches me. It is certainly true for Thank you to those who voted for me as those we have lost this winter, and who a member of the Board of Directors, and are remembered in this magazine. ■

4 First Days • January–February 2020 Albert W. Starkweather: Editor’s Opinion Can You Trust Guinness? recently received an inter- those established in 1955 I esting email from member by the McWhirter twins — Win Schaeffer of Flossmoor, Norris and Ross. Both were Illinois, that questions the educated at Trinity College, validity of entries in a well- Oxford. Ross was assassinat- known records book. ed by the Provisional Irish “I came across an entry Republican Army in 1975. in the online Guinness Book Norris retired from Guinness of Records claiming that the Starkweather World Records in 1975, but world’s largest collection of continued as an advisor until FDCs contains about 7,200 covers 1996. He died in 2004 at the age of 78. (www.guinnessworldrecords.com/ Chapter Challenge world-records/largest-collec- In each issue of First Days, Foster tion-of-stamps-first-day-covers),” Miller recounts activities by AFDCS he wrote. “Surely this is absurdly low. I chapters in great detail, usually adding must have 5,000 and I am not even try- illustrations of an event or their recent ing. So who does have the most?” newsletters. Now is the time for them Guinness claims: “The largest collec- to accept my Chapter Challenge. tion of stamps - first day covers is 7,215, The challenge is quite simple: Send achieved by George Vavvas (Greece), me an article and illustrations for pub- in Ionnina, Greece, on 6th April 2013. lication in First Days. The Connecticut Geogre [sic] Vavvas has started [sic] his Cover Club Chapter 86 has already been collection in 2005. The first day covers doing this on a regular basis. are coming from 119 different countries.” The only submission rule is that the [Editor’s note: The Guinness site subject matter be related to first day was accessed on February 8, 2020, to covers. One idea would be to submit an verify the listing.] article from a recent newsletter to share The first question that comes to with the entire membership. mind is: Is this a collection or an accu- Reinvigorating Canada FDCs mulation? In sheer numbers, Mystic Gary and Carol Ridge of Carrying Stamp Company has millions. Howev- Place, Ontario, who were disappointed er, the Eldon Mohler collection that is by Canada Post’s lack of FDC variety, in the process of being sold contained have been producing their own limited approximately 100,000 FDCs, accord- edition FDCs. ing to Doug Weisz. Gary Dickinson’s column beginning Seemingly, the standards of the Guin- on Page 66 explores their enterprise and ness World Records have slipped from illustrates some of their offerings. ■

January–February 2020 • First Days 5 Michael Dodd: GB Covers Corner Backstamped London was looking at some I of my aviation covers recently and the expres- sion “backstamped Lon- don” came into my head. However, the covers I was looking at were not “backstamped” on the reverse, but on the front. Covers `1 from the 1930s though to the 1970s are usually canceled on the reverse. These perhaps are not first day covers in the purist sense. I thought I would change the focus for this article and show and write about some different FDCs flown on the `2 first day of a flight between somewhere and London only so I can maintain the GB theme and show a few different GB stamps at the same time. Tony Buckingham and I collaborated on a March `3 18, 2008, Singapore Airlines Airbus 380 first flight cover from Singa- on arrival in London using a commem- pore to London (Figure 1), as well as Sin- orative cancel and one of the person- gapore to Sydney. alized labels Buckingham had printed I carried 500 covers on the flight, met se-tenant with a copy of the 2006 Smil- Buckingham at Heathrow and signed ers booklet Firework stamp (Scott 2409). 100 covers and a certificate of authentic- This is not the stamp from the 2008 ity (Figure 2) which was reproduced and Smilers Booklet issued in February 2008 included with the covers Buckingham as it does not have the elliptical perfora- Covers still sells. The cover was canceled tion of that issue.

6 First Days • January–February 2020 The second cover from the same flight to London was one I designed and had printed in a limited run of 20 copies (Figure 3). I was able to have these with me in the cabin. The long flight allowed me to get some `4 signed by the cabin and flight deck crews. This example was signed by the captain, whom I got to meet on many occasions during my A380 inaugural flights over the following years. It has the commemo- `5 rative cancel on a copy of the 2005 Smilers booklet Union Jack stamp (Scott 2317). 2012, cancel from KLIA for the depar- My third cover (Figure 4) is from ture and the simple Heathrow Hounslow a Qantas A380 inaugural flight from July 2 arrival cancel on a copy of one of Sydney to London via Singapore. It was the January 2012 issued Olympic and flown on both legs and signed by the Paralympic Games stamps, showing the flight deck crew who operated the Syd- games emblem (Scott 2982) ney Singapore leg, including the captain You may recall there was another issue in command and the additional captain. I of this stamp on July 27, 2012. Obvious- produced 25 covers. Many are unsigned ly it could not have been used on July as one cannot impose too much on the 2. However, it is worth noting if you are crew’s time. looking at your copies, the January issue I had it canceled on the January 16, was produced by photogravure and the 2009, departure from Sydney Kingsford July issue by lithography. Smith airport with the Sydney Interna- It is impossible to say one airline is bet- tional Airport postmark. It was canceled ter than the others because they each have on arrival in London with the Heathrow amazingly high service standards. Having Airport postmark on a 2008 Machin first flown a lot with all three carriers I just like class definitive (Scott MH287). the memories from the final flight. My final cover (Figure 5) from the I hope this has been an interesting inaugural Malaysia Airlines A380 service diversion from the more traditional top- from Kuala Lumpur to London is one of ic of Great Britain FDCs and I welcome my favorites. It was signed by the captain feedback and commentary. ■ and other flight deck crew. I got a July 2, [email protected]

January–February 2020 • First Days 7 MaryAnn Bowman: Covering the Youth Field A Good Year To Collect Women on Stamps ational Women’s in the military, women as NMonth is celebrated nurses and homemakers, in March. I was reminded the international women’s of this while perusing the year (1975), etc. listing of US 2020 issues. A Hundreds of US stamps stamp commemorating the honor and depict specific centennial of the ratification women. Start by collecting of the 19th amendment inexpensive FDCs, prefer- to the US Constitution on ably with cachets. The ATA August 18, 1920, that gave has a checklist of women women the right to vote will on stamps. be issued later this year. There are several ways This is a good time to these covers could be begin collecting FDCs hon- organized. Arranging the oring women who have had first day covers by issue an impact on our history. It would be an date allows the discussion of complex- example of collecting topical or theme ities of production details as well as related FDCs, as well as acknowledging why these women have been honored the achievements of these women. on postage stamps. Another possible The first US stamp to portray a woman way to organize the covers would be was issued in 1893 and depicted Queen by categories, such as artists, musicians, Isabella on the $4 Columbian stamp scientists, writers, athletes, doctors and (Scott 244). She made it possible for nurses, and actresses. Christopher Columbus to make his first As you explore these stamps on cover, voyage to America in 1492. have the child use clues that are often The next woman to appear on a US found in the illustrations, the dates, and postage stamp was Martha Washington in text to learn more about the greatness 1902, 1923, and 1938 (Scott 306, 556, and of the women and reasons why they 805). Pocahontas appeared on a stamp in are commemorated on postage stamps. 1907 (Scott 330). Cachets often relate the stories in sim- More recent issues depicting women, ple terms. including Louisa May Alcott, Frances Perhaps conclude with sharing the Willard, and Jane Addams, are readily design of the 2020 anniversary stamp found on FDCs. for the 19th amendment as well as other There are women on generic stamps US stamps depicting women that will be that recognize the first women’s rights issued during the year. ■ convention, Gold Star Mothers, women [email protected]

8 First Days • January–February 2020 Steve Swain: First Days In-Sites Worldwide Links Abound at StampOnTheWeb eing primarily a collector of US by what constituted “local” for the Local Bstamps and postal history, I am aware Societies category, I discovered it provides of links to most of the websites offering links to European, South American, Aus- information, images, etc., for our stamps tralian, Canadian, and US sites, but none and covers. However, I am somewhat of a for Asian countries. An interesting and novice when it comes to worldwide sites. important category is 4000 Online Exhib- This was my dilemma in attempting to its which provides links to more than 70 locate information and images for world- worldwide sites. Here you will certainly wide stamps and FDCs commemorating find links to sites displaying FDC exhibits. women’s suffrage and the centennial of The site says that links were tested as ratification of the 19th amendment to the of January 2016 and would be checked US Constitution. Coming to the rescue and updated periodically so that only live was stampontheweb.com. Established sites are listed. I found several links that by the Italian Association of Military Post were outdated or incorrect. I recommend Collectors, the largest Italian association of the site owners devote some effort to ful- postal history, the site is not a search engine. filling their promise. It is a web directory, sometimes called a The home page claims the site is a link directory. The site boasts that it “takes Portal of Philately, but that is not entirely away the tedious and time demanding accurate. As I explained in my Novem- effort needed for disentangling the output ber–December 2019 column about Wiki- of a ‘traditional’ engine search.” pedia’s philately portal, the term denotes The site’s straightforward design pres- an entrance, a gateway, a starting site for ents on the left side of the home page a users of the Web, and provides various listing of website categories such as Inter- links to other sites. The key distinction of national Federations, Military Postal His- a portal’s design is its “community” focus, tory, Thematic Philately (topicals), Forums the ability of anyone to modify the site’s and Blogs, and Philatelic Experts. Simply content as well as links. A web directory click a category to be presented with links site can indeed choose to offer the same to numerous, sometimes hundreds, of capability, but I do not see that as a design sites. Many of the sites’ names, URLs and component of the Italian site. Valuable as content appear in foreign languages. Goo- it is, it is merely an online list or catalogue gle Translate will frequently pop up and of worldwide sites related to philately. usually can provide an English translation. Be careful when entering the site’s URL. A valuable category is Postal Organiza- It is not stamps (plural) ontheweb.com. tions. As you may know, it is on these sites That URL summons a site for buying and that first day of issue information and cov- selling stamps, not the web directory. ■ ers for sale are routinely offered. Intrigued [email protected]

January–February 2020 • First Days 9 Michael Lake: ArtCraft Variety Spotlight

`1 `2 Rutgers ‘Official’ College Football FDC By Michael W. Lake

oming off this past Cyear’s sesquicentennial of college football, it seems fitting to spotlight the 1969 six cent stamp (Scott 1382) commemorating the centennial of the first intercollegiate football game, between Princeton and Rutgers universities at New Brunswick, New Jersey, on `3 November 6, 1869. In 1967 Rutgers Univer- sity formed a Centennial Football Game Committee to oversee all activities, commemoratives, and press for the centennial celebration. It soon received a com- mitment from Postmaster `4 General W. Marvin Watson to approve a centennial stamp, acknowl- ly to my decision …” The Rutgers group edging that the efforts of US Rep. Edward formed a subcommittee to focus on all Patten (D-NJ) “contributed significant- activities surrounding the forthcoming

10 First Days • January–February 2020 stamp, although the US Post Office Department failed to provide further details to facilitate planning for more than a year. On January 23, 1969, The Washington Press reached out to Rutgers Sports Infor- mation Director Les Unger, `5 Centennial Committee point man for FDC planning. William Deck- an assistant to Rutgers President Mason er, longtime sales representative for the W. Gross, met with Leo August to agree Woodbury printing firm and WP consul- on formalized terms. Rutgers and The tant, told Unger that Rutgers would likely Washington Press would collaborate on a host and be responsible for the logistics of cachet design. In exchange for the “official” the “first day exercises” for the new stamp. designation, a press run would be done in He advised Unger that The Washing- a different color to be used/sold exclusive- ton Press was already planning a cachet ly by Rutgers. The university could opt design and proposed that Rutgers dub to receive 10,000 cacheted envelopes for ArtCraft its “official” first day cover and free, with additional ones at $30 per 1000 buy a quantity of covers for promotional or could receive a $1,000 grant from The use. According to Unger’s meeting notes, Washington Press. August would promote Decker was the consummate salesman: the special variety through its philatelic “He did say that collectors would regard outlets. Rutgers would pay for the stamps, the official cachet as a more valuable item print a stuffer card for the official cachets, and claimed, without immodesty, that work with USPOD on the first day cere- they (Washington Press) outsell all other mony with August’s guidance, and man- companies combined.” age sales and non-philatelic publicity. In early April, Unger and James Watson, Continued on Page 12

`6 `7 `8

January–February 2020 • First Days 11 Continued from Page 11 Figures 1 and 2 show the two initial designs in The Washington Press archives. It is hypothesized that these were rejected by the school as there was no tie to the first game. The only image of the 1869 game is a painting `9 by Rutgers alumnus Wil- liam Boyd called The First Game (Figure season. They could be purchased at the 3). That image was incorporated into a Rutgers bookstore and by mail order. Pro- football shaped frame and the final cachet ceeds from the sales went to the Centen- began to take shape (Figure 4). The let- nial Committee to support its objectives. tering was adjusted at the school’s request The first day ceremony was held on and the positioning of the player and September 26, 1969. in the Rutgers Gym- painting were flipped so they did not over- nasium. Attendees received a program lap. The Figure 5 sketch was approved. that featured the Rutgers cachet (Figure The initial proofs from the engraving 11). The reverse included the text that was were run in black, red, and green (Figures used for the stuffer card, along with the 6–8). Only two proofs of each color are centennial logo. ■ known. The color for the Rutgers cachet Reference is scarlet red, the school’s colors as the Records of the Rutgers University Cen- Scarlet Knights. Note the upper left corner tennial Football Game Committee, text: “Official Rutgers / First Day / Cover.” 1967–1971. Special Collections and Meeting minutes indicate that “after con- University Archives, Rutgers University. siderable discussion, it was decided that New Brunswick, 1968. Rutgers should be deleted …” (Figure 9). [email protected] The standard ArtCraft cachet was printed in black. Rutgers produced a stuffer card describing the first college football game (Figure 10). The university sold the serviced covers for 50 cents each. On the first day of issue, they were available at four area post offices — New Brunswick, North Brunswick, Highland Park, and Rutgers Uni- versity. Sales to fans continued at `0 `- each home game during the 1969

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January–February 2020 • First Days 13 Alfred Carroccia: Hammered Down Mohler Sale Falls Short of Expectations ouglas Weisz of Weisz DStamps & Covers played a significant role in the November 16, 2019, sale of The Edwin Mohler Collection of United States Il- lustrated First Day Covers by H. R. Harmer. The massive collection was to be sold in a `1 series of public auctions. Weisz would sell the lower value FDCs. Harm- er would offer high value material in a series of auctions. With Weisz involved, the lots would be accurately described and have estimates that reflected the cur- `2 rent market. Harmer promoted the sale in an advance brochure, highlighting premium items. Harmer President/CEO Charles Epting found the depth of Mohler’s collection exceeded his expectations. First day collectors agreed that this was the fin- `3 est collection of handpainted covers ever to hit the market. The The hope of a Dorothy Knapp hand- catalogue itself is an important refer- painted cover receiving the same atten- ence picturing all the covers in color. It tion as an inverted Jenny raised every was anticipated that the sale would pro- FDC collector’s expectations. The Knapp pel FDC collecting into the same circle covers did not fare well. Only two lots as other high-end material. The prices exceeded their estimates. realized do not include the 18 percent Lot 4013, a set of the Scott 704–715 buyer’s premium. Washington Bicentennial first day covers,

14 First Days • January–February 2020 has a strong provenance. It sold for $2,304 issue and probably the “most important” in 2007, when it was incorrectly described cacheted cover for this issue. Its scarcity as a Ralph Dyer cover. Correctly identi- probably saved this cover and sent it to fied as a Knapp creation and one of “only its new home. a few sets known,” it sold for the reserve of Out of the lots that sold for under $4,500. Its estimate was $8,000 to $10,000. $100 the prettiest was Lot 4748 (Fig- The other Knapp cover was Lot 4024, a ure 3). An unlisted first day cover of the handpainted cachet of the 1938 Delaware 1944 Motion Picture issue (Scott 926) — Tercentenary (Scott 836). Although it was described as handpainted, but appearing added later, it is a stunning cachet typical as handdrawn in colored pencil or char- of Dorothy Knapp’s style. Harmer estimat- coal — shows portraits of comedians Bob ed it as $1,200 to $1,500. Last sold in 2016 Hope and Jack Benny and puppet Char- for $930, it sold for the reserve of $725. lie McCarthy in caricature. Described By comparison another Scott 836, Lot as “unique” it sold for its $50 reserve — a 4647, from Dyer’s personal collection bargain and an interesting addition to and described as “likely unique,” sold for any FDC collection. $4,750 against a $700 reserve (Figure 1). It Lot 4390 comprised a unique collec- had been estimated at $1,200 to $1,500. tion balance of Bernard Goldberg covers. Lot 4212, the 1934 National Parks The 216 covers are from 1981–2009. Most set (Scott 740–749), described as having are handpainted and described as very “four designs unlisted,” did not sell. It had fine and attractive. An interesting starter sold for $3,000 in 2005. The reserve was collection, it also met its reserve of $1,000. $1,800. It had been estimated at $3,000 to It is a far cry to call this sale disappoint- $4,000. The black and white Robert Bea- ing. At the very least, seeing this materi- zell photo cachets do not jump out com- al being showcased by a major auction pared to the colorful cachets prevalent for house is promising. Using it as a barom- the other covers. eter to forecast the FDC market is not Lot 4291 pretty Bruce McIntyre advised. There will be many more sales of unlisted 50 cent Baby Zeppelin (Scott FDC material. Weisz has stated there will C18) met its reserve at $1,800 (Figure 2). be no future Mohler auctions. ■ It is the only cover by McIntyre for this [email protected]

200,000 FDCs STOCK LARRY K. MARSHALL AUTOGRAPHS Printed & Handpainted P.O. Box 722110 San Diego, CA 92 I 72 1920s - 2010 '/ WHIT’S COVERS FDCs autographed by aviators, authors, film stars, 34F Red Cedar Lane Shelburne, VT 05482 composers, astronauts § Phone: 802-985-8519 sports figures our specialty. Email: [email protected] Celebrating Our 35th Year

January–February 2020 • First Days 15 A Mystery Solved Double Checking a Signature Leads to FDC Happiness By Eric O. Wile ly I was able to purchase numerous other gorgeous t is always something to covers. The description Ifind an elusive cover and of the covers in the eBay know nothing about the offerings stated: cachetmaker. Is it an add- These were passionately on? Did the cachetmaker do and meticulously hand other covers as part of the crafted by the late pro- set? Did he produce covers fessional artist Richard for sale, trade or only for his A. Traybsza. They are own benefit and enjoyment? unique and one of a It is especially interest- kind. No duplicates. All ing when the cover exhib- original. Richard was Richard A. Traybsza its a high level of artistic an avid stamp collector and creative ingenuity. This was the case and a member in good standing with when I purchased a FDC as part of the the First Day Cover Society of America. North American Wildlife Series (Scott These covers are from his cherished and 2286–2335). The handpainted cachet por- coveted personal collection. They have trayed the California Sea Lion and had six of the 50 stamps from the sheet. The cover was signed, which should have assisted me in my search for the others. Unfortunately, I read the signature as Traybo- za, the incorrect spelling of the last name of cachetmaker, Richard A. Traybsza. `1 My eBay search parame- ters suggested two additional covers from the set. Natural- ly, I purchased these, which also had six stamps each and portrayed an American Elk (Figure 1). Suddenly, there was a mul- titude of listings by this same `2 cachetmaker and fortunate-

16 First Days • January–February 2020 been in climate-controlled storage for decades and are now becoming available. I contacted the eBay seller to find that it was Traybsza’s son who was selling his father’s collection. I was able to purchase additional covers from the North American Wildlife set, as well as others. `3 Traybsza produced covers that he serviced in addition to painting add-on cachets by other makers, such as Art- Craft, Artmaster, and Aristo- crat. In addition to enhancing the cachet he also would paint an additional design on the cover. Figure 2 is an example of the 1968 Airlift Military Parcel Stamp (Scott `4 1341). The original cover was an ArtCraft design to which Traybsza added a beautiful tribute to the Berlin Airlift. In discussing the covers with his son, Richard P. Traybsza, I asked about his father. I had not previously seen his work nor did I know him from AFDCS activities. The elder Traybsza was born on November 26, 1929, `5 in Chicago, Illinois. He was a lifetime resident there until his death in After graduating from Fenger High July 1993. He was raised by his mother as School he enlisted in the Army for four his father died when Traybsza was a baby. years, serving as a private. He was a He always loved art and designing; his sharp shooter and tank crew member. favorite toy as a child was an old-fash- Upon his discharge Traybsza enrolled ioned child printing toy. Continued on Page 20

January–February 2020 • First Days 17 Healing the

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January–February 2020 • First Days 19 Continued from Page 17 at the Institute of Fine Art and then the Art Institute of Chicago, where his love of the arts flourished. He was a commercial artist for Federal Sign & Signal Corporation and then at Flashtric Sign Company. Subsequently he became chief designer for `6 Foster & Klieser outdoor advertising company, creat- ing billboards. He later became art director at America Trade Magazine, in downtown Chicago until his death. Traybsza began collecting stamps in the late 1960s. He joined the AFDCS in 1993, `7 but had been contributing his covers to its auctions starting in 1986. Traybsza tried to produce a cover for each issue and particularly followed the US space program. Figure 3 shows a dual first day cover for the Scott 1331a Space `8 Twins and Scott 2031 Sci- ence and Industry. Traybsza liked to include photographs related to the stamp issue inside the covers he kept and often included a typed index card describing the stamp. Traybsza’s enjoyment of stamp collecting allowed `9 Continued on Page 22

20 First Days • January–February 2020 Don’t Miss the Train Anon E Mouse Cachets Send $7 per cover with a SASE to the address below. ATA member’s price is only $5 Original art, hand drawn with pen or per cover. All aboard for adventure! with computer mouse since 1982.

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See a selection of ATA cover designs at: Same cachet for all four stamps. http://bit.ly/ATAcovers Best Wishes for the New Year! American Topical Association Cynthia Scott PO Box 2143, Greer SC 29652-2143 USA 4505 Chapel Drive, Columbus IN 47203 [email protected] www.americantopicalassn.org www.anonemousecachets.com FDCs Online For more information, contact: Mark Thompson, 1709 Russell St., Nashville, TN 37206 615-945-6450; [email protected] AFDCS Henry Gitner www.afdcs.org www.hgitner.com Anon E. Mouse Cachets Inaugurals.Com www.anonemousecachets.com www.inaugurals.com Will & Kathy Appel KSC Cachets www.postcardcovers.com www.KSCCachets.com Autographs.Online www.autographs.online James T. McCusker Inc. www.jamesmccusker.com Bevil Cachets www.cachets.com Marilyn J. Nowak US & UN FDCs Dragon Cards www.marilynjnowakcovers.com www.dragoncards.biz The Stamp Center Dutch Country Auctions www.thestampcenter.com www.thestampcenter.com FDC Auction Central WW II Patriotic Covers www.fdcauctioncentral.com www.patrioticcovers.com

January–February 2020 • First Days 21 Continued from Page 20 him to expand his artistic ability to cachetmaking. Other Traybsza work that I acquired includes: Figure 4 — Davy Crockett (Scott 1330), which portrays him with a wagon train. Figure 5 — Erie Canal (Scott 1325) with a canal scene. [Editor’s note: The `0 cachet has two errors: Mules rather than horses were used on the tow paths. The barge is being towed stern first, making it difficult to steer and putting unnecessary strain on the animals.] Figure 6 — George C. Marshall (Scott 1289) portraying President Franklin `- D. Roosevelt and a group of soldiers. Figure 7 — Brett Harte (Scott 2196) combo with other authors portraying the Luck of Roaring Gap. Figure 8 — Roanoke Voy- ages (Scott 2093) with the Sir Walter Raleigh at sea. `= Figure 9 — Duke Elling- ton (Scott 2211) with a 1920s scene listing General Georges P. Vanier cachet shows a of his compositions. deer in a meadow (Scott 474). Figure 10 — Special Occasions (Scott In solving the mystery of the covers, I 2267–2274) with a garden scene. discovered a cachetmaker, unraveled his Figure 11 — Stamp Collecting (Scott life story, and became acquainted with 2199) in combination with other issues his son whose pride and love of his father shows a stamp album and a zeppelin out- and his covers could easily be seen. Like side the window. any mystery novel, we can only hope for a Figure 12 — Traybsza also created at good ending, and I found one here. ■ least one Canadian FDC. The Governor [email protected]

22 First Days • January–February 2020 Alfred H. Caspary Alfred F. Lichtenstein

Franklin D. Roosevelt

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January–February 2020 • First Days 23 The 1959 Oregon Statehood Issue A Design that Connects Two Centuries By Ralph H. Nafziger

regon was admitted Oas the 33rd state in the Union on February 14, 1859, when James Bu- chanan was president. The state was carved out of the southwest portion of the Oregon Territory, which had been incorporated on August 14, 1848. It entered the Union as a “free” state in exchange for opening slavery to the Southwest. The state was founded as a refuge from disputes over slavery, having a “white only” clause in its original constitution. By the 1880s, the growth of railroads expanded lum- bering, agriculture, and city growth, mail being carried primarily by rail. Portland became the state’s largest city. In 1902, Oregon introduced direct legislation whereby the state’s citizens could pro- pose initiatives and referen- da upon which to be voted. The first US stamp to honor a natural feature in Oregon was the six cent Crater Lake issue of the 1934–1935 National Park series (Scott 745). The first `1 Continued on Page 26

24 First Days • January–February 2020 ATTENTION: AFDCS MEMBERS See what’s turning the cover world on its head by requesting a sampler selection of our highly acclaimed commemorative postal cover cards on approval and enjoy in the comfort of your own home. The perfect ingredient guaranteed to add new life to your collection. Absolutely no obligation. Free postage to include a Complimentary card (value to $10). Please include your email address with request. AMERICANA-SPORTS-POLITICS- MILITARY-HOLLYWOOD-LOVE and WAR ON TERROR await you. www.postcardcovers.com Will & Kathy Appel, P.O.Box 020005, Brooklyn, NY 11202-0005

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January–February 2020 • First Days 25 `2

Continued from Page 24 He submitted six sketches from which the stamp commemorating the centennial of one at the bottom of Figure 1 was selected. the settling of the Oregon Territory was Hallock was a graduate of the Chounard issued in 1936 (Scott 783). School of Art in Los Angeles and a mem- Beginning in the mid 1930s, state cen- ber of the Society of Illustrators. During tennials were honored with commemo- World War II, he was art director for the rative stamps. As recommended by the Navy [Glass, 1960]. Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee, The approved design was adapted from Postmaster General Arthur E. Summer- an 1860 painting by Thomas Otter (1832– field announced on May 10, 1958 that an 1890) titled “On the Road” (Figure 2). The Oregon centennial stamp would be issued original painting belongs to the Nel- in Astoria, where the first post office on son-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, the west coast was established. It was to Missouri. A semi-approved design (essay, be a part of the Oregon Centennial Cele- Figure 3) was similar to the final approved bration [Nafziger, 2016]. design, except that the latter included a Robert A. Hallock of Newfield, Con- white star symbolizing statehood. necticut, was selected by the CSAC and On December 2, 1958, the POD sent commissioned by the Post Office Depart- the design to the Bureau of Engraving and ment to prepare a design for the stamp. Continued on Page 28

`3 `4

26 First Days • January–February 2020 US Issue Collectors! Autographed FDC’s Cachet Artwork and Covers Artmaster Archives: Amazing stock from 1948-2001 that has The bulk of our stock is FDC’s both the original Artwork used for the cachets and the metal signed by the designers and plates. engravers. They have proved to Art Craft Archives: The artwork and plates being sold are from be very popular among the period between 1939 and 2002. exhibitors of FDC’s and US Colorano Silk Cachets: The Artwork is absolutely stunning! A issue collectors! Also included price list is underway! on this list are covers signed by Jack Davis: Original Artwork from the 1970’s and 1980’s. other notable individuals that are Kolor Kover: These cachets are on colored envelopes, and the associated with issue such as artwork is lovely. Ask for your free price list! Governors, dignitaries, other Ralph Dyer: One of the early cachet makers, we offer the statesmen, Postmasters, heads of original artwork used as a template for his hand painted cachets. organizations as well as Artists, Please inquire about your area of interest! Athletes, Nobel Prize winners and Aviators. Price list available on request Photo Essays and Autographed PB’s A significant portion of this material is FDC’S? We Can Help! from the estate of Sol Glass. Most of his material is extremely scarce. One of America’s largest and varied FDC’s Photo Essays - Photo essays were stocks! Almost anything you might want photographed proposed designs of stamps • Unusual Printed Cachets that were never issued and often contain • Hand Painted and Unusual Cachets topical elements not found in the issued • Foreign Destinations stamp. Approved photo designs are also listed and some are signed by the designer. • Material you didn’t even know existed! Autographed Plate Blocks - These are mint Whether you are a beginner, an advanced collector plate blocks generally autographed by the or an exhibitor – contact us first for friendly, designer, lettering and frame engravers. helpful, prompt service! All inquiries and want Also there are plate blocks that are signed lists welcomed! by the famous individuals who inspired the Thinking of a new Scott number to collect or issue. exhibit? We would be happy to guide you! Price list available on request! And Much More! Need common FDC’s in quantity for framing or Including: Photographs used for design, gifts? Try us! Souvenir Programs, Press Releases, Letters relating to the issue, USPS sheet pad and box We Buy! We buy all better FDC’s, Aerophilately issue labels, 20th century Fancy Cancels, and Postal History of the U.S. and the World. Postal History, Errors and the unusual!

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U.S. Dignitary Presentation Albums These specially prepared albums were given to dignitaries, prominent legislators, and high postal officials and were produced in very small quantities. Presented by postal authorities, each contains a sheet of the newly released stamps or postal stationery. Earlier issues (the 1950’s into the 1960’s) were autographed by the PMG. In addition, the name of the recipient is inscribed in gold or silver on the cover. Many contain an accompanying letter specially related to the issue which will be noted. Most for 1988-2009 were presented to (Ret) Congressman, Gary Ackerman

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January–February 2020 • First Days 27 Continued from Page 24 Printing. A day later, Sum- merfield approved a model of the final design. An unhorsed covered wagon, typical of those used on the Oregon Trail, forms the central subject of the stamp. Mount Hood, the highest point in Oregon, is `5 positioned to the right. The terrain slopes to the left (west) to the Pacific Ocean. Publicity pho- issued in panes of 50 that were cut from tographs were included with news releas- the sheets of 200. Several freaks exist, such es for the new issue (Figure 4). These were as margin foldovers, horizontal misperfo- prepared from finished artwork, and rep- rates, and incomplete plate wiping “blobs,” resent the only form of “proof” available (Figure 6) [The American Philatelist, 1969]. for most modern issues. In 1962, a full pane with a tear and Charles A. Brooks (1905–1993) three paper folds that occurred during engraved the vignette. John S. Edmond- Continued on Page 30 son engraved the panel at the bottom of the stamp, the white star, lettering, and numerals. The die proof was approved by Summerfield on December 15. No die proofs are known in collectors’ hands. The first printing order was placed on Decem- ber 18, 1958. Summerfield announced the design and color on December 20. The blue-green stamp (Scott 1124) was dry printed from 200-subject electric eye steel intaglio plates on the BEP’s Cottrell Electronically Activated Rotary Web press on unwatermarked paper (Figure 5). It was electric eye `6 perforated 11 × 10½, and

28 First Days • January–February 2020 Purple Heart Medal GRAEBNER CHAPTER CACHET

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January–February 2020 • First Days 29 Continued from Page 28 the perforation process, was disclosed [The Phila- delphia Inquirer, 1962]. An initial printing order of 120 million stamps was authorized on December 18, 1958. Ultimately, 120,740,200 stamps were printed. No `7 major errors have been reported. The last stamps were printed on January 23, 1959. Four plates were used to print the stamps. (Table 1). The stamps were deliv- ered first on January 22 to Detroit, Michigan, and Los Angeles, California. The stamp went on sale at 9 a.m. on February 14, at the Astoria post office. As early as February 6, 1959, Astoria post office employees and a crew of 30 women under the supervision of Stanley J. Hodziewich, a Washington, D.C., postal official, began processing requests for first day cancellations, working 8–12 hours per day. By February 12, 51,775 pieces `8 of mail had been received from throughout the world. A maximum Handback service was available on the of eight stamps were allowed on any one first day of issue. First day canceling was cover [Astoria Evening Budget, 1959a]. Continued on Page 32

Table 1. Printing Data for the Oregon Statehood Issue Plate No. Certified To Press Date Canceled Sheets Printed 26235 1-9-59 1-12-59 9-7-60 166,832 26236 1-12-59. 1-14-59 do. 165,106 26237 1-9-59 1-12-59 do. 166,833 26243 1-12-59 1-14-59 do. 165,105

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January–February 2020 • First Days 31 Continued from Page 30 expected to continue `9 through February 20. There was a total of 452,764 first day covers canceled [Nafziger, 2007]. Preparation for the first day activities reached a frantic pitch on February 13. These included the ceremony, a luncheon for 200 invited guests, Vice President Richard M. Nixon’s arrival, and open house tours in the Astoria post office [Astoria Evening Budget, 1959c]. Special guests for the open house included more than 35 postmasters from throughout Oregon [Astoria Evening Budget, 1959b]. The official FDC cachet, `0 drawn by Rolf Kelp, a well-known Astoria artist, went on sale February 14 at 9 a.m. at the Astoria post office (Figure 7). Ear- ly on the first day, lines of people began forming at the post office. Sales were heavy throughout the day. `- The first day ceremony began at 10 a.m. in the Oregon National Guard Armory auditorium in Asto- ria (Figure 8). At 10 a.m., the Astoria High School band, under the direction of Ted G. Marshall, presented a concert. The `= Continued on Page 34

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January–February 2020 • First Days 33 Continued from Page 32 program, with Robert J. Hanson, Centennial Stamp Issuance Program chairman, presiding, began at 10:30 a.m. More than 2,500 attended the ceremony. The band played the `q national anthem, after which the invocation was given by the Rev. W. E. Putnam, president of the Astoria Minis- terial Association. Astoria Mayor Harry M. Steinbock greeted the guests. This was followed by presentation of the stamps and albums to `w distinguished guests by L. Rohe Walter, special assistant to the postmaster general for public relations. Vice President Richard M. Nixon spoke, followed by the benediction by Putnam. Governor Mark O. Hatfield was scheduled to attend, but bad weather prevented him from flying into Astoria. Nixon arrived one-half hour late. After the ceremony at 11:30 a.m., the luncheon was held in the John Jacob Astor Hotel. Walter was the principal speaker. The luncheon featured a large cake with a replica of the stamp (Figure 9). Nixon was unable to attend the luncheon. There were two official first day cancellations. The machine cancel had a 23 mm diameter circular date stamp (Figure 10). The four killer bars enclosing the wording “First Day of Issue” were 50 mm long and band, under the direction of 19.5 mm high. The hand cancel CDS also was 23 23 mm in diameter, with the four killer `e Continued on Page 36

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January–February 2020 • First Days 35 Continued from Page 34 bars incorporating the same words being 45 mm in length and 18.5 mm high (Figure 11). Both cancels featured the official state seal, 6.5 mm below the CDS in the machine cancel and `r 3.5 mm to the right of the hand cancel CDS. There are four known predates: January 21 (Fig- ure 12) and January 26, both canceled in Tangent, Ore- gon, to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and returned. These were likely `t backdated cancels. The third predate was canceled in Clarkston, Washington, on February 2 and sent to Taco- ma, Washington [Astoria Evening Budget, 1959c]. A fourth predate was canceled in Detroit, MI on February 13, 1959 and sent to Lakev- ille, Michigan. `y Unofficial FDCs are known from Columbus, Ohio, with Karl R. Maul, a flocked Velvatone, and W. N. Scheufler cachets (Figure 13), and from Wright. One-hundred twenty general Salem, Oregon, with the Oregon gover- purpose cacheted covers were serviced nor’s corner card (Figure 14). with first day cancels. Nineteen corner According to Monty, et al (2005), there cards were canceled similarly. A number are 14 first FDC cachets, including a Mis- of add-on cachets also were serviced. cha Maxi-Card (Figure 15). These are list- A variety of subjects appeared on ed in Table 2, along with one other. FDC cachets for this issue. Among the Mellone (1983) lists 31 issue-specific more numerous were the State Capi- FDC cachets for this issue. There are at tol, covered wagons with or without an least 70 additional issue-specific cachets accompanying map, the official state in existence. Examples shown in Fig- seal, and text. Others included forests, ures 16–18 include cachets by Harman mountains, and well-known people

36 First Days • January–February 2020 such as Abraham Lincoln, James K. The American Philatelist. “Crazy Perfs,” vol. Polk (president when Oregon became 83, no. 8, August 1969, p. 703. a territory), and Dr. John Mcloughlin Glass, Sol, “Oregon Statehood Issue,” The (“father of Oregon”). Bureau Specialist, vol. 31, no. 2, February Most FDC cachets were printed, 15 1960, pp. 31, 35, 37. handdrawn and handpainted, 5 engraved, Mellone, Michael, and Monte Eiserman, 6 thermographed, 4 each paste-on and Mellone’s Specialized Cachet Catalog handcolored, 2 rubber stamped, one of FDCs of the 1950s, 1st edition. vol. II, flocked, and one on photographic paper. FDC Publishing Co., Stewartsville, NJ, At least two freak FDCs exist. 1983, pp. 277–279. There was a total of 737,226 stamps Monty, Richard A., Wendy L. Doyle, Mark sold on the first day, with a value of W. Goodson, and Norman L. Elrod, $29,489.04. The stamps were withdrawn Mellone’s FDC Photo Encyclopedia of from sale at the Philatelic Sales Agency at First Cachets Revealed, 1940s and 1950s, the close of business on July 13, 1960. ■ vol. 2, 2005, pp. II–146, 148. References Nafziger, Ralph H., “Four First Days for Astoria Evening Budget. “P.O. Crews Oregon,” First Days, vol. 52, no. 1, Jan. 15, Busy with Stamp Mail,” vol. 85, no. 37, 2007, pp. 44–48. Feb. 12, 1959a, pp. 1–2; “Post Office Nafziger, Ralph H., “The Oregon Centennial Marks Biggest Day,” vol. 85, no. 40, Feb. Celebration,” Postal History Journal, no. 16, 1959b, p. 1.; “Stamps on Sale Early,” 165, October 2016, pp.12–19. “Astoria Prepares for Nixon Stop, First The Philadelphia Inquirer. “Error in ’59 Issue of Centennial Stamp,” vol. 85, no. 38, Stamps Disclosed by Dealer,” Nov. 22, February 13, 1959c, p. 1. 1962, p. 2.

Table 2. First Cachets for the Oregon Statehood Issue (Monty, et al, 2005) Cachetmaker Mellone No. Color(s) Remarks Business Service Co. (on OSS cachet) NIM Multicolored S Cover Collectors Circuit Club (Chap. 16) 7 Green S Starcover 19 Brown S OR Centennial Pony Express, Inc. 27 Brown S (with stuffer) Greater Eugene Stamp Society 30 Gold U Rolf Kelp (Astoria C of C) 31 Green/Yellow S; 35,000 w/ 30,000 stuffers Agency Lithograph Co. NIM Silver or Slate U R. S. Drenner (Lane Stamp Society) NIM Brown S Edith Green NIM Blue S First National Bank of Oregon NIM Multicolored U Mischa Maxi-Cards (Bill & Leba Salomon) NIM Blue U Oregon Pioneers (Two designs) NIM Brown U Oregon Postmasters Association NIM Blue U Oregon Stamp Society NIM Multicolored U Ross Hollywood Chapel (on First NIM Multicolored S National Bank of Oregon cachet) NIM = Not listed in Mellone,1983 — S = signed — U = unsigned

January–February 2020 • First Days 37 Finland Birth Certificates The 1928 Stamp Exhibition & 1930 Zeppelin Overprints

By Alan Warren Part 2 his series focuses on TFinnish commemoratives FDCs. Shown here are definitives with commemorative overprints. Finland became inde- pendent and began issuing stamps in 1918. The first definitive series depicts the lion from the Finish coat `1 of arms. The architect Eliel Saarinen created the design and it is often referred to as the Saarinen series. For the November 10–18, 1928, Helsinki Philatel- ic Exhibition, two stamps from the series — the 1 and 1½ mark (Scott 146–147) — were overprinted and issued on the first day (Scott 153– 154, Figures 1– 2). They met the postcard and letter rates respectively. The 1 mk also `2 met the local letter rate. The stamps were sold only at the show and val- was valid for use only on postcards and id only for use there. The overprint com- letters on September 24 for the return trip bines Finnish and Swedish wording. to Germany (Figure 3). Another definitive series was issued The zeppelin rate was 20 mk from Hel- in 1930, including a 10 mk value depict- sinki to Friedrichshafen, requiring two C1 ing Finland’s largest body of fresh water, stamps, plus a 2 mk definitive for airmail Lake Saimaa (Scott 178). In September the delivery within Germany. When the zep- stamp was overprinted ZEPPELIN 1930 pelin arrived at Helsinki on September 23, in red, to mark the visit of the LZ 127 Graf high winds prevented passengers from Zeppelin to Helsinki (Scott C1). The stamp boarding, but mailbags were exchanged.

38 First Days • January–February 2020 `3 `4

It departed the next day for Friedrichshafen via Stock- holmm Sweden, arriving in Germany on September 25, where mail was backstamped (Figure 4). Since the letter was addressed to Osnabrück, it was forwarded via Stuttgart and Hannover as indicated by the red handstamps. The overprinted sheets have an error at position 86 `5 with 1830 instead of 1930. Figure 5 shows use of this rarity on the September 24 flight. As it was addressed to Stockholm, where mail was exchanged, it did not require local postage. Figure 6 shows the airship flying over Helsinki.■ References Ala-Honkola, Harri et al. Suomen Postitaksat 1875- `6 2001 (Finnish Postage Rates), Finnish Postal Museum, Tampere, Finland, 2016. LAPE 2010 (special stamp catalogue of FACIT 2015 Special (catalogue of the Finland), Philatelic Service of Finland, Nordic countries), Facit Förlags, Malmö, Turku, Finland. Sweden. [email protected]

January–February 2020 • First Days 39 Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - Healing (semipostal) Christmas Wreaths

PTSD - FDoI (DCP) - $6 PTSD - FDoI (Hand OR machine) - $5

Spooky Silhouettes

Booklet Pane with booklet cover and DCP cancel - $15

FDoI block/4 - $8 Set/4 covers with DCP - $18 FDoI -Set/4 combo Jack O’Lanterns - $20 Set/4 covers Hand OR MC - $13 Military Working Dogs

Entire booklet pane (both of the above covers) with DCP & hand cancels - $25

Block of four FDoI (illus.) - $8 Set/4 covers with DCP (illus.) - $18 Set/4 DIFFERENT cachets (Belgian Malinois, Dutch Shepherd, Labrador Block of four FDoI with plate number - $9 Set/4 covers hand OR machine - $13 Retriever & German Shepherd) with DCP cancels - $18 Set/4 DIFFERENT cachets with hand OR machine cancels - $15 ! " #$$% &$ '(( )*++,')-

40 First Days • January–February 2020 Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - Healing (semipostal) Christmas Wreaths

PTSD - FDoI (DCP) - $6 PTSD - FDoI (Hand OR machine) - $5

Spooky Silhouettes

Booklet Pane with booklet cover and DCP cancel - $15

FDoI block/4 - $8 Set/4 covers with DCP - $18 FDoI -Set/4 combo Jack O’Lanterns - $20 Set/4 covers Hand OR MC - $13 Military Working Dogs

Entire booklet pane (both of the above covers) with DCP & hand cancels - $25

January–February 2020 • First Days 41 First Days 2019 Subject Index Volume 64; Whole Nos. 444–449 Compiled by Tris Fall Locations are by Whole Number and Page Achgill, Diane Diane Achgill, of RKA Covers, Dies at 74, by Foster Miller, 449, 36 Airmail Beazell Zeppelin Cacheted Covers & Postcards: 1933 Experiment Used Photosentive Cardstock, by Cheryl R. Ganz, 447, 26 Hammered Down: Flying High With the Baby Zep, by Alfred Carroccia, 445, 7 American First Day Cover Society AFDCS 64th Anniversary Fund Raiser Results, 449, 79 Editor’s Opinion: How Can You Help Support AFDCS?, by Albert W. Starkweather, 445, 6 Executive Secretary’s Report, by Douglas A. Kelsey, 444, 74; 445, 78; 446, 78; 447, 78; 448, 78; 449, 78 President’s Message: Behind the Scenes, by Lloyd A. de Vries, 444, 4 President’s Message: Goals Met and Unmet, by Lloyd A. de Vries, 446, 4 President’s Message: Have We Changed?, by Lloyd A. de Vries, 447, 4 President’s Message: Where Do You Get Your FDC News?, by Lloyd A. de Vries, 449, 4 American First Day Cover Society — Elections AFDCS News: Board Members Elected; Officers Chosen, 445, 74 AFDCS Official Ballot for Election of 2020-2022 Directors, 448, Insert Candidates Statements, 448, Insert American Philatelic Research Library (APRL) First Days In-Sites: APRL Offers New FDC Digitized Content, by Steve Swain, 446, 7 American Topical Association (ATA) Covering the Youth Field: ATA Employs FDCs in Outreach Program, by MaryAnn Bowman, 449, 8 Americover AFDCS Auction Donors: Americover and Mail Donations Abound, by Michael Litvak, 449, 74 AFDCS News: Americover 2019 Jury Named, 445, 74 Americover 2019, 445, Insert Continuing a Tradition [Autographed Americover Covers], 449, 34 President’s Message: Facing a Brave New World, by Lloyd A. de Vries, 448, 4 ArtCraft ArtCraft Cachets Collateral Collectibles: A Bonanza for Topical and FDC Collectors, by Gerald H. Strauss, 444, 16 ArtCraft Variety Spotlight: An Introduction, by Michael Lake, 446, 10 ArtCraft Variety Spotlight: Leo August’s Inside Track To the Moon, by Michael Lake, 448, 12 ArtCraft Variety Spotlight: A Reversal of Cachets, by Michael Lake, 447, 8 ArtCraft Variety Spotlight: Solar Energy Innovation in Florham Park, by Michael Lake, 449, 10 Letters To the Editor: Passing the Back Page Torch, by Tim Devaney, 445, 12 Question Box: Is This an ArtCraft Cachet Variety? [Scott 1074 — Booker T. Washington], by Alan Warren, 444, 62 Question Box: Washington Press Connection Confirmed [Scott 1074], by Alan Warren, 445, 69 The Times, They Are A Changin’, by Tom Peluso, 444, 73 Auctions AFDCS 88th Fundraising Auction, 445, 42 AFDCS 89th Fundraising Auction, 448, 42 AFDCS Auction Donors: Americover and Mail Donations Abound, by Michael Litvak, 449, 74 AFDCS Auction Donors: Hot Wheels Brings Hot Donations, by Michael Litvak, 447, 68

42 First Days • January–February 2020 AFDCS Auction Donors: Make a Resolution To Donate, by Michael Litvak, 444, 67 AFDCS Auction Donors: Tidal Wave of Donations, by Michael Litvak, 448, 64 AFDCS Auction Preview: 100 x 100 Dragon Challenge Donations, by Michael Litvak, 444, 65 AFDCS Auction Preview: 2018 Cachetmakers Top Ten, by Michael Litvak, 447, 64 First Days In-Sites: Using Auction Sites for FDCs, by Steve Swain, 445, 8 Hammered Down: Eleven Lots – Thousands of FDCs, by Alfred Carroccia, 446, 6 Hammered Down: An Extraordinary Sale, by Alfred Carroccia, 447,10 Hammered Down: Flying High With the Baby Zep, by Alfred Carroccia, 445, 7 Hammered Down: Handcrafted Cachets Enhance Value, 449, 14 Hammered Down: Holiday Auction Slowdown, by Alfred Carroccia, 444, 7 Hammered Down: Market Continues To Be Erratic, by Alfred Carroccia, 448, 11 Mohler Collection Going on the Block, 447, 32 President’s Message: We Need Auction Material, by Lloyd A. de Vries, 445, 4 Aviation See Airmail Awards & Honors Awards & Honors: Kerry Heffner Receiving Carter Award, 446, 75 Editor’s Opinion: Awards Often Carry a Hook, by Albert W. Starkweather, 446, 5 Editor’s Opinion: A Literature Hat Trick, by Albert W. Starkweather, 448, 5 See Exhibits & Exhibiting; Roll of Distinguished Philatelists Beazell, Robert C. Beazell’s Lake Placid Olympics: The Search for First Day Machine and Hand Cancels, by Glenn A. Estus, 449, 22 Beazell Zeppelin Cacheted Covers & Postcards: 1933 Experiment Used Photosentive Cardstock, by Cheryl R. Ganz, 447 26 Bell, Alexander Graham ArtCraft Variety Spotlight: A Reversal of Cachets [Scott 1683], by Michael Lake, 447, 8 Bennett, Dave AFDCS Auction Donors: A New ‘Thank You’ Cover [Scott 5321–5330], by Michael Litvak, 445, 64 Birth Certificates See Denmark; Finland Book Reviews Book Reviews: C76 Catalogue Vastly Changed [Comprehensive Moon Landing Scott C76 Cachet Catalog, expanded and revised by David Zubatsky], 445, 66 Book Reviews: Solving a Triple Mystery [Three Brands of First Day Covers from Regina, by Gary Dickinson], by Alan Warren, 446, 73 See also Literature; Publications Cachetmakers AFDCS Auction Donors: A New ‘Thank You’ Cover [Dave Bennett], by Michael Litvak, 445, 64 ArtCraft Cachets Collateral Collectibles: A Bonanza for Topical and FDC Collectors, by Gerald H. Strauss, 444, 16 ArtCraft Variety Spotlight: An Introduction, by Michael Lake, 446, 10 ArtCraft Variety Spotlight: Leo August’s Inside Track To the Moon, by Michael Lake, 448, 12 ArtCraft Variety Spotlight: A Reversal of Cachets, by Michael Lake, 447, 8 ArtCraft Variety Spotlight: Solar Energy Innovation in Florham Park, by Michael Lake, 449, 10 Beazell’s Lake Placid Olympics: The Search for First Day Machine and Hand Cancels, by Glenn A. Estus, 449, 22 Beazell Zeppelin Cacheted Covers & Postcards: 1933 Experiment Used Photosentive Cardstock, by Cheryl R. Ganz, 447 26 Boo Heisey: Children’s Cartoon Illustrator and FDC Artist, by Daryl Kibble, 445, 30 Canadian Cachets: Van Dahl’s Canadian Varieties, by Gary Dickinson, 447, 70 Court of Honor 39 — David Peterman, by Rollin Berger, 449, 16

January–February 2020 • First Days 43 Funny Fossil Bone Wasn’t Humerous: Prehistoric Animal FDCs from Dave’s Outdoor World [Scott 3077–3080], by Susan Jones, 444, 20 Letters To the Editor: Passing the Back Page Torch [ArtCraft], by Tim Devaney, 445, 12 On the Trail of Grant and Lyon: Chasing Connecticut Tercentenary Issue FDCs of 1935 [Scott 772], by Tony Dewey, 445, 20 Profile: Meet Terri Hardin, 448, 9 Question Box: Is This an ArtCraft Cachet Variety? [Scott 1074 — Booker T. Washington], by Alan Warren, 444, 62 Question Box: Washington Press Connection Confirmed [Scott 1074], by Alan Warren, 445, 69 The Times, They Are A Changin’ [Therome Cachets], by Tom Peluso, 444, 73 Cachetmaker’s Contest 2018 AFDCS Cachetmakers Contest Entry Form, 444, Insert 2018 Cachetmakers Contest Winners, 448, 18 AFDCS Auction Preview: 2018 Cachetmakers Top Ten, by Michael Litvak, 447, 64 Canada Book Reviews: Solving a Triple Mystery [Three Brands of First Day Covers from Regina, by Gary Dickinson], by Alan Warren, 446, 73 Canadian Cachets: Expo 67 in Montreal Broke Records, by Gary Dickinson, 448, 72 Canadian Cachets: The Older Massey Brother, by Gary Dickinson, 445, 71 Canadian Cachets: Participation at Expo 70 in Osaka, Japan, by Gary Dickinson, 449, 70 Canadian Cachets: The Prime Minister’s Father, by Gary Dickinson, 444, 70 Canadian Cachets: Van Dahl’s Canadian Varieties, by Gary Dickinson, 447, 70 Canadian Cachets: What Color Is a Gray Jay?, by Gary Dickinson, 446, 69 US Commemorates Canada’s Confederation [Scott 1324], Glenn A. Estus, 448, 36 Celebrate Stamps Aripex Awarded ‘Let’s Celebrate’ Ceremony, 449, 49 Chapter News Ceremony Program Catalogue Update Planned, by Foster Miller, 448, 76 ESPER Celebrates 30th Anniversary, by Foster Miller, 444, 76 Groups That Meet Regularly, 445, 76 Regularly Published Newsletters, by Foster Miller, 446, 76 Transcontinental Railroad To the Max, by Foster Miller, 447, 76 Vietnam Wall FDCs on 1960s Envelopes, by Foster Miller, 449, 76 Christmas Christmas Breakfast [Connecticut Cover Club], 449, 51 Court of Honor 39 — David Peterman, by Rollin Berger, 449, 16 Connecticut Cover Club Christmas Breakfast [Connecticut Cover Club], 449, 51 The Connecticut Woodstock That Never Was, by Andy Doback, 449, 50 Connecticut Tercentenary On the Trail of Grant and Lyon: Chasing Connecticut Tercentenary Issue FDCs of 1935 [Scott 772], by Tony Dewey, 445, 20 Contests Covering the Youth Field: Boosting Youth Contest Entries, by MaryAnn Bowman, 444, 12 See also Cachetmaker's Contest Court of Honor Court of Honor 39 – David Peterman, by Rollin Berger, 449, 16 Cover Exchange Cover Exchange, 444, 31; 445, 33; 446, 27 Members Exchange Ads, 449, 49 Crosby, Walter William Stroebel, Crosby Biographer, Dies at 98, by Alan Warren, 449, 37

44 First Days • January–February 2020 D-Day See World War II Denmark Denmark Birth Certificates Part 25: Commemorating 100 Years of Rail Service, by Alan Warren, 444, 36 Denmark Birth Certificates Part 26: Honoring a Brewer and a Patron of the Arts, by Alan Warren, 445, 36 Denmark Birth Certificates Part 27: No Commemoratives in 1948, but Two in 1949, by Alan Warren, 446, 34 Denmark Birth Certificates Part 28: Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the UPU, by Alan Warren, 447, 34 Disabled / Disabilities See International Year of Disabled Persons Editor’s Opinion Awards Often Carry a Hook, by Albert W. Starkweather, 446, 5 Channeling Rocky and Bullwinkle, by Albert W. Starkweather, 444, 6 Freshening the Pages, by Albert W. Starkweather, 447, 5 How Can You Help Support AFDCS?, by Albert W. Starkweather, 445, 6 A Literature Hat Trick, by Albert W. Starkweather, 448, 5 Size Matters, by Albert W. Starkweather, 449, 5 EFOs Question Box: An EFO FDC [Scott 628], by Alan Warren, 446, 72 Elrod, Norman L. Elrod Tributes from the Internet, 444, 65 Norman Lloyd Elrod: 1941–2019, 444, 64 Ericsson, John Question Box: An EFO FDC [Scott 628], by Alan Warren, 446, 72 Event Covers The Connecticut Woodstock That Never Was, by Andy Doback, 449, 50 Covers for Non-Philatelic Events, by Foster Miller, 447, 59 Exhibits & Exhibiting Awards & Honors: FDC Awards Only, by Alan Warren, 445, 70 Awards & Honors: FDC Exhibits Garner Gold, by Alan Warren, 447, 75 Awards & Honors: FDC Exhibits Take Top Honors, by Alan Warren, 444, 66 Awards & Honors: First Days Exhibits Do Well at StampShow, by Alan Warren, 448, 69 Awards & Honors: First Days Exhibits Garner Gold in Fall Shows, by Alan Warren, 449, 75 Awards & Honors: Ken Nilsestuen Honored at March Party, by Alan Warren, 446, 75 James S. Hering Captures Americover Grand, 448, 68 Famous Americans Series Question Box: Answers to Two Queries, by Alan Warren, 449, 68 Question Box: Overpaid and Underpaid?, by Alan Warren, 448, 70 Farley’s Follies The Wisconsin Tercentenary Issue: Getting Up Close and Personal [Scott 739 & 755], by Ralph H. Nafziger, 446, 14 FDC Research See Philatelic Research Finland Finland Birth Certificates Part 1: The 1927 Tenth Anniversary Issue, by Alan Warren, 449, 38 See also Scandinavia First Day Ceremonies Aripex Awarded ‘Let’s Celebrate’ Ceremony, 449, 49 Chapter News: Ceremony Program Catalogue Update Planned, by Foster Miller, 448, 76

January–February 2020 • First Days 45 Dedicating Rivers on a River, by Ralph H. Nafziger [Scott 5381], 446, 32 First Days Editor’s Opinion: Freshening the Pages, by Albert W. Starkweather, 447, 5 Editor’s Opinion: A Literature Hat Trick, by Albert W. Starkweather, 448, 5 Editor’s Opinion: Size Matters, by Albert W. Starkweather, 449, 5 First Days 2014 Subject Index, by Tris Fall, 449, 60 First Days 2015 Subject Index, by Tris Fall, 447, 42 First Days 2016 Subject Index, by Tris Fall, 446, 42 First Days 2018 Subject Index, by Tris Fall, 444, 42 Great American Stamp Show President’s Message: Where Do You Get Your FDC News?, by Lloyd A. de Vries, 449, 4 Great Britain GB Covers Corner: A Brief Look at the 1935 George V Omnibus Issue, by Michael Dodd, 448, 6 GB Covers Corner: Celebrating the UPU’s Centennial, by Michael Dodd, 444, 10 GB Covers Corner: Changing Times in Values and Design, by Michael Dodd, 447, 6 GB Covers Corner: First Day Covers from Edward VIII, by Matt Dodd, 449, 6 GB Covers Corner: Greetings Stamps – The First Three Years, by Michael Dodd, 446, 8 GB Covers Corner: Stamps Echo da Vinci Exhibitions, by Michael Dodd, 445, 10 Greenland See Scandinavia Hardin, Terri Profile: Meet Terri Hardin, 448, 9 Hayes, Esper Gold Esper Gold Hayes: 1934–2018, 444, 63 Heisey, Boo Boo Heisey: Children’s Cartoon Illustrator and FDC Artist, by Daryl Kibble, 445, 30 Hot Wheels AFDCS Auction Donors: A New ‘Thank You’ Cover [Scott 5321–5330], by Michael Litvak, 445, 64 Inauguration Covers TR’s Swearing In and Inauguration: After McKinley’s Death and For a Second Term, by Edward Mendlowitz, 444, 24 International Year of Disabled Persons Elaine Skarritt and the US International Year of Disabled Persons Commemorative [Scott 1925], by Al Raddi, 449, 28 Jack-O-Lanterns Does the Headless Horseman Ride Again? [Scott 5137-40], by Gary Denis, 448, 66 Kennedy, President John F. JFK and the Two Nacos [Scott 1246], by Henry Scheuer, 444, 32 Lake Placid See Olympics Landry, Maurice J. Maurice J. Landry: 1933–2019, by Foster Miller, 445, 28 Legend of Sleepy Hollow Does the Headless Horseman Ride Again? [Scott 5137–5140], by Gary Denis, 448, 66 Letters to the Editor Letters To the Editor: Passing the Back Page Torch, by Tim Devaney, 445, 12 Letters To the Editor: Right Event, Wrong Postmark, by Ken Lawrence, 445, 12 Literature A Bibliography of Literature Concerning World War II Patriotic Covers: Part 1 – Topics, by David Zubatsky, 444, 54 A Bibliography of Literature Concerning World War II Patriotic Covers: Part 2, by David Zubatsky, 446, 58

46 First Days • January–February 2020 A Bibliography of Literature on US First Day Covers Issued Between 1960–1969: Supplement One, by David Zubatsky, 446, 55 A Bibliography of Literature on US First Day Covers Issued Between 1970–1979: Supplement One, by David Zubatsky, 447, 57 A Bibliography of Literature on US First Day Covers Issued Between 1980–1989: Supplement Three, by David Zubatsky, 449, 42 See also Book Reviews; Publications McKinley, President William Letters To the Editor: Right Event, Wrong Postmark, by Ken Lawrence, 445, 12 TR’s Swearing In and Inauguration: After McKinley’s Death and For a Second Term, by Edward Mendlowitz, 444, 24 Moon Landing ArtCraft Variety Spotlight: Leo August’s Inside Track To the Moon, by Michael Lake, 448, 12 Book Reviews: C76 Catalogue Vastly Changed [Comprehensive Moon Landing Scott C76 Cachet Catalog, expanded and revised by David Zubatsky], 445, 66 Music The Connecticut Woodstock That Never Was, by Andy Doback, 449, 50 North Texas Chapter Chapter News: Two of Our Most Active Chapters, by Foster Miller, 427, 74 Obituaries Diane Achgill, of RKA Covers, Dies at 74, by Foster Miller, 449, 36 Elrod Tributes from the Internet, 444, 65 Esper Gold Hayes: 1934–2018, 444, 63 Maurice J. Landry: 1933–2019, by Foster Miller, 445, 28 Norman Lloyd Elrod: 1941–2019, 444, 64 William Stroebel, Crosby Biographer, Dies at 98, by Alan Warren, 449, 37 Olympics Beazell’s Lake Placid Olympics: The Search for First Day Machine and Hand Cancels, by Glenn A. Estus, 449, 22 Pan American Exposition Letters To the Editor: Right Event, Wrong Postmark, by Ken Lawrence, 445, 12 TR’s Swearing In and Inauguration: After McKinley’s Death and For a Second Term, by Edward Mendlowitz, 444, 24 Parcel Post A Surprising Parcel Post First Day Discovery: January 1, 1913 Date ‘Hidden’ on a Commercial Tag [Scott Q2 & Q6], by G. Scott Ward, 444, 14 Patriotic Covers A Bibliography of Literature Concerning World War II Patriotic Covers: Part 1 – Topics, David Zubatsky, 444, 54 A Bibliography of Literature Concerning World War II Patriotic Covers: Part 2, by David Zubatsky, 446, 58 See also World War II Peterman, David Court of Honor 39 — David Peterman, by Rollin Berger, 449, 16 Philatelic Research FDC Research Projects No. 22, by Gary Denis, 444, 60 Postal Cards Question Box: 1897 Sweden Postal Card Rate Confusion, by Alan Warren, 447, 74 Postmaster General FDCs PMG Frank C. Walker FDCs from 1944, by Paul M. Holland, 447, 61 Prehistoric Animals Funny Fossil Bone Wasn’t Humerous: Prehistoric Animal FDCs from Dave’s Outdoor World [Scott 3077-80], by Susan Jones, 444, 20

January–February 2020 • First Days 47 President’s Message Behind the Scenes, by Lloyd A. de Vries, 444, 4 Facing a Brave New World, by Lloyd A. de Vries, 448, 4 Goals Met and Unmet, by Lloyd A. de Vries, 446, 4 Have We Changed?, by Lloyd A. de Vries, 447, 4 We Need Auction Material, by Lloyd A. de Vries, 445, 4 Where Do You Get Your FDC News?, by Lloyd A. de Vries, 449, 4 Profiles Profile: Meet Terri Hardin, 448, 9 Puerto Rico El Jibarito Turns Seventy: Commemorating Puerto Rico’s First Gubernatorial Election [Scott 983], by Ronald H. González, 449, 52 Publications See Book Reviews; Literature Question Box 1897 Sweden Postal Card Rate Confusion, by Alan Warren, 447, 74 Answers to Two Queries, by Alan Warren, 449, 68 An EFO FDC [Scott 628], by Alan Warren, 446, 72 Is This an ArtCraft Cachet Variety? [Scott 1074 – Booker T. Washington], by Alan Warren, 444, 62 Overpaid and Underpaid?, by Alan Warren, 448, 70 Washington Press Connection Confirmed [Scott 1074], by Alan Warren, 445, 69 Roll of Distinguished Philatelists Roll of Distinguished Philatelists Signatories, 446, 33 Warren To Sign Distinguished Philatelists Roll, 445, 18 Roosevelt, President Theodore Letters To the Editor: Right Event, Wrong Postmark, by Ken Lawrence, 445, 12 TR’s Swearing In and Inauguration: After McKinley’s Death and For a Second Term, by Edward Mendlowitz, 444, 24 Scandinavia A Little Crispy Around the Edges: FDCs Burned in 1970 Greenland Post Office Fire, by Steven J. Berlin, 444, 30 Question Box: 1897 Sweden Postal Card Rate Confusion, by Alan Warren, 447, 74 Question Box: Overpaid and Underpaid?, by Alan Warren, 448, 70 See also Denmark; Finland Space Book Reviews: C76 Catalogue Vastly Changed [Comprehensive Moon Landing Scott C76 Cachet Catalog, expanded and revised by David Zubatsky], 445, 66 Covering the Youth Field: Collecting Space Covers, by MaryAnn Bowman, 446, 12 A Family of First Moon Landings, 445, 68 Stroebel, William William Stroebel, Crosby Biographer, Dies at 98, by Alan Warren, 449, 37 Sweden See Scandinavia Therome Cachets The Times, They Are A Changin’, by Tom Peluso, 444, 73 Transcontinental Railroad Chapter News: Transcontinental Railroad To the Max, by Foster Miller, 447, 76 United Kingdom See Great Britain United Nations See International Year of Disabled Persons

48 First Days • January–February 2020 United States 1913 — A Surprising Parcel Post First Day Discovery: January 1, 1913 Date ‘Hidden’ on a Commercial Tag [Scott Q2 & Q6], by G. Scott Ward, 444, 14 1919 — The WWI Victory Commemorative: Symbolic and Challenging [Scott 537], by Steve Swain, 445, 14 1933 — Beazell Zeppelin Cacheted Covers & Postcards: 1933 Experiment Used Photosentive Cardstock [Scott C18], by Cheryl R. Ganz, 447 26 1934 — The Wisconsin Tercentenary Issue: Getting Up Close and Personal [Scott 739 & 755], by Ralph H. Nafziger, 446, 14 1935 — On the Trail of Grant and Lyon: Chasing Connecticut Tercentenary Issue FDCs of 1935 [Scott 772], by Tony Dewey, 445, 20 1949 — El Jibarito Turns Seventy: Commemorating Puerto Rico’s First Gubernatorial Election [Scott 983], by Ronald H. González, 449, 52 1956 — Question Box: Is This an ArtCraft Cachet Variety? [Scott 1074], by Alan Warren, 444, 62 1964 — JFK and the Two Nacos [Scott 1246], by Henry Scheuer, 444, 32 1967 — US Commemorates Canada’s Confederation [Scott 1324], Glenn A. Estus, 448, 36 1976 — ArtCraft Variety Spotlight: A Reversal of Cachets [Scott 1683], by Michael Lake, 447, 8 1981 — Elaine Skarritt and the US International Year of Disabled Persons Commemorative [Scott 1925], by Al Raddi, 449, 28 1996 — Funny Fossil Bone Wasn’t Humerous: Prehistoric Animal FDCs from Dave’s Outdoor World [Scott 3077–3080], by Susan Jones, 444, 20 2016 — Does the Headless Horseman Ride Again? [Scott 5137–5140], by Gary Denis, 448, 66 2018 — AFDCS Auction Donors: A New ‘Thank You’ Cover [Scott 5321–5330], by Michael Litvak, 445, 64 2019 — Dedicating Rivers on a River, by Ralph H. Nafziger [Scott 5381], 446, 32 2020 — Aripex Awarded ‘Let’s Celebrate’ Ceremony, 449, 49 Universal Postal Union (UPU) Denmark Birth Certificates Part 28: Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the UPU, by Alan Warren, 447, 34 GB Covers Corner: Celebrating the UPU’s Centennial, by Michael Dodd, 444, 10 Van Dahl, Al and Arlene Canadian Cachets: Van Dahl’s Canadian Varieties, by Gary Dickinson, 447, 70 Vietnam War Chapter News: Vietnam Wall FDCs on 1960s Envelopes, by Foster Miller, 449, 76 Warren, Alan Roll of Distinguished Philatelists Signatories, 446, 33 Warren To Sign Distinguished Philatelists Roll, 445, 18 Washington, Booker T. Question Box: Is This an ArtCraft Cachet Variety? [Scott 1074 — Booker T. Washington], by Alan Warren, 444, 62 Question Box: Washington Press Connection Confirmed [Scott 1074], by Alan Warren, 445, 69 Websites First Days In-Sites: APRL Offers New FDC Digitized Content, by Steve Swain, 446, 7 First Days In-Sites: Closed Website? Wayback to the Rescue, by Steve Swain, 444, 8 First Days In-Sites: Collecting #1s, by Steve Swain, 447, 9 First Days In-Sites: Exploring Stamps on YouTube, by Steve Swain, 448, 10 First Days In-Sites: Using Auction Sites for FDCs, by Steve Swain, 445, 8 First Days In-Sites: Wikipedia’s Philately Portal, by Steve Swain, 449, 9 Wisconsin Tercentenary The Wisconsin Tercentenary Issue: Getting Up Close and Personal [Scott 739 & 755], by Ralph H. Nafziger, 446, 14 Continued on Page 50

January–February 2020 • First Days 49 The President’s ‘Mail Clerk’ By Foster Miller

collect 1934 National IParks FDCs and specialize in the 10 cent Great Smoky Mountains issue. I purchased a cover on eBay and paid $1.30 plus 55 cents, in part because the seller did not mention The White House corner card. appointed in 1897, Smith was one of only A Google search showed that the 12 White House staff members. McKinley addressee, Ira T. Smith, was the first staff- received about 100 letters a day. er of the White House Office of Presiden- During FDR’s administration — when tial Correspondence. He was appointed this cover was sent — mail volume was by President William McKinley in 1897; 8,000 letters a day and Smith was named serving under nine presidents for 51 years the first “Chief of Mails,” now called the until he retired in 1948. When he was Director of Correspondence. ■

2019 Subject Index — Continued from Page 49 Woodstock See Music World War I The WWI Victory Commemorative: Symbolic and Challenging [Scott 537], by Steve Swain, 445, 14 World War II Commemorating the Longest Day: Thousands of Young Men Gave Their All for Freedom on June 6, 1944, by Al Sabo, 447, 14 See also Patriotic Covers World’s Fairs Canadian Cachets: Expo 67 in Montreal Broke Records, by Gary Dickinson, 448, 72 Canadian Cachets: Participation at Expo 70 in Osaka, Japan, by Gary Dickinson, 449, 70 US Commemorates Canada’s Confederation [Scott 1324], Glenn A. Estus, 448, 36 See also Pan American Exposition Youth Covering the Youth Field: ATA Employs FDCs in Outreach Program, by MaryAnn Bowman, 449, 8 Covering the Youth Field: Boosting Youth Contest Entries, by MaryAnn Bowman, 444, 12 Covering the Youth Field: Collecting Space Covers, by MaryAnn Bowman, 446, 12 Covering the Youth Field: FDCs as Souvenirs, by MaryAnn Bowman, 445, 9 Covering the Youth Field: Rainbow Scratch Art Fun, by MaryAnn Bowman, 447, 12 Covering the Youth Field: Sharing Working Dogs, by MaryAnn Bowman, 448, 8 Zeppelins Beazell Zeppelin Cacheted Covers & Postcards: 1933 Experiment Used Photosentive Cardstock, by Cheryl R. Ganz, 447 26 Hammered Down: Flying High With the Baby Zep, by Alfred Carroccia, 445, 7 ■

50 First Days • January–February 2020 NATS TOP THE ASTR0S

Washington, D.C., cancel — $3.00 Houston cancel — $3.00 ORDER TODAY! Order online at http://www.afdcs.org/covers Make checks for mail orders payable to AFDCS and send to AFDCS Sales, Box 44, Annapolis Junction, MD 20701-0044

January–February 2020 • First Days 51 AFDCS ‘First Lady’ Monte Eiserman Dies at 93

onte Eiserman, 93, tru- Days shows the Eisermans Mly the first lady of the had moved to Houston, AFDCS, died on December where they lived for the rest 25, 2019, in Houston, Texas. of their lives. The issue also She joined the AFDCS in lists her as serving as an December 1958 as member AFDCS regional vice pres- 3233 and was listed in the Janu- ident. ary 1959 membership directory Eiserman was the third update as “Mrs. Fred Eiser- recipient of the AFDCS Dis- man” [the custom of the time] living in tinguished Service Award, our second Tulsa, Oklahoma. Her next mention is in highest honor, in 1973. She became Hon- the March–April 1960 Cover Exchange orary Life Member 12, our highest award, column, where she requested FDCs of the in 1992. She also received the Glenn C. 14-cent American Indian Fourth Bureau Michel Special Recognition Award in stamp issued May 1, 1923, in Muskogee, 1989. Oklahoma. FDCs of this issue would con- Eiserman was prolific a author. In tinue to be a highlight of her collections. addition to articles in First Days too The November–December 1960 issue numerous to list, she was a co-author of reports that at the fifth annual AFDCS the FDC Handbook for Junior Collectors in convention at Chesapex in Baltimore 1966. She authored four editions — 1964, Eiserman won the Washington Press 1969, 1979 and 1993 — of A Handbook Trophy for best US first day cover exhib- for First Day Cover Collectors, more com- it showing Stamps, the First Day of Issue monly known as the Monte Handbook. from the State of Oklahoma. She and Harry Anderson co-authored In the January–February 1962 issue of the first and second editions (1975 and First Days, new AFDCS President Stanley 1992) of the Moon Landing Catalog. She Fryczynski announced his first official act also wrote articles for The Ceremonial was naming her as the new membership and Stamp Collector and was a contrib- chairman. She would continue in this utor to the Mellone specialized first day position for forty years until 2002. cover catalogues. Her first major article in First Days Along with Julian Pugh, Eiserman was in the March–April 1963 issue, titled founded the annual AFDCS cachet con- L. W. Staehle – King of Cachets. The byline test. She was a founding member of the was Monte Eiserman, reflecting the American Ceremony Program Society changing times. (ACPS). She loved collecting ceremony She followed this with an article on programs and bidding in ACPS auctions. Will Rogers in the November–December Eiserman attended every AFDCS 1963 issue. convention/Americover from 1960 The September-October 1966 First through 2004. Those of us who attend-

52 First Days • January–February 2020 ed Americover 2000 in Houston will presidents Bill Simpson and Tom Foust always remember when she invited show considered bidding in the Americover attendees to her house before the show fund raising auctions as an opportunity to to see her and her husband’s collections. donate to the AFDCS. They would bid up In addition to the previously mentioned items that they knew the others wanted. American Indian stamp, her collecting One year, Eiserman bid up an FDR interests included Texas and Oklahoma first day cover that Tom Foust wanted to first day covers, Project Mercury, Moon several hundred dollars. He surprised her Landing, Skylab, and ceremony programs. by not bidding further. Of course, Monte Her largest and proudest collection gave the cover to Tom after the auction. was Medal of Honor first day covers and Monte also mentored me in becoming memorabilia. The collection took up a a more aggressive bidder in the AFDCS whole wall in her office, having dozens and ACPS auction. I would suggest that and dozens of volumes of covers, pho- she was bringing Texas oil money to the tos, and documents arranged by Medal of auction and she would reply that she had Honor recipient. printed the money in her room but the Most of Monte Eiserman’s collections ink was dry. were sold through dealer Doug Weisz. The Eisermans were married for 64 She retained the Medal of Honor col- years before Fred’s death on April 22, lection, which is going to her son and 2013. It was a perfect match, as both smaller collections of Oklahoma first day were avid collectors. She collected first covers. When the sale of her ceremony day covers, while he collected Native program collection by Weisz at Amer- American art and artifacts, having a icover 2012 produced a feeding fren- collection that was reported to be larger zy among program collectors, I emailed than the Smithsonian’s. Eiserman to let her know how well the A memorial service for Monte Eiser- sales were going. She replied that she was man will be held in Branson, Missouri, at just happy to see everyone else happy. a later date. Eiserman’s biggest contribution to the On a personal note, she and I shared AFDCS was that of a mentor. She helped an April 2 birthday. I recently learned out everyone in her quiet way and they from Eiserman’s daughter-in-law that did not realize they were being helped. she also had a granddaughter with an When I became involved in AFDCS April 2 birthday. ■ positions, she was definitely my men- BY FOSTER MILLER tor, always there with helpful suggestions. Remembrances from Social Media It was not until later that I realized how My God, what an epic loss. Our hobby much she had helped me. has lost such a iconic figure in Monte. Eiserman loved bidding in the AFDCS She will never be forgotten. God Bless fund raising auctions, especially those at You, Monte. Americover, and in the ACPS Ameri- — Ray Lattof cover auctions. She and former AFDCS Continued on Page 54

January–February 2020 • First Days 53 Continued from Page 53 An Appreciation I am most saddened to hear this news. In This is such tragic news. One of the my early years in AFDCS, she and I cor- stalwarts (dare I say “goddesses”?) of responded regularly. She procured for me the AFDCS is gone. I first met Monte in a couple of interesting Skylab UO FDCs, 1991 at the convention. She was delight- which I still have, back in 1974. I got the ful welcoming me as the new executive opportunity to meet her for the first time director. She took me aside and explained at the society’s convention at Florex in to me what the society meant to her and St. Petersburg, Florida, in 1979. I had the members. With her words, I always dinner one night with her and the rest managed the society and governed my of the “Texas Delegation” (Monte, Jane actions ever since then in a way that Beville, and Lois and Price Hamilton) at would please her — she was my inspi- a restaurant at the St Petersburg Pier. My ration and one reason I stayed. I always sincerest condolences to the family. Fos- wanted to do things in a way that would ter is right — if you didn’t get a chance to make Monte happy. As membership meet her, it was your loss. chairman, we’d communicate regularly. — Jim Hogg However, in recent years the communi- And Tom and Monte are, once again, cations have been less frequent, but I was duking it out trying to outbid each other always pleased to get a missive from her. at their auction. Monte had to be one of Monte was always at the leading edge of the most delightful persons I’ve had the society business, administration, fun, and pleasure of knowing. I had forgotten that promoting the hobby. I remember going it’s been over 15 years since we last saw to her house in Houston in 2000 with the each other at Americover. Emails and rest of the convention visitors. She showed telephone conversations were our means me her secret stash of Project Mercury of communication since then. covers and memorabilia including a digest — Michael Litvak of Project Mercury news about all the It was truly one of the honors of my career various post offices that issued the stamp. as a FDC dealer to be able to handle her From that visit, she gave me a souvenir, collection and spend a few days with her. which I will always keep. It was a plaque — Doug Weisz of the February 20, 1962, Project Mercury So sorry to hear this. I recall her fondly stamp with the famous ArtCraft cachet from many conventions. She loved inscribed “Leo and Samuel August First bidding in early ACPS auctions. My Day Cover Award Dinner, 1962, Newark, thoughts are with her family. She truly New Jersey.” Monte was always a wonder- loved the hobby. ful ambassador for first day cover collect- — Mark Gereb ing. It was a pleasure knowing her and I A giant in the AFDCS! Sorry to hear! will miss her tremendously. My sincerest — Mark Koozer condolences to her family for the loss of Sorry to hear that. She will be missed. such a special woman. — David Peterman — Doug Kelsey ■

54 First Days • January–February 2020 One Dog Cachetmaker John Byrnes Dies at 67

achetmaker John Byrnes, four (Scott 3912–3915) issued C67, died on December 21, on June 30, 2005. His next 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona, after issue, the Advances in Ameri- several hospitalizations. can Aviation (Scott 3916– He was born on April 12, 3925), issued July 29, 2005, at 1952, in Princeville, Illinois, Americover, began his One and graduated from Arizona Dog Cachets line, named after State University. his beloved black labrador. He Byrnes joined the AFDCS continued to produce cachets in August 1981, while living in through the T-Rex block of Glendale, Arizona. Later that four issued on August 29, 2019. year he moved to Ajo, Arizona, Byrnes’ cachetmakers con- which became his permanent test entry of the 2018 Love home. His first mention in First Days was stamp took second place in category seven in December 1982, for which he was listed — single color computer or copier art. He as an auction donor. was shown with his award in the October His first John Byrnes Cachet was for 1, 2019, issue of the Ajo Copper News. the 8.4 cent Wheelchair Transportation He was appointed Cachetmaker Con- coil (Scott 2256) issued in Tucson on test chairman starting with the 2011 con- August 12, 1988. The cachet depicted his test. He chaired the contest through 2015. mother’s handicapped license plate. Nine- In 2019, he was awarded the Glenn C. ty covers were produced with strips of Michel Special Recognition Award for his three, including three plate number coils. service as chairman and for his nearly for- Some of his earlier cachets were ty years of Fund Raising Auctions dona- designed by Ajo HIgh School students, tions. He died before receiving the plaque. where he taught. Two others used artwork Byrnes taught computer science at Ajo from Hop David and his sister, Garbrielle, High School for 30 years. The Septem- who publish the weekly Ajo Copper News. ber 1, 2006, issue of First Days included Byrnes’ early covers were produced on a full-page letter from Byrnes on how he an Apple IIGS computer using Paintworks used cachets and FDCs in education. His Plus software. The covers were print- letter challenged others to do the same. ed one at time on a color Imagewriter II He was also Student Council advisor for printer. Using a template, they were then 25 years and golf coach for 23 years. His cut down and individually numbered and impact on his students was demonstrated signed after servicing. For many years, he by the numerous positive remembrances continued to be one of the early users of on social media following his death. Upon computer technology in cachetmaking. retirement, he had served as Ajo Unified His last John Byrnes Cachet was for School District School board president. The Art of Disney: Celebration block of Continued on Page 56

January–February 2020 • First Days 55 Editor, Author George B. Griffenhagen Dies at 95 ormer AFDCS member guished Topical Philatelist. FGeorge B. Griffenhagen, He was WU #30 secretary– 95, died on November 21, treasurer for 31 years. In 1998 2019. He also had ties to the he was elected to the Writ- ATA and APS Writers Unit ers Hall of Fame. In 2003 he #30. Pharmaceutical philately received the APS John N. Luff was his special interest. award for exceptional contri- He was born June 9, 1924, in butions to philately. Portland Oregon. He served in Following military service, the 20th Combat Engineers in he earned a master of science North Africa, Sicily, Norman- degree in pharmacy from the dy, the Hürtgen Forest, and the University of Southern Cali- Battle of the Bulge during World War II. fornia. Griffenhagen had a distinguished Griffenhagen was best known for his career as an officer in the American Phar- many activities with the ATA where he maceutical Association (APhA), for which served as publicity director, study unit he also edited its journal for nearly two director, vice president, and president. He decades. He also authored articles and was a member of the board for 42 years books related to the history of pharmacy. and editor of Topical Time for 17. He After retiring from APhA he was named authored several handbooks and arranged executive secretary of the American Insti- for the organization’s annual conventions. tute of the History of Pharmacy. ■ In 1970, Griffenhagen was named Distin- BY ALAN WARREN

Continued from Page 55 produced by other creative cachetmakers. In addition to FDCs, Byrnes loved We will all miss his presence. trains. He displayed his model train collec- — Michael Litvak tion to area children every holiday season. I am so sorry to read of the passing of Byrnes is survived by two nieces and a this man who enhanced and enriched nephew. ■ the hobby experience for all of us. Rest BY FOSTER MILLER in peace, John — you will always be Remembrances warmly remembered. I am sorry to hear of John’s passing. He — Ray Lattof and I always had an enjoyable time at A good man, we often traded “barbs” Americover, when he was able to attend on Facebook … he could take the heat … sharing stories of our lives and of our and give it too! He opened his home collecting interests. He was a very gener- to the local children during the Holi- ous contributor to our AFDCS auctions, days, so they could see his train layout, donating not only his own One Dog which he was very proud of. Cachets FDCs, but also interesting FDCs — John Colasanti ■

56 First Days • January–February 2020 Getting Crazy With Combos By Todd Ronnei

ike most first day cover Lcollectors, I never met a combination (combo) cover that I didn’t like. The official AFDCS defi- nition is rather simple: One or more thematically related `1 stamps affixed to a FDC. For example, when the USPS issued a stamp in 2012 to celebrate of 1918. The modern version was priced the birth centennial of Lady Bird Johnson, at $2, rather than the original stamp’s wife of President Lyndon B. Johnson, I 24-cent denomination. What’s more, it created a combo cover featuring all other was sold only in a souvenir sheet of six, former first ladies who have appeared so collectors had to pay $12 to add it to on US stamps (Figure 1). It is a short list their collections. The high cost didn’t — Martha Washington, Abigail Adams, dampen collectors’ enthusiasm. Dolley Madison, and Eleanor Roosevelt. When the stamp was announced, I None of the extra stamps were expensive immediately began to think of suitable or difficult to obtain. stamps for a combo cover. One easy pos- Routine combo covers such as the sibility would have been the 1968 airmail first ladies example are fine, but some- stamp celebrating the 50th anniversary times a new stamp cries out for some- of air mail service (Scott C74), which fea- thing more imaginative. tures the same Curtiss Jenny aircraft on In 2013, the US Postal Service issued a the first airmail stamps (Scott C1-C3). new version of the Inverted Jenny stamp Continued on Page 58

January–February 2020 • First Days 57 Continued from Page 57 Washington, D.C. (Scott 989). A striking It would have made an appropriate, but head and shoulders view of the statue perhaps unexciting, combo cover. appears on the $5 bi-color stamp of the Another idea soon occurred to me: As Fourth Bureau Issue of 1923 (Scott 573). the new stamp had a $2 denomination, That stamp was reproduced in 2006 in the how many other $2 stamps could I afford aforementioned Washington 2006 sou- to have on a single cover? Working my venir sheet (Scott 4075c). More obscure way backwards chronologically, I deter- are the newspaper and periodical stamps mined I could include all $2 denominat- of the 1875–1897 period, which feature ed stamps back to 1923 before I entered two different renderings of the statue on the range of mint stamps too expensive stamps of various denominations. to obtain for such a venture. The prici- The biggest obstacle for obtaining est of the other ten stamps on the cover these stamps for use on a combo cover was the US Capitol stamp of the Fourth is cost. The 1923 $5 stamp catalogues for Bureau Issue. I was able to obtain a suit- around $100, and the older newspaper able copy for less than $35. stamps are often well above that. Obtain- In addition to the Inverted Jenny, the ing these stamps at anywhere close to cover includes the 1923 US Capitol (Scott catalogue value was not an investment I 572), 1938 Warren G. Harding (833), 1978 was willing to make, so I began to look Table Lamp (1611), 1986 William Jen- for more affordable alternatives. nings Bryan (2195), 1990 Bobcat (2482), The eBay marketplace provided what 1992 Columbian (2628c), 1994 James I needed. In an auction listing purchase I Madison from the BEP Centennial souve- was able to obtain the 1923 stamp for just nir sheet (2875a), 1998 Trans-Mississippi $41, while the 1879 American Bank Note (3209i), 2006 US Capitol from the Wa s h - 10 cent newspaper stamp (Scott PR62) ington 2006 souvenir sheet (4075b) and was purchased for a mere $25 (2018 cata- 2012 Waves of Color (4718). The stamps logue value is $135). span a period of 90 years (Figure 2). With the old stamps in hand to accom- In the spring of 2018, my combo juic- pany the new $1, $2, and $5 stamps, I es started flowing once again. The USPS then began to think about a possible announced a new set of three dollar-de- cachet. The new stamps were rather large, nominated stamps featuring the Statue and trying crowd them all on to an enve- of Freedom, the statue that sits atop the lope — even a #10 sized one — was not Capitol dome in Washington, D. C. The going to work. Was there some other suit- beauty of the new designs immediately able piece available, perhaps a print of the captivated me, and I knew I had to create Statue of Freedom? Checking the BEP’s something special. online store did not yield any items cur- The Statue of Freedom is a familiar, but rently for sale that I could use. not frequent figure on US. stamps. The I soon found the perfect item. Again full statue appears on a 1950 3¢ commem- searching eBay, I found a BEP card that orative celebrating the sesquicentennial of featured the full figure statue that appears

58 First Days • January–February 2020 `3 on the 1950 stamp. The letter-sized card detailed instructions on how the cancels was modestly priced and also offered should be placed, so there would be no plenty of “white space” for placement of doubt as to how I wanted it done. the stamps and the first day cancels. Then it was time to cross my fingers When the card arrived I decided on the and hope for the best. The folks in Kan- placement of the stamps. The new stamps sas City usually do a fine job, but mis- are self-adhesive, but all the older ones takes do happen. There was also the pos- had standard water-activated gum. As I sibility of damage to the card during the got ready to lick the backs of the stamps, I trip to Kansas City and back. wondered whether the 139-year-old gum The card was back in my hands in on the newspaper stamp was still going about two weeks’ time, with all the to work. With nothing to lose by trying, postmarks applied correctly and clean- I licked it and placed it on the card. The ly, and the card undamaged in any way. I gum held the stamp perfectly in place, a breathed a sigh of relief, and marveled at testament to the durability of 19th cen- the beauty of the piece (Figure 3). tury technology. I doubt the adhesive on All told, I invested $102.48 to create today’s stamps will still be effective in 2157. this one-of-a-kind first day cover, and I With all the stamps on the card, I couldn’t be happier with the result. prepared it for mailing to Stamp Fulfill- Now I’m just waiting for the next com- ment Services in Kansas City, where first bo cover adventure. ■ day postmarks are applied. I enclosed [email protected]

January–February 2020 • First Days 59 A Mirror of the Past By Tony Dewey

n 1935, Grant & Lyon IHobby Shop used six images from the 1935 Trav- elers Insurance Company calendar as cachets for their FDCs of the Connecticut Tercentenary stamp (Scott No. 772) [1]. It turns out that a seventh image, or at least part of an image, from the calendar was used as a cachet 51 years later (Figure 1). While reviewing my exhibit of the 1986 Settling of Connecticut postal card (Scott UX109), my wife, a non-collector, remarked that the Tudor House cachet “looked familiar” (Figure 2). The calendar) depicts the Rev. Thomas Hooker and his congregation on the trek to Hartford. Martha particular- `1 ly noted the boy at the lower right and the mother cra- dling her infant just to his left. “They look rightfully pointed out that this might be like the calendar image you used at the considered a stretch and would be criti- beginning of the exhibit,” she continued. cized by philatelic exhibition juries. As part of the Prologue to the exhibit, I Blossom may, or may not, have been had included a double page showing the inspired by the illustration, but Harry B. original illustration from the March pan- Harn, owner and artist for Tudor House el of the 1935 Travelers calendar (Figure cachets, certainly was. Upon closer exam- 3) because of its similarity to the indicia ination, his cachet was nearly an exact on the postal card, suggesting that, per- match for the calendar illustration. Harn haps, David Blossom, the artist for the had reversed the image and cropped it, card, had drawn inspiration from Francis eliminating some unnecessary details, Vaud Wilson’s 1934 illustration. Martha and shaded in some sections to simplify

60 First Days • January–February 2020 the design. Simplicity was a key philosophy in Harn’s cachet designs (Figure 3) [2]. The first Tudor House cachets were a set of three designs for the 50th anniversary of Charles Lind- bergh’s transatlantic flight (Scott 1710) [3], and the first cachet for a postal card `2 was for the card commemorating the Cincinnati Music Hall (Scott UX73) [2]. Harn’s last cachet was for the Marianne Moore commemorative stamp (Scott No. 2449), issued March 23, 1990 [3]. Harry B. Harn died on March 10, 2009. The calendar page has been removed from the Prologue of the exhibit and placed juxtaposed with the Tudor House cachet as the source artwork for the cachet. I wonder where oth- `3 er images from the old Trav- elers calendar will show up on FDCs. ■ Thanks to Mark Goodson, Al Stark- End Notes weather, and David Zubatsky for provid- 1. Tony Dewey. “On the Trail of Grant ing assistance with this article. and Lyon,” First Days, Volume 64, Number 2 (March–April 2019), whole Member Exchange Ad no. 445, pp. 20–26. WILL TRADE 2019 50th Anni- 2. Richard A. Monty. “Harry B. Harn and versary Apollo 11 Moon Landing Tudor House,” First Days, Volume 24, FDCs — mine for yours. Also Number 5 (September–October 1979), interested in FDCs for the 1994 whole no. 142, pp. 64–70. 25th Anniversary issues (Scott 3. Mellone’s Planty Photo Encyclopedia 2841 & 2842). Tris Fall, 507 of First Cachets Revealed 1923–2005, Kent Place, Berwyn, PA 19312, AFDCS edition, FDC Publishing Co., [email protected]. ©2006, p 182.

January–February 2020 • First Days 61 Book Review An Up-to-Date Norway FDC Catalogue Norske Førstedagsbrev med Next are separate lists by vignetter (Norwegian First Norwegian stamp catalogue Day Covers with cachets) by numbers of designs by specific Ole Brænne, in two volumes: cachet organizations including Part 1 — 1855–1989, Part 2 the Norwegian FDC Service, — 1990–2019. 1,390 pages, 8½ Norsk Filatelistisk Tidsskrift — by 11¾ inches, perfect bound, the major Norwegian philatel- card covers, self-published, ic journa, Tubfrim Stamps that Oslo, ©2019. Approximately raises funds for tuberculosis $100 plus shipping from some and to help disabled children, Norwegian stamp dealers or and the stamp clubs of Bergen the author [email protected]. and Drammen, among others. his very comprehensive catalogue Some of the producers are well Tof the cachets of Norway’s first day known to Danish collectors as well, covers is a testament to the interest and such as Foghs, Magasin du Nord, popularity of this collecting area. The and Populær Filateli. About thirty author includes not only illustrative different firms are identified. Eight cachets, but also printed addresses of different designs of the Norwegian senders who are philatelic dealers. flag cachet are shown. The actu- Introductory material includes al cachet listings begin with sever- sources of first day covers for collectors, al local post stamps issued between such as the major dealers and online 1997 and 2019. These are followed by auctions. Attention is called to forged the main listing of Norway’s stamps postmarks and the literature sources chronologically by catalogue number where they are identified. A rarity scale (Norgeskatalogen). from 1 to 10 is given for each cachet One of the first cachets was that of for each stamp issue, ranging from very the Kristiania Filatelist Klub, known for common to extremely scarce. Each issues of 1918 and 1921. Cachet designs cachet entry also has a small check box really begin with the commemorative so that collectors can record which stamps of Henrik Ibsen and Niels Henr- items they own. ik Abel in 1928–1929. Many are actually The first part begins by categorizing picture post cards, occasionally used as cachet types. There are thirteen variet- maximum cards. ies of the boxed four-language cachets By the late 1930s the cachets are divid- that have the text “First Day Cover” in ed into handstamped ones and printed French, English, German, and Swedish. ones. Each cachet for any given stamp is They vary in typeface and color. assigned a cachet number, is illustrated,

62 First Days • January–February 2020 and in a list they are identified by pro- than one image. First day maximum ducer or cachetmaker, where known. In cards created by a firm for any issue are a very few cases the number of cachets shown in their entirety. Very few sourc- printed is included. A few cachets are es for the information are listed. Two known to exist and are assigned numbers features missing from this catalogue but instead of an image there is just the are found in the specialized Norwe- wording no image available. gian resource, Norgeskatalogen — the The first volume ends with the stamps total number of first day covers ser- issued in 1989 and the second part cov- viced and catalogue values. The latter is ers issues from 1990 through 2019. The for the most common variety, whereas introductory notes explaining the cat- Brænne’s catalogue provides a scarcity alogue listings do not appear in Part 2. indication for each cachet design. Some of the more popular stamps have This two-volume cachet catalogue is more cachets than others. For example the most comprehensive for one coun- the 1995 set of three values marking the try outside of the Mellone/Planty cata- 50th anniversary of Norway’s liberation logues for United States issues. The lim- has 89 different cachets. itations of the US catalogues are that Just the cachet designs are shown they only go up to the 1960s and are so to save space. Entire covers are illus- old as to be woefully out of date. ■ trated if the cachet is large or has more BY ALAN WARREN

outh Scholarship Cover USS Missouri Bing Cachet by Pete McClure with DCP — $25 Make orders payale to AFDCS and send to AFDCS Sales Box 44 Annapolis unction MD 20701-0044 Order online at http://www.afdcs.org/youthFDCs.html

January–February 2020 • First Days 63 Alan Warren: Question Box What is the Correct Spelling? ne of the more common errors I Solo Usages Solutions Osee in the philatelic literature and in In my November–December 2019 col- exhibits is the incorrect spelling “Far- umn, I reported on FDC solo uses of the num,” as in House of Farnam. The cachet 1-and 2-cent Famous Americans issues line was started by Harlan D. Farnam of 1940. Sometimes they did not meet an who later turned the business over to his apparent rate and might be handbacks or assistants, Vera and William McCloud. favor cancels. Ken Lawrence has described An interesting website that speaks other ways such covers were created. to misspellings in our hobby is that of He mentions that a typical solution AFDCS member Doug Henkle, www. was to put the additional postage on the folklib.net/fdc. He began listing cachet- back of the envelope. However, Lawrence makers whose names are frequently mis- also describes how Leonard Sautter, a spelled. Some examples include Farnam, Philadelphia lawyer and cachetmaker, George Laffert (not Leffert), Charles Peirce prepared such covers. Sautter would add (not Pierce), and others. an extension with the extra postage, and Doug has other pages on this site such then remove that part after the stamps as a list of Wisconsin cachetmakers, and a were canceled. list of Art Cover Exchange (ACE) mem- Sautter was a colorful figure in the bers. The site has interesting details, and FDC field and best known for his search if you want to add to his listings, you can to prepare unusual unofficial cancels. ■ reach Doug at [email protected]. [email protected] AFDCS Chooses Scott as Board Chair he AFDCS Board of Directors has Scott has produced Anon E. Mouse Telected officers for one-year terms, Cachets since October 1981. including Cynthia Scott as chair. The former Air Force master sergeant, Society officers in 2020 are Lloyd de who served for more than 30 years, is Vries, president; Michael Litvak, execu- about to leave her position as registrar tive vice president; Jim Hogg, first vice services representative at Indiana Univer- president; Ralph Nafziger, recording sec- sity-Purdue University after 12 years. retary; and Mark Thompson, treasurer. Carol Peluso has stepped down as Scott has been AFDCS first vice development chair due to family matters. president, show chair, and a board Mark Gereb has agreed to take over the member. She is also a member of the job, which involves sending thank you APS, American Association of Philatel- letters for every donation the AFDCS ic Exhibitors, and Women Exhibitors. receives, other than for auctions. ■

64 First Days • January–February 2020 Michael Litvak: AFDCS Auction Donors A New Year and a New Decade for Donations hile 2020 has arrived, we are still al Commemorative Society album of Wable to report donations sent to 12 WWII event covers on pages with the AFDCS Auction Committee to- photographs and text, 10 First Man ward the end of 2019. Auction material on the Moon ArtCraft variety FDCs, from late October to early December 2 Russian space program FDCs with was received from ten contributors. ArtCraft cachets, 10 foreign Scouting A large quantity of material received FDCs with ArtCraft cachets, 5 Caroli- from Guy Bell (about 120 US FDCs na Charter FDCs, 10 Apollo 11 FDCs, from 1945 to 2012 and 60 UN FDCs); and 17 Copernicus FDCs, the latter Salvatore Abatiello (about 1,000 FDCs 3 groups with a variety of cachets); from the 1950s to the 2000s, as well as Charles Leonard (some classic FDCs a nice selection of uncacheted Airmail from the 1930s, about 30 US FDCs FDCs); and Norman Cohen (4 albums from the 1960s to the 2010s, a few of approximately 375 mostly uncacheted Postal Commemorative Society stamp US FDCs from the 1960s to the 1990s). replica FDCs, and about 85 foreign A large donation was also received FDCs); Fred Bauer (20+ FD and com- from Dean Campice (1,400+ Artmas- mercial covers of the 1930s National ter FDCs from the 1950s to the 1990s, Parks issue, most with desirable cachets, a 2009 Mellone Catalogue and Checklist 10 Classic FDCs from the 1930s with of First Day Covers, and a few miscella- better cachets); and Tom Peluso (2 of neous Space and Bicentennial covers). his personally designed Therome cov- Other donations were made by Fos- ers for the other-day ceremony for the ter Miller (31 oversized FDCs by the USS Missouri battleship held at Nojex late Hideaki Nakano, 60 desirable and on Nov. 15, 2019). less-often-seen FDCs from the 1970s We are now in the third decade to the present, and a set of 4 Holiday of the 21st century, and the AFDCS Wreath FD brochures from L. L. Bean wishes all of you a “Happy New Year”. in Freeport, ME, which was the FDOI Hopefully, this year will prove to be site); Dr. Alan Felix (about 170 ArtCraft/ better than last year. ■ Ayerst Laboratories variety US and UN FDCs, and several Sarzin metallic cachets Please Donate FDCs); and Richard Novo-Mesky (about Please continue to send your own 200 FDCs with a nice variety of cachets, generous donations to Dave Bennett, and a few foreign FDCs from Great Brit- 14418 Miranda St., Van Nuys, CA ain, Guernsey, Denmark, and elsewhere). 91401-4232. For large donations, Rounding out the remaining donors please contact him first at were Martin Severe (a large Post- [email protected]. ■

January–February 2020 • First Days 65 Gary Dickinson: Canadian Cachets 3AngryCatss Create Classy Cachets ntry of the Canadian post office into Ethe FDC marketplace in 1971 led to the rapid disappearance of private cachetmakers who were unable to compete with the dominant producer. With only one main type of cachet for each new issue and the consequent lack `1 of product variety, interest in the hobby waned. As a result, Canada Post’s sales of FDCs have become a mere handful com- pared with what they were in the 1970s. Collecting Canadian FDCs has become a branch of postal history rather than a `2 field of current interest to collectors. From time to time a new producer attempts to create a viable FDC enterprise. One such enterprise was launched by Gary and Carol Ridge who live in Carrying Place, Ontario, which is named after a portage between the Bay of Quinte and Weller’s Bay on Lake Ontario. He `3 is a retired construction superintendent and she is a retired administrator from printer. Marketing is done primarily on the McMaster University Family Health their eBay store. Department. The quantities of FDCs the Ridges Gary Ridge has collected FDCs for produce for each design range between many years and has accumulated more five and twenty-five, and they specialize than 8,000. He and his wife began to pro- in booklet stamps and souvenir sheets duce their own Canada FDCs as a hobby for which Canada Post does not produce when they realized the lack of variety official FDCs. available in the current marketplace. Maker identification is included on They developed a joint business ven- the back of each envelope. For the earli- ture and both participate in the complete est cachets, it consisted of the signature process from design to marketing. They “G Ridge” and the serial and total num- create cachet designs using Photoshop, bers produced. The example in Figure 1 make their own envelopes, and outsource indicates that this is the first of ten covers the three-color laser printing to a local produced in the Haunted Canada set of

66 First Days • January–February 2020 September 8, 2016 (Scott 2935–2940). The second method of identification is shown in Figure 2. The Ridges adopt- ed the brand name 3Angry- Cats and the tag line “Limit- ed Edition First Day Cover” which have been used on all subsequent cachets. The `4 example illustrated is from the September 25, 2017, issue of a pair of semi-postal stamps (Scott B25 and 26). The current version of identification is illustrated in Figure 3, which has the addition of a cat outline below the brand name. The example is from the March `5 1, 2018 Lotus Flower souvenir sheet (Scott 3087). Gary Ridge continues to sign each FDC they produce. Their brand name has evolved into 3AngryCatss (with a double s), and their store is located at ebay.ca/ str/3angrycatss. The first 3AngryCats `6 cachet, serviced on Septem- ber 8, 2016, is shown in Fig- ure 4. The same design was used for the five stamps in the Haunted Canada series, with single stamps and the souvenir sheet (Scott 2935) each printed on different colored envelope stock. `7 Continued on Page 68

January–February 2020 • First Days 67 Continued from Page 67 About two weeks later, six stamp designs honoring Canadian forwards (hockey players) were issued in three formats. The souvenir sheet featuring Guy Lafleur (Scott 2950) is depicted in Figure 5. The other five forwards `8 are shown in a similar format on individual cachets. January 9, 2017, was the first day of issue for stamps recognizing the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Rooster. The forever stamp (Scott 2959) is shown in Figure 6 in a lower left `9 plate block configuration, with each stamp rotated 90 degrees from the next. Scott 2993–2997 issued on May 16, 2017 salutes the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix race held in Montreal. The FDC shown in Figure 7 pictures booklet pane single stamps picturing five champion drivers. `0 Hockey, Canada’s national winter sport, was featured with a $5 stamp marking the one hun- dredth anniversary of the Toronto Maple Leafs. The souvenir sheet (Scott 3042i) was issued on Octo- ber 24, 2107 (Figure 8). The Lotus stamps (Scott `- 3087a and b) are shown

68 First Days • January–February 2020 on the colorful FDC in Figure 9, while Figure 10 shows a set of five booklet singles honoring Canadi- an first responders (Scott 3124–3128). The creator of the forever stamp featuring Queen Elizabeth II referred to the “engaging portrait” shown `= on the stamp (Scott 3137). The 3AngryCatss cachet uses the same Polar, Black, and White Kermode bears portrait (Figure 11), but shows her and was printed in uncut press sheets right-hand face instead of the left as and booklet panes. illustrated on the stamp. The stamp was As a concluding note, I was curi- issued on January 14, 2019. Only 7,000 ous about whether the Ridges actu- FDCs were produced by Canada Post. ally harbored three angry cats. They A set of four stamps featuring bears assured me they have three cats, but found in Canada was issued on July 24, are mild-mannered and peaceful. ■ 2019. (Figure 12) It illustrates Grizzly, [email protected]

Hartford, Connecticut From August 20 to 23 Ameri vr 2020 Plan now to join us at the ﬁrst Philatelic Supershow! Three Great Shows in One! AFDCS Americover, APS Stamp Show & ATA National Topical Stamp Show More information will be in March–April First Days

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January–February 2020 • First Days 69 AlanAMERICOVER Warren: Awards Preview & Honors FDC Exhibiting Declines in 2019 he total number of first day cover Alan Warren’s previous spreadsheet Texhibits at WSP events in the pre- covering shows from 2010 to 2015 vious decade fell to a low of 45 in 2019, appeared in the Awards & Honors col- the lowest since 2012 when there were umn in the July–August 2016 issue of 34 and 2010 when there were 30. First Days (page 76). ■ First Day Cover Exhibits at WSP Shows SHOW 2016 2017 2018 2019 Sandical 0 0 0 not held Sarasota 2A 3A 5A 0 Aripex 3 2A 2A ** St. Louis Stamp Expo 0 1 1 0 AmeriStamp Expo* 10A 7A + 1CC 6A + 2CC 4 +1CC Southeastern Stamp Expo ** 6A 2CH + 9A 6A Garfield Perry 1 1 1A 2A Phila Nat'l Stamp Exhibibition disbanded Texpex 1A 1A not held disbanded Plymouth 2 1 3 1 Philatelic Show 4 2A 2A 0 Westpex 0 0 0 0 Pipex not held 3 1 2 Rocky Mt. Stamp Show 3A 3A 1 4A Ropex 4 3A 1 0 Napex not held 2A 0 1A Nojex not held 2A 2A 3A Okpex 0 1A 1A 2A Colopex 1A 0 1 1 NTSS not held 0 See APS SS see APS SS Minnesota Stamp Expo 3A 4A 4A 2A APS StampShow 5A + 2 CC 4A + 1CC 6 + 1CC 7A + 1CC Balpex 2 0 1 1 Seapex 2A 2A 2A 0 Milcopex 3A 0 1 0 Indypex 2A 0 2A 2A Omaha 4A 2A 0 not held Sescal 0 0 0 0 UNEXPO17 (one-time) 4A Filatelic Fiesta 0 0 1 2A Chicagopex 2 1A 3A 3A Florex 0 7 2 0 TOTAL 56 64 63 45 A = AFDCS award presented — CC = Champion of Champions — CH = Court of Honor * = non WSP show — ** = in conjunction with AmeriStamp Expo

70 First Days • January–February 2020 FDC Exhibits Set Record in Peachtree Corners Aeropex Kris McIntosh received a large Tim Kennaway won a vermeil at the gold and the APS 1900–1940 Medal Aeropex international airmail show in of Excellence for The 3 Cent Susan B. Adelaide, South Australia, in December Anthony Issue. She also won a vermeil with his 1962 USA 4¢ Project Mercury for The 3 Cent Progress for Women Issue. Stamp Issue FDCs. Mark Thompson took a large vermeil Southeastern Stamp Expo along with the APS Post-1980 Medal of At the Southeastern Stamp Expo in Excellence with his Women of the Black Peachtree Corners, Georgia, at the Heritage Series — From the Fields of Slav- end of January, Charles O’Brien won ery to the Halls of Congress. the Multi-Frame Grand Award for This marks the first time that three Frank Lloyd Wright First Days and first day cover exhibits have been award- Usage of the Two Cent Definitive. He ed three of the four APS Medals of also received a large gold, the AFDCS Excellence at a national show other than award, the APS 1940–1980 Medal of Americover. ■ Excellence, the United States Stamp Awards listed here are for FDC exhibits by Society Statue of Freedom, and the AFDCS members and others. Members Clark Federation Best Exhibit Award. non-FDC exhibits are not reported.

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January–February 2020 • First Days 71 AMERICOVER 2019 Awards & Reports Four Receive Distinguished Service Awards uring the AFDCS membership Rollin Berger Dmeeting at Americover 2019 in St. has served the Louis on July 28, the Distinguished Ser- AFDCS and the vice Award was presented to four individ- first day cover uals. The society’s second highest award is hobby for more especially significant since the recipients than 35 years. are nominated and selected by their peers, He produced the previous DSA recipients. his first cachet Dave Bennett under the Panda is a volunteer Cachets logo for who does not the Treaty of Amity and Commerce know how to say between the United States and Sweden “no.” He is best joint issue (Scott 2036) in March 1983 known for his and has produced cachets ever since. line of Bennett In the 1980s, Berger served as secre- Cachetoons. His tary of the AFDCS. He is past presi- designs with dent of the Robert C. Graebner Chap- anthropomor- ter 17, as well as editor of its Graebner phic depictions of both animals and Gazette newsletter. For 25 years, he has AFDCS members are his claim to fame. been the primary auctioneer for the Bennett has designed so many first day Graebner Chapter’s quarterly first day and event covers for the Claude C. Ries cover auctions and manages the design Chapter 48 that it has published a full cat- and preparation of the chapter’s first alogue of his work. He designed the show day covers. covers for Americover 2012 and 2015. Since 2009, Berger has also managed Since 2012, he has also designed the event the AFDCS Court of Honor first day covers given to attendees at the Ameri- cover program, recruiting the artists or cover Saturday night post cachetmaker artwork for the covers and arranging bourse food events. He designs the dis- for the printing of the covers. During play pages for the Americover Hospitali- this period, the Court of Honor has ty Suite Silent Auctions, as well. brought in an average of more than In addition to his cachet work, Ben- $3,000 a year in needed income for nett is also Ries Chapter co-president the society. and receives the donations for both He is the auctioneer for the Ameri- the First Days and the Americover hos- cover Live Fundraising Auction and has pitality suite silent auctions. Bennetrt been a major contributor to the Hospitali- f chairs the AFDCS Auction Committee. ty Suite Silent Auction.

72 First Days • January–February 2020 Kerry Heffner Mark Goodson may not seek the has finally limelight, but his received the work is critical well-deserved to the success of Distinguished Americover. Service Award. Since 2009, This is remark- he has served able as Goodson as Americover not only served exhibits chair- on the AFDCS man, obtaining the necessary entries Board of Directors with distinction, to ensure that Americover continues but also has served on numerous other to meet APS World Series of Philately society committees, including the Ward status. He handles all required coordi- Award committee. nation with judges, exhibitors, and the Mark also has been deeply involved Americover show committee. In addi- with many subcommittees concerning tion, he personally creates Americov- modern cachetmakers, as well. er exhibit awards (other than the grand Currently he assists with the AFDCS award), producing unique awards that Archives. Mark helped significantly represent the show theme. with the updating of Mike Mellone’s Kerry was honored by the American First Day Cover Photo Encyclopedia of Philatelic Society during its summer show First Cachets Revealed. Many AFDCS in Omaha last August with the Nicholas members researching cachets have G. Carter Volunteer Recognition Award greatly benefited from Mark’s collec- for volunteer service to philately. Ker- tions of FDCs and philatelic literature. ry is the exemplar of the hard-working, He is generous with his knowledge long-serving volunteer upon which soci- and gladly offers advice and assistance eties of every stripe depend. to writers. ■

Membership Meeting — July 28 resident Lloyd de Vries announced Four 2020–2022 Board of Directors Pthat the Ward Award was given to seats are open. Incumbents Goodson and David Zubatsky for a series of six FDC Bob Lewin chose not to run. There are literature bibliographies published in four five candidates: de Vries, Jim Hogg, David First Days issues in 2018. Peterman, Tom Peluso, and Jim Tatum. The Marge Finger Award for the most Convention program changes will popular exhibit was presented by Kerry reflect our union with the ATA and APS Heffner to Mark Thompson for his Wom- in the summer show. We will continue to en of the Black Heritage Series — From the have a hospitality suite and auction. The Felds of Slavery to the Halls of Congress. Continued on Page 74

January–February 2020 • First Days 73 Continued from Page 73 AFDCS members. We will have a large pre-show tour will be on Wednesday as booth near the show entrance and need it is a four-day show. An all-day cachet- volunteers to run it. Further discussion makers bourse, and the business meeting about the cachetmakers bourse included may be moved from Saturday morning. hours, signage, and location. The post-cachetmakers bourse meal and FDCs will be included in the youth the life members Sunday breakfast would area. There will be a new commemorative be eliminated as we do not have to meet issue first day of issue ceremony. Foster food minimums at the hotel. The latter Miller reported that the combined APS/ might be replaced with a social gathering. ATA show in Columbus in 2018 was There will be a separate Americover well-integrated. He was thanked for his exhibits section that will be judged by the work as year’s show chairman. Both the show jury. The minimum is 125 frames. live auction and the hospitality suite silent All events are open to the public and auction realized $1,800 each. ■

Board of Directors Open Meeting — July 25 resident Lloyd de Vries reviewed the from January 31–February 2, 2020, was P2019 Executive Committee meeting, designated for an AFDCS regional meet- discussing committee activities and the ing. The proposed 2020 budget indicated bylaws requirements. Foster Miller will about $3,000 of income over expenses. summarize due dates for all functions/ Treasurer Mark Thompson expects committees. Officers should review their to generate regular reports that will be roles in the bylaws. published in First Days. The 2018 IRS Americover 2020 will be in conjunc- form 990 (“EZ”), which is required for all tion with the Great American Stamp non-profit organizations, is due Novem- Show in Hartford, Connecticut, from ber 15 owing to an extension. Mark plans August 20–23; in Rosemont, Illinois, in to submit the 2019 form in May 2020. 2021; and Sacramento, California, in 2022. Under new business, the procedure Executive Secretary Doug Kelsey for the Court of Honor selection was reported that membership as of June 30, discussed. The Court of Honor Criteria 2019, was 1,154. The 2018 convention lost Committee recommended no changes. $8,606 owing to fewer dealers, increased The lack of volunteers for the youth security costs, lower attendance at spe- table was reviewed. As the APS has an cial events, and a high cost of hotel food active youth facility at the summer show, expenditures. The Americover income a partnership that coördinates with the does not include auction realizations. APS was proposed. This would place Changes are being made to the society’s more emphasis on collecting and less on bank account since it was hacked last year. coloring. APS staff will handle the youth TheSoutheastern Stamp Exposition area beginning in 2020. ■

74 First Days • January–February 2020 January–February 2020 • First Days 74 Business Meeting and Exhibit Awards — July 27 resident Lloyd de Vries reviewed fundraiser will be organized by Miller. Pthe board meeting decisions on AFDCS finances are in good shape, but future Americover shows combining Americover 2018 suffered a large loss with APS and ATA in August each year owing primarily to a lack of dealers. as the Great American Stamp Show. AFDCS membership is 1,154 including Americover is not ending, but will members from Australia, Canada, New be a section of the former APS Stamp- Zealand, Norway, Philippines, and the Show. The Convention Committee is United Kingdom. discussing our changing role with a The slate of candidates for the four focus on how the ATA made the tran- vacancies on the AFDCS Board of sition. Americover will be a separate Directors is being finalized. Two of the WSP show with a minimum of 125 com- four incumbents are not running. Con- petitive exhibit frames. There will not be tact D. A. Lux, Nominating Committee a separate jury unless the APS feels the chair, if you are interested. It was point- need for additional judges. Our finan- ed out that the AFDCS web site has a cial obligations will be fewer. The pre- news blog. show tour will remain, as will the Hos- De Vries then turned the meeting pitality Suite, and a post-show dinner. over to Chief Judge Frederick Law- Regular Americover dealers will have rence, who introduced the jury con- some preference in booking tables at the sisting of David Ball, Allison Cusick, blended show (APS, AFDCS, ATA). Robert Hohertz, and Jerry Miller. The De Vries noted that 2019 event atten- exhibit awards were presented. De dance had increased and the convention Vries thanked Lawrence, the jury, and was running smoothly. He thanked Show last-minute exhibitors. He encouraged Chair Foster Miller. He also thanked more collectors to exhibit. Steve Ripley and Kerry Heffner for resolv- [Editor’s Note: The Americover ing the exhibit frame set-up problem. 2019 exhibit awards were published in the In October 2019, a 64-hour “flash” September–October 2019 First Days.] ■

elp our Society Support our Society VOLUNTEER SEND S YOR COVERS The AFDCS alays needs helpers our Tax Deductible Donations elp at shos other events as ell as s eep Membership Costs Don or its many services Send To Llod de A ries President ae ennett P ashington Tsp 14418 iranda St an u CA 914014232 stampspoboxcom bennettooneartinnet

January–February 2020 • First Days 75 Foster Miller: Chapter News A Busy Season MCSCC Chapter 5 Graebner Chapter 17 he Motor City Stamp and Cover The January 11, 2020 meeting of the TClub (MCSCC Chapter 5) held Robert C. Graebner Chapter 17 fea- its annual holiday party and awards tured its quarterly auction of first day banquet on December 8, 2019, with covers and related material. awards being presented to sixteen The February 8 meeting included members for their service to the club. a member show and tell of recently MCSCC’s January 26 meeting acquired material while the March 14 included election of officers, a mem- meeting will feature a presentation ber auction, and clothesline exhibit. by Rick Gibson on doing philatelic Its February 23 and March 29 research for exhibiting. meetings will include member auc- Chapter information is available tions and philatelic presentations. Al from Otto Thamasett, 6025 Sherborn Raddi will provide a presentation at Lane, Springfield, VA 22152; ottojt@ the April 26 meeting. verizon.net or on its website — www. MCSCC information is available from sefsc.org/graebner.html. chapter representative Marneli Laing, Ries Chapter 48 4666 Carolee Lane, Dearborn Heights, The Claude C. Ries Chapter 48 met MI 48125, or on its website — www. on January 11, 2020 at OrcoExpo in motorcitystampandcover.com.

76 First Days • January–February 2020 Fullerton, California. The meeting was The Celebrate the Century series held at 2:30 p.m. to allow members to continues by illustrating maximum attend the first day ceremony for the cards of the television-related CTC Year of the Rat stamp earlier that day. stamps. The “Recent Realizations” The meeting featured a presenta- column includes maximum cards tion by Bill Janson on “Counterfeit prepared by members for the US US Stamps.” He showed many slides Frogs, Military Working Dogs, Win- of both normal and counterfeit issues. ter Berries and Spooky Silhouettes His discussion on each example high- issues and the July 24, 2019, Canada lighted the difference between the two Post “Bears” stamps. stamps and how they were produced. MACSU information is available At the close of the show, chapter mem- from Gary Denis, Box 766, Patuxent bers went to the Polly’s Pies Restaurant River, MD 20670-0766; garycdenis@ for dinner and enjoyable conversation. comcast.net. Looking to the future, “The Chap- Art Cover Exchange Chapter 79 ter that Eats” will have its annual Taco The January 2020 issue of From Cover Fiesta at Shirley Ulling’s on March 22, to Cover, the monthly newsletter of their luau at Alvetia Smith’s on May the Art Cover Exchange (ACE Chapter 17, the Frederick Langford Memori- 79) includes articles on the various US al Barbecue at Ron Sobel’s on July 19, Lunar New Year series, inaugural cov- and the Yule Tuber holiday party on ers and cancellations and date specific December 13, hosted by Annie and cover ideas for February. Charlie Del- Bob Lewin. gado remembers the work of Richard Family bourses will be held in June “Dick” Seyler, ACE 162. and September and the chapter will ACE information is available from meet on October 10 at Sescal stamp Joseph Doles, 105 Lawson Road, Roches- show in Ontario, California. ter, NY 14616; artcoverexchange@aol. Chapter information is available from com; www.artcoverexchange.org. Michael Moticha, Box 2622, Apple Valley, Connecticut Cover Club Chap. 86 CA 92307-0050; michaelwmoticha@ The Connecticut Cover Club Chap- verizon.net, or on its website — www. ter 86 held its annual holiday party rieschapterafdcs.com. on December 8, 2019, and resumed MACSU Chapter 67 monthly meetings on Sunday, January The January–March 2020 issue of North 19, 2020. The chapter meets on the American Maximaphily, published third Sunday of each month at 9:30 by the Maximum Card Study Unit a.m. at the Super Stop and Shop in (MACSU Chapter 67) includes articles Amity, CT. on maximum cards for the Sparkling Chapter information is available Holidays, T-Rex and Walt Whitman US from Joe Connolly, 571 Treat Lane, issues as well as for the bicentennial of Orange, CT, 06477; email jccachet@ Italy’s first stamped envelope. optonline.net. ■

January–February 2020 • First Days 77 Douglas A. Kelsey: Executive Secretary’s Report New Members & Changes Bey-Carrion, Alma (29492) Menifee, CA Thomas, Christine (29496) North 92584, by AFDCS Chesterfield, VA 23234, by AFDCS Fox, Fred (29493) Delhi, CA (95315), by Jon Deceased Howard Achgill, Diane K. (21186) Gibson-Smith, Ian (29494), Shepherdstown, Byrnes, John F. (16214) WV 25443, by AFDCS Eiserman, Monte (HLM12) Kundu, Nirlay (29495) Sudbury, MA 01776, Membership Upgrades by Bob Emrick Silver Lapointe, Joyce (9491) Perkinsville, VT Jeffrey Brottman 05151, by Robert Edson Michel Drummond McNally, Kerry (29497) Upland, CA 91784, Ian Gibson-Smith by AFDCS Michael Litvak Nolan, Tonya (29498) Rayne, LA 70578-7743, Douglas McCullough by AFDCS Larry T. Nix Raper, Derris (29490) Chesapeake, VA 23324, Michael Rosenthal by AFDCS Donation Honor Roll Publication Fund Fred Fox Sustaining ($100 - $499) Allen H. Levesque Patrick Larkin Harry Mahan Jr. Sponsoring ($50-99) Gregory Schreiber Norman Muraki John Shue David Smith Daniel Siegel Contributing ($20–49) Henry Squillante Wallace Davenport Roger Suprenant Susan B. Jones Ralph Tewksbury William E. Lowe Other Cash Donations Douglas McCullough Salvatore Abatiello Stephen Puldy Lloyd de Vries Joel Ringold Knoxville Philatelic Society Barton Ryan Nirlay Kundu Sheldon Schwartz Richard Novo-Mesky Paul Sommers Foster Miller Participating ($1–19) Youth Scholarship Reginald Birks Wallace Devenport Michael Clark Joel Ringold Lawrence Cooper In Memory of Diane Achgill Michael Dodd Mark Goodson Dennis Duszak Paul Fabricant Thank You!

78 First Days • January–February 2020 Advertiser Index

AFDCS...... 18-19, 21, 35, 51, FineFDCs.com...... 35 Nowak, Marilyn J...... 35 54-55, 83, 69, 75 First Day Covers Online....35 Panda Cachets...... 40–41 American Topical Assoc...... 21 Fohn, Jane King...... 35 PatrioticCovers.com...... 35 Anon E. Mouse...... 21 Gitner, Henry...... 27 Peterman Art...... 33 Appel, Will & Kathy...... 25 Gold Mine...... 35 Pittsburgh File & Box...... 71 Autographs.Online...... 33 Graebner Chap. 17....25, 29, 33 Ries Chapter 48...... 1 Bayside Stamp Show...... 33 H. R. Harmer...... 23 Therome Cachets...... C4 Bevil Cachets...... 25 Hardin, Terri...... 31 Trade American Card...... 13 Chinese Stamp Buyer...... 35 Inaugurals.Online...... 33 Whit’s Covers...... 15 Collins FDCs...... 29 KSC Cachets...... 25 Worldwide FDCs...... 29 Dragon Cards...... 35 Marshall Autographs...... 15 Zurn, Karl...... 35 Dutch Country...... C3 McCusker, James T...... C2 New Advertisers FDCs Online...... 21 Members Exchange Ad...... 61 Support Our Advertisers! Advertising Rates Per Insertion Size Dim. (inches) Once 3 consecutive* 6 consecutive* Full Page 5 x 8 $148 $135 ($120) $120 ($105) 3/4 vert. 5 x 6 130 117 (104) 104 (91) 1/2 horiz. 5 x 3-15/16 90 81 (72) 72 (63) 1/2 vert. 2-3/8 x 8 90 81 (72) 72 (63) 1/4 horiz. 5 x 1-7/8 55 49.50 (44) 44 (38.50) 1/4 vert. 2-3/8 x 3-15/16 55 49.50 (44) 44 (38.50) 1/8 horiz 2-3/8 x 1-7/8 35 31.50 (28) 28 (24.50) 1/16 horiz 2-3/8 x 15/16 20 18 (16) 16 (14) * Prices in parentheses are base prices discounted 10% for payment with order or for the entire contract. 2020 First Days Produc*on Schedule

Issue # Cover Date Ar*cles & Final Ads to Final Ads to Proof Copy to Files to printer Mailing date Projected Columns Due Ad Manager Editor Reviewer* & AFDCS delivery date Webmaster #450 Jan-Feb Friday 12/13 Monday 12/9 Friday12/13 Friday 1/10 Monday 1/13 Friday 1/24 Friday 2/7

#451 March-April Friday 2/14 Monday 2/10 Friday 2/14 Friday 3/6 Monday 3/9 Friday 3/20 Friday 4/3 Spring Auc*on #452 May-June Friday 4/10 Monday 4/6 Friday 4/10 Friday 5/8 Monday 5/11 Friday 5/22 Friday 6/5

#453 July-Aug. ** Friday 6/12 Monday 6/8 Friday 6/12 Friday 7/10 Monday 7/13 Friday 7/24 Friday 8/7 StampShow Issue? #454 Sept-Oct Friday 8/14 Monday 8/10 Friday 8/14 Friday 9/11 Monday 9/14 Friday 9/25 Friday 10/9 Fall Auc*on #455 Nov-Dec Friday 10/9 Monday 10/5 Friday 10/9 Friday 11/6 Monday 11/9 Friday11/20 Friday 12/4

• Individual pages go to proofreaders as they are completed. ** Great American Stamp Show - August 20-23, 2020 AFDCS Advertising Manager For advertising rules and payment requirements and to place an ad, contact: Mark Thompson, 1709 Russell Street, Nashville, TN 37206; 615-945-6450; [email protected] (Please include a telephone number or e-mail address with your correspondence/order.)

January–February 2020 • First Days 79 RECRUIT NEW MEMBERS TODAY!

RICAN F urren F eber are ur be rerun ae ure E IR M S A T

FIRST DAY OF ISSUE

A Y n e e a y aan Fr ea ne eber a yu re yu reee a 200 F rerun un ★

Y ar F an ere nun ue n u ® C T O IE VER SOC a ne eber ay is or ay e rerodued in nesetters rie ists and so rogras

AMERICAN FIRST DAY COVER SOCIETY Membership Application Date Status □ New Member □ Reinstatement / Old AFDCS # Type □ Regular $35 □ Junior $20 □ International $100 □ Family +$3 each* □ Online $24 □ Silver $60 □ Gold $100 □ Three-Year $100 Print the following information as you want it to appear in the AFDCS’ ofﬁcial records.

First Name Middle Initial Last Name

Street or POB

City State ZIP

Email Country

Age (if under 18)

*Additional family members Family memberships do not receive additional subscriptions to First Days. I agree to abide by the rules and bylaws of the AFDCS.

Signature

Proposed by First Days or member (optional) AFDCS # eber ee nne reee ue First Days er year by a an ae ae e nne ern nne eber ae ae e nne ern ny ub ue yur aan r n nne a e F eure ebe ae un e r ney rer ayabe F aerar a an eran re ayen are a aee AFDCS Central Ofﬁce POB 16277, Tucson, AZ 85732-6277 Web: www.AFDCS.org Email: [email protected]

80 First Days • January–February 2020 U.S. or Worldwide Stamps

Coins

Historical/Sports Related Memorabilia

Currency

Covers

Postcards & More! POSTMASTER SEND FORM 3579 TO PO BOX 16277, TUCSON, AZ 85732 PERIODICAL 2019 AFDCS Cachetmakers Contest Entry Form Make sure you read and follow all of the contest rules. 1. Entries will be accepted only from American First Day Cover Society members in good standing. 2. It is assumed that all legal requirements have been met by the cachetmaker. Any cachet that has the appearance of being artwork that is not original or in the public domain must have proof of originality or licensing consent or it will not be accepted. 3. Each entry must have the actual cover submitted with an entry form. One fee, one cover, and one entry form is required for each entry. If the cover is to be donated to the AFDCS Fundraising Auction, the entry fee is $5 for each cover entered; otherwise the fee is $10. In the case of se-tenant and Rookie of the Year sets, one entry fee will be sufficient for the entire set. If a single from a se-tenant set is entered in another category, a separate cover, fee, and entry form is required for the second category. The junior category entry fee is $2 and the cover will be returned. Fees can be paid by MasterCard, Visa, American Express, or by a check made payable to the AFDCS, drawn in US funds and from a US bank. 4. Any cover that has been entered in the wrong category will be disqualified and returned. The chairperson may, at his or her discretion, place it in the correct category if such category is obvious from the information provided. The chair will attempt to notify the cachetmaker of the change. 5. At least 10 identical cachets must exist for each cover entered. Smaller editions will not be accepted in any category except Noncommercial and Youth. 6. Entries will be accepted in the two junior categories if the entrant is a member of the AFDCS or is a relative (child, grandchild, niece/nephew, etc.) of an AFDCS member. In addition to the usual awards, junior category winners will receive a one year junior AFDCS membership (or a one year membership extension). 7. Entries will include only those covers postmarked during the 2019 year. All covers must bear enough postage to pay a legitimate rate and to be carried by the postal service issuing the stamp. Entries submitted for every category, except the Federal & State Duck category, are not restricted to USPS- issued stamps and can be first day covers from any legitimate postal service. Covers may include combo stamps to support the theme of the stamp or event. Except for combos, all postage must receive a cancel from the country issuing the stamp. 8. A category that receives entries from fewer than four cachetmakers for two years in a row will be put on probation the following year. If the number of entrants is fewer than four during the third year, the category will be dropped from the contest. No categories are on probation this year. 9. On the back of the entry form, cachetmakers must write a brief description of the cover, to include method of production, quantity made and type of art. This information is helpful to the judges and for writing lot descriptions for the AFDCS Fundraising Auction. 10. The Top Cachet Award will be selected by the judges from among the winners of all categories. Only category winners are eligible for this award. The Top Cachet Award cannot be won by the same cachetmaker two years in a row. 11. No cachetmaker will be eligible to win the Rookie of the Year more than once. Rookie of the Year can only be entered the first year a cachetmaker starts producing FDCs and the year following his/her first year of production. First and second place will go to different individuals. Cachetmakers are eligible to enter any of the other categories every year. 12. Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony at Americover, the annual AFDCS convention. Awards this year will be named First and Second place. No results will be available until that time. 13. All entries must be postmarked by Friday, April 17, 2020. The chairperson and/or judges shall retain the right, exercised in good faith, to disqualify any entry. 14. Entries in Categories 1–12 must be first day covers.

January / February 2020 • First Days A 2019 AFDCS Cachetmakers Contest Categories

1. Handdrawn/Handpainted — A cover, strictly handdrawn and handpainted where no means of mechanical or electronic production has been used. 2. Handpainted/Printed from Original Art — A cover where mechanical or electronic reproduction has been used. However, each cover is individually handcolored and the design is original and executed specifically for the cover. 3. Handpainted/Printed Nonoriginal Art — A cover where mechanical or electronic reproduction has been used; however each cover is then individually handcolored and the design is not original to the cachetmaker. 4. Handpainted/Mechanically Reproduced — Artwork created by/for the cachetmaker and mechanically reproduced by any method. 5. Single Color Printed Art (also black and white) — A cover produced using only one color on a printing press, not on a computer or copier. Note: A single color is one color. The use of screening in the printing process is acceptable as long as there is a single pass on the press using only one color. 6. Multicolor Printed Art — A cover produced on a printing press, not on a computer or copier, using two colors or more. 7. Single Color Computer or Copier Art (also black and white) — A cover produced using only one color on a computer or copier, not on a printing press. Note: A single color is one color. The use of different transparencies to achieve the same effect as screening in offset printing is acceptable as long as only a single color is used. 8. Two or More Colors Computer or Copier Art — A cover with two or more colors that is produced on a computer printer or color copier. 9. Miscellaneous Media — A cover with a cachet made by any of several printing methods, such as wood block, silk screen, attached metallic plates, coins, medallions, photographs, printed cutouts, labels, etc. Any method of cachetmaking not described above would be acceptable. 10. Federal and State Duck — This category includes both federal and state Duck stamps issued during the contest year. Any method of artwork or reproduction will be accepted. 11. Esoteric — This category includes a broad spectrum of esoteric items, including anything unusual in design, theme, format, shape or materials used to make an unusual, out-of-the-ordinary type of cover. 12. Se-tenant — One or more covers bearing stamps from a se-tenant issue. This category is open to all forms of production. All the stamps must be used on one or more covers and all the covers must be submitted. 13. Noncommercial — A cover that was not produced for commercial sale. This category is included to highlight the talents of individuals who produce covers in limited numbers for their own purposes, as opposed to being for sale to the public. The category is open to all forms of production and is not limited to covers where 10 or more have been produced. 14. Events — This category is open to all forms of production and includes items such as holidays, stamp show events, military events, political covers, death covers, etc. These covers need not contain a first day date. The event and event postmark must have occurred in the year indicated by the contest title. Entries are not restricted to USPS-issued stamps and can be event covers from any legitimate postal service. Covers may include combo stamps to support the theme of the stamp or event. 15. Foreign — This category is open to all forms of production and may include first day and event covers cancelled in any country other than the United States. 16. Rookie of the Year — This category welcomes new cachetmakers (not a cachet line) who have begun commercial production within the past two calendar years. At least three different covers must be submitted 17. Juniors Age 10 and younger — These covers may be one-of-a-kind. 18. Juniors Age 11 to 17 — These covers may be one-of-a-kind. 19. Top Cachet Award — The judges will select the best cover from among the winning covers in the above categories and this cover will be awarded “The Top Cachet Award” (See Rule 10).

B First Days • January / February 2020 2019 AFDCS Cachetmakers Contest Entry Form Entries must be postmarked by Friday, April 17, 2020 To be completed by the person entering the contest. Please photocopy this form for additional entries.

Last Name First Name AFDCS Number

Street or PO Address

City State ZIP/Postal Code Country

Phone E-mail Cachetmaker information if different from entrant.

Name of Cachet Line

Cachetmaker name if different from entrant AFDCS Number You must describe your cachet on the back of this entry form.

SIGNATURE — Signing this form acknowledges that you have read, understand and have followed all the rules of the contest appearing with this entry form.

Category Scott Number and Issue Name Retail Value If your cachet or art image likeness is licensed, or is proprietary art, please indicate that you have obtained the proper licensing compliance by signing and dating here:

Entry Fee (Circle One) $5 $10 $2 Cover donated to Cover returned Junior category society auction to entrant Cover returned Entry fees can be paid by check, written in US funds from a US bank, made payable to AFDCS. To make payment online, go to www.afdcs.org/miscpayment.html. Complete this form and send with entry fee to: Rick Gibson, AFDCS Cachetmakers Contest 7033 Allington Manor Cir E, Frederick, MD 21703

January / February 2020 • First Days C 2019 AFDCS Cachetmakers Contest Entry Form Entries must be postmarked by Friday, April 17, 2020 Complete all information on the other side. Please photocopy this form for additional entries. Use this side to describe your cachet. Descriptions will be used by judges and for describing your cover in the AFDCS Fundraising auction. The contest judges have requested the following information. Please check all that apply. ☐ The images and artwork are original to the cachetmaker. ☐ The images are not original to the cachetmaker and are in the public domain or written permission has been granted for their use. ☐ The artwork is not original to the cachetmaker and are in the public domain or written permission has been granted for their use. Number of covers produced: ______Describe how your cachet was produced:

Official AFDCS Cachetmakers Contest Judging Criteria Judges will approach their task with the understanding that this is a first day/event cover award. Their goal will be to select the best illustrated cover in each of the contest categories using the criteria stated below. The decision of the judges is final. Each cover will be awarded points in each of the five criteria listed below. The cover with the highest number of points wins the category. Ties for the winning cover in a contest category will be broken by vote of the judges. The Top Cachet Award will be chosen from among the winning covers in the individual categories. The categories will be weighted as to importance. The percentage weight given to each category’s awarded points is shown after the category description. 1. Cachet’s impact on enhancing the theme of the stamp or event (40%) 2. Overall Impact: The immediate reaction to the cover (25%) 3. Use of art, color and/or design to enhance the cover’s impact (15%) 4. Ingenuity: Skill or cleverness in design, i.e., use of text, and/or special cancels and/or combo stamps and/or imaginative and/or creative designs. For purposes of this category, the overall submission will be considered including any additional material provided on the back of the cover or as an insert. (10%) 5. Technical details and craftsmanship of the work (10%)

D First Days • January / February 2020