April-May-June 2021 VOLUME 43 ISSUE 2

Newsletter of the Wisconsin Federation of Stamp Clubs www.wfscstamps.org

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE CALL TO CONVENTION 2021 SATURDAY, MAY 15, 10 a.m., VIA ZOOM by Karen Weigt A unanimous email vote by elected WFSC President and Interim ATFP Editor officers took place on this decision upon the recommendation of the WISCOPEX STAMP-O-RAMA We made the deci- Planning Committee, which met a week Rummage Sale — sion. The 2021 con- Just for Stamp Collectors after the Winter Executive Board meet- vention of WFSC Saturday, May 22, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. ing on January 16. delegates will be New Berlin Communty Center All clubs, by May 1, please send held via Zoom on 1450 W. Cleveland Ave., New Berlin, Wis. your delegate’s name and email address Saturday, May 15 at (located adjacent to Lions Park) to WFSC Secretary Clarence Davis, 10 a.m. The WFSC If you like rummage sales, and you W4022 Linden Dr., Malone, WI 53049, Executive Board love stamp collecting, then STAMP-O- or [email protected]. Meeting went back and forth RAMA is the event for you! documents including the Zoom meeting and around and around with plans for a This is a free event for all members link will be sent to delegates by May 8. full-blown convention and exhibition. of WFSC-member clubs. Free parking, For the Zoom-shy, Clarence will include With the pandemic, though, and the iffy too. Shop 15-20 tables for a variety of a link to a step-by-step video on how to state of public gatherings, we decided to philatelic offers. use Zoom. do a virtual Annual Business Meeting in Tables are free to all WFSC-mem- Hanging business from the 2020 spring with a possible live bourse and ber clubs to offer club-owned excess meeting agenda is the proposed bylaws exhibition in fall. materials. Do a spring cleaning of boxes amendment as follows: of donated surplus items stored in your Under ARTICLE X, basements. INSIDE COMMITTEES, Section 2, Shoppers will find items such as un- Standing Committees, item “g.” sold club auction lots, buy-it-now items, President’s Message 1 mystery boxes, old albums, excess Wisconsin Stamp Suggestion Com- Stamp-O-Rama 1 supplies, surplus show covers, pick-and- mittee shall be removed. PURPOSE: Closed Albums (Lloyd Rectenwald, poke tables, and freebie tables. In recognition of how the U.S. Postal John Romppainen, Adrian Stransky) 2 Enjoy the opportunity to meet and Service has changed its consideration Federation News 3 greet fellow collectors in a large-space of new stamp issues. Editor Wanted 3 community room and outside on the Club Connections 4 Other special agenda items include park pavilion. Current health and safety Clubs at A Glance (Northwoods officer elections, bids for hosting a fu- guidelines will be followed. Attend as Philatelic Society) 6 ture WISCOPEX, and a vote to approve you are comfortable. Crossword Puzzle 6 the 2020 Wisconsin Philatelic Hall of Cash only. No food or beverage will Dealer Spotlight (Jerry Wessler) 7 Fame nominations. be available. Closed Album (Eric Richter) 7 My term of office ends June 30, so Questions and clubs interested in Creating Your Own Fantasy Stamps 8 this is the last Annual Business Meeting reserving a table(s) may contact Brian Machin Madness III 10 under my leadership; this is my last The Masque of the Red Death 11 Liedtke: [email protected] or 414- Show Calendar 12 “President’s Message.” I have truly en- 731-9794. Stamp-O-Rama Ad 12 joyed serving you and I’ll still be around Sponsored by the WFSC as a benefit to relish our fellowship. to all members. CLOSED CLOSED ALBUM WFSC OFFICERS Adrian Stransky ALBUMS PRESIDENT Adrian Stransky, Karen Weigt Lloyd Rectenwald 4184 Rose Ct. John Romppainen of Madison, Wis., Middleton, WI 53562 died on January [email protected] (Waukesha County Philatelic Society) 28, 2021. He was VICE PRESIDENT It is with regret that I inform 101 years old and Brian Liedtke you that the WCPS lost a club attended Bad- 4625 South Scot Dr. member to COVID-19. Lloyd New Berlin, WI 53131 ger Stamp Club [email protected] Rectenwald, 74, passed away meetings until the on December 15, 2020. Lloyd’s SECRETARY pandemic arrived Clarence Davis membership in the club goes in 2020. The club W4022 Linden Dr. back many years. He faithfully Malone, WI 53049 celebrated his 100th birthday in Febru- [email protected] attended almost every meeting. ary 2019. (See Across the Fence Post His international collection filled TREASURER many albums and he enjoyed April 2019, p. 9). Allen E. Vick Adrian served in World War II and 2090 River Estate Ln. sharing a topical collection of Stoughton, WI 53589 ladybug stamps that he made for participated in a Badger Honor Flight [email protected] in 2011. He started a court reporting his wife, Sherry. VP YOUTH DIVISION Long-time club member business and a printing company in MaryAnn Bowman John Romppainen passed away Madison, Wis. P.O. Box 1451 Waukesha, WI 53187 last March (2020). Many will Adrian was a long-time collector of [email protected] remember John for his interest in worldwide stamps. EAST CENTRAL REGION VP first-day covers. He even created Don Kurki his own line of cachets which he [email protected] sold at shows and on the inter- Fond du Lac Stamp Club Kettle Moraine Coin & Stamp Club net. John’s interest in cars and Manitowoc Philatelic Society World War II were also reflected Sheboygan Stamp Club

in his collecting interests. SE REGION VP Both members were regular Anna Trischtan attendees at the meetings and [email protected] American Topical Association No. 5 will be greatly missed when Germany Philatelic Society in-person meetings are resumed. (Chapter 18) Milwaukee Philatelic Society Waukesha County Philatelic Society Wauwatosa Philatelic Society Across the Fence Post is the offcial publication of the Wisconsin Federation of Stamp Clubs, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organiza- NE REGION VP Ray D. Perry tion. The WFSC is a life member of the APS (since 1953), and a [email protected] chapter member of the ATA For more information about the WFSC, Bay de Noc Stamp & Coin Club please visit the website, www.wfscsstamps.org. Green Bay Philatelic Society Northwoods Philatelic Society ATFP is usually published 10 times a year in January, Febru- Oshkosh Philatlic Society ary, March, April, May-June, July, August-September, October, Outagamie Philatelic Society November and December. News of Wisconsin collectors, club Wisconsin Postal History Society news and other gratis original features are welcomed. The editor CENTRAL REGION VP accepts submissions in any format, but prefers email if possible. The editor reserves the right Chuck Rebek to make editorial changes to submitted copy. Material appearing in ATFP not carrying an indi- [email protected] vidual copyright notice may be reproduced only by not-for-profit organizations, provided the Central Wisconsin Stmap Club Chippewa Valley Stamp Club author(s) and ATFP receive credit or attribution. All materials carrying an individual copyright Lakeland Stamp & Coin Club notice are the sole property of the author(s). Wisconsin Valley Philatelic Society Unless explicitly stated by an officer in conjunction with official WFSC business, opinions expressed by the editor or individual authors are not necessarily endorsed by the WFSC. SW REGION VP John Pare Submission deadlines for editorial and advertising materials are the 1st of the month preced- [email protected] ing mont of publication (i.e., Jan 1 for Feb. issue). Editorial matter hsould be sent to: Karen Badger Stamp Club Weigt, Interim Editor ATFP, 4184 Rose Ct., Middleton, WI, 608-609-6173, [email protected]. Baraboo Stamp Club Janesville Stamp Club Send advertising material to Brian Liedtke, Advertising Manager, ATFP, 4625 So. Scot Monroe Stamp & Postcard Club Dr., New Berlin, WI 53131, 414-731-9794, [email protected]. For a complete list Tri-State Stamp Club of advertising rates and policies (display, classified, and listings), request a copy from the advertising manager. 2 Across the Fence Post April-May-June 2021 by Karen Weigt, WFSC President FEDERATION NEWS IS ONE OF THESE YOU? Winter Executive Board Meeting Notes Women’s professional baseball - January 16, 2021, via Zoom. league commemorative stamp — Ray Perry reported that he has submitted a Treasurer’s report — Al Vick’s proposal to the U.S. Postal Service Citi- annual 2020 report showed a balance zens’ Stamp Advisory Committee. of $9,591.55. Of that total, $966.55 is Hurricane Hunters Stamp — A earmarked for other projects. Several motion was made and passed to comply clubs sent monetary donations in lieu of with a request to endorse a proposal for 2021 dues. the stamp. WISCOPEX 2021 possibilities — A 2021 Officer Elections — Since WISCOPEX Planning Committee was there’s no possibility for a WISCOPEX Editor: Across the Fence Post appointed to investigate proposed ven- until fall, officer elections will be han- ues in the Milwaukee area for the event dled through a mail ballot, which was Wisconsin Federation of Stamp in fall 2021. done for 2020. Clubs (WFSC) is in need of an ATFP and The Bulletin — It was Region VP Reports — Reports editor for its publication, Across agreed to conform with the Editorial were provided by Chuck Rebek, Anna the Fence Post. You could be that Committee’s recommendation to tempo- Trischan and Ray Perry. editor. Picture yourself in one of the rarily produce ATFP on a quarterly basis Next meeting date and format — It above blank faces. Your responsibil- starting with a January-February-March was agreed to hold the next Exec- ities would include: issue. Dealer ad contracts will be auto- utive Board meeting on April 10, • Planning the issues matically extended. A published plea 2021, via Zoom. • Contacting writers for a volunteer editor will include a list • Working with the ad manager of responsibilities. A motion was made • Leading the Editorial Committee and passed to allocate up to $300 toward MORE BIG THANK-YOUS digitizing WFSC’s The Bulletin from • Sending PDF copy to printer (see the five listed in the January- and requesting number of 1932-1978. This is in addition to the February-March ATFP, p. 3) donated $466.55 already earmarked for copies to be printed the project. Monetary donations to the • Adhering to publishing schedule Publicity and Public Relations — WFSC in lieu of 2021 dues — • Be timely • Be attuned to deadlines It was determined that auctions appear- • Badger Stamp Club ($50) ing in ATFP need more publicity to • Bay de Noc Stamp and Coin You can expect the following sup- garner more mail bids. Eblasts will be Club ($15) port from the Editorial Committee: used to resolve the problem. A motion • Milwaukee Philatelic • Being available for guidance if was made and passed to continue to use Society ($100) desired the American Philatelic Society Zoom • Suggesting article topics account for WFSC meetings. A motion Individual donation in support of • Suggesting and soliciting was made and passed to pursue a society ATFP — article authors table at the Great American Stamp Show • Thomas Johnston (Green • Assistance with proofreading if it materializes as a live event in Chica- Bay Philatelic Society) ($20) • Assistance with laying out the go in August. scheduling plan Website Committee — Webmas- • Providing guidance on how to ter Greg Riesterer reported the WFSC JOIN THE WFSC accomplish the tasks now has a YouTube channel and he is EBLAST LIST! Please, please, please take another trying to make the WFSC website more look at those silhouettes above. user-friendly for mobile devices. Send your email address When you can see yourself in one Honorariums for proposing club to our Eblast Manager Ken of those images, please contact educational program ideas require more Ray Perry at: fiveperrys@athenet. publicity, which will be done through Grant at grantke@uwplatt. edu. Be sure to send Ken net or call at (920) 660-2154 with eblasts. A show-and-tell of items related your name and contact information. to Wisconsin will be promoted and post- any address changes, too. Thank you! ed on the website.

Across the Fence Post April-May-June 2021 3 by MaryAnn Bowman, WFSC VP Youth Division interesting to get to know these people Chrmn. Publicity and Public Relations Committee who are not able to attend an in-person meeting but who attend the Zoom meet- CLUB CONNECTIONS ings. In fact, one of the regular attendees is the executive director of the American Philatelic Society, Scott English. Some of the ATA No. 5 meetings he Northwoods Philatelic the year. They had to cancel the 2021 have been recorded and posted to the Society has continued to meet show but they are hoping to start it up YouTube channel of the Federation. Tduring the pandemic. Their Jan- again next year. Clubs who are looking for program uary meeting included a question-and- The club is still searching, as many ideas may want to consider sharing answer period. One question related to clubs and individuals are, to find ways some of these programs with their mem- procedures for the successful removal to stay active and connected. They have bers. The Zoom meetings are open to of self-adhesive gum from the back of started to meet the third Thursday of anyone regardless of membership in the stamps. Another question raised was the month via Zoom, using the Ameri- ATA. Be watching the WFSC eblasts for about why some stamps are reperfed. An can Philatelic Society account. Aimeé information about the monthly programs anonymous collector of the club made a Devine organizes the meetings. Unfortu- and how you can attend. donation to support the WFSC. Has your nately, many of their club members are Have you been receiving the eblasts club offered a donation in support of the not computer savvy so their meetings from the Federation? If not, and you Federation and its activities? only net three to five visitors each. wish to be included on their list, send The February meeting was a Lothary tries to phone some of the your email contact information to Ken program by Milt Wirth about the third members to keep them in the loop and Grant at [email protected] definitive Irish series. encourage them to stay in the club. But Stamp shows in Wisconsin are slow The club’s newsletter contains a fea- in the meantime, he has found out that to be coming back. Recently both the ture called “Milt’s Musings.” In one is- his four-year-old grandson loves getting Green Bay Philatelic Society and the sue, Milt provides an example of a 1919 used stamps in the mail from Grandpa. Janesville club announced that they U.S. Christmas seal tied to a Christmas He sorts them and puts them in a plain would not be hosting their annual show postcard. That particular Christmas seal book. He especially loves dinosaurs and in 2021. is the only U.S. seal with two types of cartoon characters on stamps. It helps Let me know how your club is crosses printed on it: the Greek cross them to keep in contact. faring during the pandemic. Are you with arms of equal lengths and the cross Finally, Lothary suggests that it is meeting? Has communication contin- of Lorraine, a double cross with two fun to watch podcasts about stamps. ued via newsletters? What programs are crossbows near the top. His favorite is Conversations with being presented? The Green Bay Philatelic Society Philatelists. He has also gotten in on a has been meeting from the comfort of German Philatelic Society Zoom dis- $ $ HONORARIUM $ $ their homes via Zoom. Their January cussion and presentation. Working on FOR CLUB EDUCATIONAL meeting was a trip down memory lane rearranging his collection and attending as Secretary Ray Perry took members two Badger Stamp Club summer out- PROGRAM IDEAS to the WFSC website to explore the door meetings has kept him occupied Up to $10 for activity sheets Way-Out Topical exhibits that had been during the pandemic. such as scavenger hunts, word prepared by members of the Green The Milwaukee Philatelic Society games, etc. Bay club in 2013, 2014, and 2015. has started to meet in person. They had Up to $25 for programs/lessons For those who have not looked at the to change their venue, at least tempo- that detail skills or concepts being exhibits on the Federation website, you rarily, so that interested collectors could taught/presented. List materials may be surprised at the number as well meet in person. All safety precautions needed, outline of procedure or im- as the variety of collecting interests are observed. Their programs have portant ideas within the concept. that are represented. been a series of basics, a sort of Stamp Up to $50 for video or PowerPoint The February meeting is expected to Collecting 101. programs with script. Should be about include a presentation by Dave Burrows The American Topical Associa- 15 to 30 minutes in length. on some aspect of postal history. tion Chapter 5 (Milwaukee) has been Application on WFSC website. William Lothary shared information meeting via Zoom almost since the start about Janesville Stamp Club, which of the pandemic. Programs have been was proud to get its February 2020 presented by a number of out-of-state PATRONIZE exhibition and bourse in the book before collectors. Interestingly, the club, about OUR ATFP COVID-19 hit. It was their 60th show, 100 collectors strong, has members and is typically one of the first to start from throughout the country. It has been ADVERTISERS

4 Across the Fence Post April-May-June 2021 by Milt Wirth and Jim Byrne, Northwoods Philatelic Society, Iron Mountain, Mich. bers have been involved in encouraging Scouts to take up stamp collecting. The activities outside the club have helped CLUBS AT A GLANCE bring ideas to the club. NPS has a number of members who have served in official positions in regional, national, or international philatelic groups. These groups include but are not limited to the Scandinavian Collectors Club, Scouts on Stamps Society International, Illinois Postal His- tory Society, WFSC, Wisconsin Postal History Society, Peninsular State Postal History Society, and the American Phil- atelic Society. It’s unusual for a small club operating in a basically rural area to have a membership like this to draw on. Club members have been very active in any number of philatelic pursuits. rior to the formation of the North- at a local establishment followed by the There are several NPS members who woods Philatelic Society (NPS), meeting itself. This has helped bridge have received major recognition outside Pthere was a stamp club in the Iron the 50- to 100-mile distance between Mountain-Kingsford area of the Upper clubs in areas without stamp shows Peninsula. It was an established club or shops. which had become inactive. In the mid- Other social activities include 1980s, Jim Stearns, who had experience the annual harvest dinner each in building a club in the Sault Ste. Marie September where members and their area, set out to either revitalize the existing families gather for fellowship and club or build a new stamp club open to a camaraderie. The club springs for wide range of ages and collecting interests. the beverages and a wonderful cake. Members of the existing club were The rest of the meal is pot luck. We not interested, so the Northwoods all agree there are some wonderful Close-up of cancel on cover shown below Philatelic Society was born in 1985. cooks/chefs in the North- Its first meeting was on May 23 of that woods. Maybe that is why so year. Some 36 years later, that fledgling many of us look more like a club continues to serve a broad region souvenir sheet than a defini- of the U.P. and northeastern Wisconsn. tive stamp. NPS joined the Wisconsin Federation of NPS takes a great deal of Stamp Clubs on March 25, 1991. pride in its efforts to promote The logo for the club (shown above) philately with our youth. was designed in the early days by a Some of the activities include young member, Angela DeGroot. working with schools in Mari- NPS is a regional club. Although the nette County, Wis. Another core membership has been from the im- youth activity is Stamp Camp Felch, Mich. Post Office centennial cover mediate area, the strength of the club has held biennially in conjunction of NPS. Members have also contributed been in its ability to attract people from with the Dickinson County Library. In to a number of philatelic publications. the region: Dickinson, Marquette, Delta, this event, the club uses several mem- These include: Across the Fence Post, Iron, and Menominee counties in the bers to staff stations to which groups of Badger Postal History, The Peninsular U.P.; Florence and Marinette counties in young folks rotate to learn about differ- Philatelist, as well as local club newslet- Wisconsin. The club has also attracted ent aspects of stamp collecting. ters and essays. Many have exhibited at people who have recreational property in Although not a club project, mem- various stamp shows including BAY- the area: Chicago, Minneapolis, Detroit, bers of the club were on the team that PEX, WISCOPEX, and MILCOPEX. Green Bay, Neenah-Menasha-Appleton revised one edition of the Boy Scouts of The club is also community minded metro areas. This infusion has helped America Stamp Collecting Merit Badge having produced several cacheted covers broaden the vision and vitality. Book, and one of them staffed the Stamp for community projects. One cover The club has participated in Collecting Merit Badge booth at a Boy inter-club visits, sometimes with a meal Scout National Jamboree. Other mem- (cont’d. on p. 6)

Across the Fence Post April-May-June 2021 5 Clubs at a Glance share their learnings through A strength of the club is the willing- (cont’d. from p. 5) show-and-tell, and from the ness of so many people to pitch in when multitude of other philatelic or- there is a need. The newsletter and the commemorated the Felch, Mich. Post Of- ganizations to which they belong. auctions go on even if someone is sick or fice’s 100th anniversary on March 13, 2006 Within the membership there are on vacation because folks step up. Strong (shown on p. 5). Another cover was for the diverse collecting interests from fellowship has been maintained even with grand opening of the Almost Home Animal “Anything Diana” and The Salva- changing membership over decades. Shelter in Quinnesec, Mich., on August 4, tion Army to specialized country Meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the third 2012. Yet another cover commemorated the and postal history collections and Tuesday of each month at First Lutheran quasquicentennial (125 years) anniversa- even cinderellas. Church, 1210 S. Stephenson Ave., Iron ry of the founding of Norway, Mich. Any The highlight of each meeting is Mountain, Mich. If you are ever in the monies raised over and above the produc- the live auction with material from area on a meeting night, stop in and join tion costs were donated back to the commu- members and bulk stock acquired us, we’d love to meet you. nity organizations. from dealers. This is both a draw to NPS encourages education within the meetings and a source of revenue. club through a “members teaching mem- Virtually everyone finds something bers” mindset. Members present programs, to add to their collection.

U.S. OLDIES BUT GOLDIES CROSSWORD by Joe Kowalski, Fond du Lac Stamp Club ACROSS

4. The Jefferson on the first Confederate stamp 14. Nickname of 1860s Jackson stamps 5. Appears on good ol’ U.S. Scott #1 15. Revere, Adams and Hale featured on this postal card series 8. Nickname for the Curtis JN-4 biplane 17. Color of all Special Handling stamps 9. High-denomination Coolidge Prexie 18. Color of all Parcel Post stamps 11. Lowest denomination of U.S. regular postage stamp 19. One-dollar “Western Cattle in ____.”

See answers at WFSC website (wfscstamps.org) or in July- August-September ATFP.

DOWN 1. Uh-oh... Postage ___ 2. “Farley’s ____” 3. She’s on the first American postal card 4. Mallards appeared on the first ______. 6. The first U.S. commemoratives 7. First real woman to appear on a U.S. stamp 10. Nickname for 1930s German airships 12. Stamps issued for in-city use only 13. Many 1932 issues commemorated his birth 16. First general on a postal card

6 Across the Fence Post April-May-June 2021 by Brian J. Liedtke, VP WFSC Any dealer who wishes to DEALER SPOTLIGHT participate in a future This column features dealers who are WFSC members and/or participate at WFSC member club shows. A complete listing of dealers appears at www.wfscstamps.org. spotlight may contact Please patronize our WFSC club-member and show dealers. Brian Liedtke at [email protected]. These dealer profiles are in response to a set of questions each received via email.

Jerry Wessler The hobby has given me the joy of learn- ing through the tangible pieces of history CLOSED ALBUM Riverbank Treasures Eric Richter New Lisbon, Wis. that find their way to me. Stamps encourage me to continue to learn, and I always find great (5/22/1931 - Getting started camaraderie and gain knowledge from the 12/29/2020) My first taste of folks that I meet at stamp clubs and shows. Members of stamp collect- Material offered — I currently offer the North- ing came at age primarily classic United States and world- woods 12. On a match wide stamps. I also offer postal history, Philatelic pack I saw a things of interest such as discontinued post Society provocative offices, advertising, postcards and whatever have lost advertisement else philatelic or historical I happen to come another that lured me across. I study and enjoy them, then pass good friend: Eric Richter. For into an offer them on for others to enjoy. from which I received a free package with many years Eric and Joan made 100 different stamps from all corners of the trek from Crivitz to the NPS the world. Afterwards, I began to periodi- meetings and added greatly to the cally receive approval stamps. My interest fellowship of the group. Their continued and so it all started. warm personalities and Eric’s The next phase consisted of soaking knowledge of stamps made them off stamps from the various letters family an important part of each meeting. and friends received and donated to my Following service in the U.S. interest. Most stamps were from Germany, Marines (1949-53), college, and and some from South America. Then, as marriage to Joan, Eric worked in the financial department at Kim- fate would have it, a school friend of my Show participation — Since 2010, I berly-Clark in Neenah (1956-1987) father was a stamp collector. He saw my have attended BAYPEX, CENWISPEX, and then taught outdoor education interest and gave me a classic stamp and CHICAGOPEX, DANEPEX, Janesville at a YMCA camp (1987-1994). a 1964 Harris catalog. I found that the Stamp Club Exhibition and Bourse, MIL- Pan American 4-cent stamp was valued COPEX, Minnesota Stamp Expo, Rockford He and Joan moved to Crivitz in at over a dollar, which was the first time 2-3-4 Stamp Expo, and last but not least, 1994 and spent summers in the Les I discovered the higher monetary value WISCOPEX. I also attended many smaller Cheneaux Islands near Cedarville, that some stamps had. I soon found out stamp and postcard shows across Wisconsin Mich. Simple biographical facts that nearly all stamps can tell a story, and I and Illinois. fall far short of describing Eric, loved stories. Contact information — Due to the however. He was a man for whom Years later, I was taken to a new level novel COVID situation, I decided to build engagement with people was a beyond ordinary stamps — beyond what a website: Riverbanktreasures.com. My strong motivating factor. could be found on everyday mail: world- website is designed to be user friendly and In recent years, health wide classics. I joined the Stamp Club hopefully will aid folks in having access to problems limited Eric’s physical of Tampa (SCOT). Additionally, I met a stamps they may enjoy. I can be contacted presence at NPS meetings, but he dealer who had a shop in St. Petersburg, by email at [email protected] and Joan remained in contact with Fla., and he became a valuable mentor. or by phone 608-515-6150. the club through the newsletter He introduced me to postal history, BOB, Interesting philatelic note — My per- and personal contact with mem- the world of specialized collecting, and sonal favorite collecting fields are the large bers. We give thanks for the long encouraged me to become a dealer. I Hermes Head issues from Greece, German association we had with Eric and purchased the bulk of my stamps from States, and early United States into the extend our sympathy to Joan, son him, generally as large box lots, as he had Washington-Franklin issues. I also play Rob, and Eric’s many friends who weekly massive collection purchases from guitar and enjoy topical stamps that depict will miss him greatly. area estates. musical instruments as well.

Across the Fence Post April-May-June 2021 7 by James E. Byrne, Northwoods Philatelic Society and Green Bay Philatelic Society CREATING YOUR OWN FANTASY STAMPS

very year those of us who chat segment of the population to meet the project your interest Eacross the fence post eagerly await marketing criteria. to others. the announcement of the new issues There also are limits to how many As topics are con- from the U.S. Postal Service with high new stamps a person will buy each year. sidered, think about hopes, and every year we have at least How many of us skip buying new issues format. A person like one disappointment. Who really wants for our collections because of price? Do Karen Weigt who has to send a letter franked with a picture we each have a copy of the Grand Island done so much for the of an heirloom tomato (Scott 5485)? Ice Caves priority express mail stamp Wisconsin Federation Karen Weigt Botanically, the propagation of heirloom at $26.35 face value and sold only in of Stamp Clubs de- plants is essential in maintaining genetic panes of four? Will the sale of a stamp serves her own stamp. [Editor’s note to diversity for our food supply, and the commemorating Holmes Junction, Wis., the author: The check is in the mail.] booklet does have what the Postal Ser- cover Postal Service costs even if local A place like Green Bay, which has vice proudly calls “stunning portraits of folks have strong pride in place? a rich history as a Great Lakes port and fruits and vegetables,” but is this a stamp Fantasy stamps give us each the op- railroad center, may deserve a set of with such philatelic sex appeal that we portunity to express ourselves and show- stamps. An event like the establishment can’t wait to put it on an album page? case special interests. We can share them of the first post office in what became And every with others and build our own topical Wisconsin, what was then a part of year, one of us collection, and they are inexpensive to Michigan Territory, might merit a sou- claims across design and produce. They are a healthy venir sheet. Central Wisconsin Stamp the fence post mental challenge to make and a joy to Club, Oshkosh Philatelic Society, and that he or she see. They are also a could do better. creative outlet with Really? Then which even the least Nash Metropolitan let’s see what talented among us, you can do. Design a fantasy stamp including this writer, with a topic worth public recognition. can have some fun A Nash Metropolitan? Hey, made with and through which pride in Wisconsin. How about the new our hobby can be grandchild? None prettier ever. Local shared with others. landmarks? That might make a set of Begin by visual- stamps worth sharing in the schools to izing a topic, person, group, or place that would look good on a stamp. The key is that the subject must look good on a stamp. Details Great Lakes railroad center fantasy stamps must show clearly Local landmarks in a small format (25-35 interest children in stamp collecting. We mm. by 40-50 mm.) all have interests we would like to share framed by perforations. with others, and fantasy stamps are a Think of an audience to great medium for doing that. whom you can pres- In a country as diverse as the ent the stamp. Stamp United States, there are practical limits club. Family members. to the topics that can be featured on School group of young postage stamps and generate enough sales income to cover production costs people. Library display and produce some profit. Yoda, the viewed by people of all Star Wars Jedi grandmaster (Scott ages. Pick a topic that Souvenir sheet 4205), had the wide appeal to a broad interests you and will (cont’d. on p. 9)

8 Across the Fence Post April-May-June 2021 Fantasy Stamps circle. To increase or decrease height, For our example, the postcard was (cont’d. from p. 8) drag or push the circle in the middle of scanned and cropped to focus more on a side of the frame. The image can be the train shed and the depot and less on Badger Stamp adjusted in the same way by clicking the rail cars. The name of the issuing Club might and dragging. Other software will work entity was added with the postage rate, celebrate the in a different way, but the downloaded which in this case expresses both the educational frames can be resized. postage rate and the pride of the Green institutions Bay Philatelic Society members in their in the cities stamp club. in which they UW Oshkosh Steps to Create A Fantasy Stamp Wording can be added to the stamp meet. Compound by typing above or below the image. perforations can add philatelic variety, Select a font that is easy to read and and a coveted invert might even emerge. adjust the size of the type to be visually Of course, top bragging rights will balanced with the picture. go to the truly artistic person who actu- The final step is to merge the design ally draws an image in a stamp frame, and the frame. In MS Word, this can but the rest of us will probably find it be done by placing the cursor on the easier to photocopy or scan a picture or stamp frame or the image and clicking. download one we took on our phone or Find an image In the tool bar at the top of the computer found on the internet. We then will paste screen, click on “Format” and select the picture (literally or digitally) in a “Wrap Text.” Click “Behind Text” or stamp frame and tune it up a bit for visu- “In Front of Text” and drag the frame or al appeal. The process is as easy as that. the image together to form the “stamp.” Those of us who are comfortable Adjust the size of the frame or the image with computers will take the digital by pulling or pushing the “drag” buttons approach. For folks who are not com- and look for composition and balance in fortable at the keyboard, someone in fine tuning full presentation. the stamp club can help with the actual Find and size a stamp frame Now sit production of the artistic conception. In using activated “drag” buttons back with fact, working with someone else adds an a mug of important dimension to the project. hot coffee For the purpose of this project, let’s and observe begin with a postcard published over your design a century ago showing the Chicago & work. Isn’t North Western Depot in Green Bay. your fantasy This historically significant building stamp much designed by Charles Sumner Frost Green Bay Philatelic Society Forever better than (1856–1931) and Alfred Hoyt Granger Add text that eggplant (1867–1939) was in use as a depot for definitive stamp (Scott 5492)? over 70 years and is an icon of Green Bay architecture, an ideal subject for a fantasy stamp “issued” by the Green Bay Philatelic Society. A stamp frame can be downloaded from the internet and sized to fit a tall portrait or a wide landscape format im- age. Look for different styles of frames Merge design and frame in order to give the fantasy stamps you design some visual variety. The sizing of the frame and the image can be done easily in many Move the image that will be the word-processing programs. In MS design for the stamp to an open space Word, for example, place the cursor on with room on each side to add wording. the stamp frame and click. Place the By Universal Postal Union regulations, cursor on a small circle at the corner of the stamp must show the name of the the image to increase or reduce size pro- issuing entity and the postage rate, but portionately by dragging or pushing the for our project this can be an option. Across the Fence Post April-May-June 2021 9 by Carol and Milt Wirth, Northwoods Philatelic Society MACHIN MADNESS III — Back Prints

achins may be collected in many interesting for- Back Prints Issued in Booklets as Discount Stamps Mmats, types, and related collateral material. One attractive choice is to collect back prints (sometimes referred to as underprints, but back print is a more accurate term). Back prints were printed on the gum side of the Machin with a blue non-toxic ink and sold at a dis- count by Royal Mail to encourage people to purchase the stamps. Since removing the back-print ink also removes the gum, the problem of individuals buying Illustration of Fireside Scene with Father Christmas and these stamps at the discount price and then reselling “Mummers.” Andrew Davidson. Designer them at the full price was solved. This would identify the stamps as having been sold at a discount. You should not find any examples of back prints on used Machins since soaking the used stamp removes the gum at the same time. The first back prints were found in the 1982 Christmas booklet. This booklet contained a pane of 20 Machins, ten 12½p (second-class rate) and ten 15½p (first-class rate). Royal Mail sold the book- let for £2.50 which was a discount of 30p from the Back-printed Machins were issued between 1982 and 1985. normal face of £2.80 to encourage users to purchase stamps for use on Christmas mail.

Types of Back Prints The double line “D”, two overlapping stars, and double line star were centered; the scattered double line star stamps were printed on excess paper and not lined up, resulting in a random printing pattern. These are sometimes referred to as a “wallpaper” pattern.

Stamps with Double Line “D” = 16p mushroom (Aug 10/83), 17p blue gray (Mar 5/85)

Stamps with two Overlapping Stars Type 1 = 121/2 p pastel green (May 19/82), 151/2 p pale violet (Nov Double Line “D” Two Overlapping 10/82) (For Discount) Stars — Type 1

Stamps with Double Line Star Type 2 = 121/2 p pastel green (Nov 9/83), 13p light brown (Dec 2/84)

Stamps with Double Line Star Type Double Line Double Line 4 = 12p emerald green (Oct 29/85, Star — Type 2 Star — Type 4 17p blue gray (Nov 4/85) Scattered

10 Across the Fence Post April-May-June 2021 by Clete Delvaux (and Wikipedia), Green Bay Philatelic Society THE MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH

Prospero, trailed by his courtiers, fol- lows the intruder through six rooms to the last black-colored room. When the figure turns to face him, Prospero screams and falls dead. Arthur Rackham’s 1935 illus- tration is shown on the right. The other enraged and terrified revelers surge into the black room and forcibly remove the figure’s mask and robe, only to find to their horror that there is nothing underneath. ith the advent Only then do they realize the of the corona- Red Death corpse and ebony clock W costume is empty, and all the illustration by Arthur Rackham virus pandemic, I was guests contract and succumb reminded of Edgar to the disease. the Pestilence and the Plague) was the most Allan Poe’s short story Poe’s story follows many fatal pandemic in human history, killing 75 “The Masque of the traditions of Gothic fiction to 200 million people in Eurasia and North Red Death,” originally including the castle setting. Africa from 1347-51. published in 1842 as In this respect, it seems All this is interesting, but judging from “The Mask of the Red (according to Wikipedia) his other horror stories, my guess is that Poe Death: A Fantasy.” “directly influenced by the first Gothic just knew what the public would read and the The plot of the story (according to magazines would buy. novel, Horace Walpole’s ‘The Castle Wikipedia) follows Prince Prospero and a thousand other nobles who of Otranto.”’ Some critics see The have taken refuge in Prospero’s castle Masque as an allegory about man’s to escape the Red Death, a terrible futile attempt to stave off death. But plague others say it cannot be with “. . . my guess is that Poe just knew what gruesome allegorical symptoms the public would read and the magazines because — sharp would buy.” Poe had a pains, sud- distaste for den dizziness, and profuse bleeding at didacticism in literature, that is stat- the pores — leading to death within ing or inferring a moral in one’s story. a half hour. Prospero and his court Just as in his other horror stories, seem indifferent to the sufferings of there is no moral stated or otherwise. the outside population at large. They Although the Red Death disease of intend to await the end of the plague his story was fictitious, some specu- in luxury and safety behind the walls late it may have been inspired by the of their secure refuge, having welded pandemics of Poe’s day. One of these the doors shut. was tuberculosis (called consumption One night Prospero holds a mas- in Poe’s time). Poe’s wife Virginia was querade ball to entertain his guests suffering from the disease when the in seven colored rooms in the castle. story was written. In addition, Poe’s When a large ebony clock chimes mother Eliza, brother William, and the hour of midnight, Prospero and foster mother Frances — all died of the revelers notice a figure in a dark tuberculosis. Others point out that the blood-spattered robe resembling a Red Death may refer to cholera, which funeral shroud. The figure’s mask re- ravaged Baltimore in 1831. Still others sembles the rigid face of a corpse and say Poe may have had the “Black exhibits the traits of the Red Death. Death” in mind. The Black Death (aka

Across the Fence Post April-May-June 2021 11 WFSC SHOW SCHEDULE Shows within and surrounding Wisconsin are slowly coming back. Keep checking at www.wfscstamps.org for updates. Send your show listing information to Karen Weigt, 4184 Rose Ct., Middleton, WI 53562 ­— 608-609- 6173 or [email protected].

WFSC CLUB SHOWS October 16, 2021 CENWISPEX ‘21 Central Wisconsin Stamp Club Holiday Inn Stevens Point, 1001 Amber Ave,, Stevens Point, WI — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Contact: J.D. Manville 715-341-5555, [email protected]) exhibits, bourse November 13, 2021 Oshkosh Bourse Oshkosh Philatelic Society Hilton Garden Inn, 1355 W. 20th Ave., Oshkosh, WI — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Contact: Dave Carney, 920-750-3117, [email protected]) bourse only

OTHER MAJOR SHOWS August 12-15 2021 October 23-24, 2021 AND BOURSES Great American Stamp Show Midwest Stamp Dealers Assoc. Co-sponsors — American Philatelic Chicagoland WEST June 5-6, 2021 Soc./American Topical Assoc./ Holiday Inn, 17W350 22nd St. American First Day Cover Soc. Oakbrook Terrace, IL MSDA Milwaukee Show Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-3 Midwest Stamp Dealers Assoc. 5555 N. River Rd., Rosemont, IL bourse only Crowne Plaza - Milwaukee Airport Thurs. thru Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-4 6401 So. 13th St., Milwaukee, WI bourse, exhibits, seminars, auction, so- December 4-5, 2021 Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-3 ciety meetings, first days (new stamps) bourse only MSDA Madison Show September 18-19, 2021 Midwest Stamp Dalers Assoc. July 24-25, 2021 DoubleTree by Hilton – Madison East Chicagoland NORTH Chicagoland NORTH 4402 E Washington Ave., Madison, WI Midwest Stamp Dealers Assoc. Midwest Stamp Dealers Assoc. Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-3 Ramada Inn, 1090 So. Milwaukee Ave. Ramada Inn, 1090 S Milwaukee Ave. bourse only Wheeling, IL — Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-3 Wheeling, IL — Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-3 bourse only bourse only

12 Across the Fence Post April-May-June 2021