DECEMBER, 1955

-Photo by MIKE C. !IOFFMAN • Bernard Davis, left, Shows Louise S. Hoffman, Ho·n. Alberi J. Robertso11 and John P. V. Heinmuller ihe Heroic Mural which he Created fo Honor ihe American Air Society at the CUPEX Exhibition in Habana. Volume XXVII Number 3 you too can enjoy world-famous

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ROOM 803 TEL: JU 2-2393 Notable Habana Convention Draws Record A.A.M.S. Crowd • CUBAN POSTAL DEPARTMENT HONORS SOCIETY WITH SPECIAL SOUVENIR Al RPOST SHEET • ~\ PPROXIMATELY 120 Airposters ly high and the Judges had their work ft\ attended the 32nd Annual Con­ . cut out for them in evaluating competi­ vention of the American Air Mail Soci­ tively these tmly fine collections. A list ety, held in Habana, Cuba from Novem­ of the awards in the Air Mail Section is ber 13-15. This Convention thus be­ published elsewhere in this number. The comes one of the largest and most suc­ members of the Jury were: Dr. B. Cruz cessful ever held by the Society. The Planas, Cuba; Dr. Raul Gutierrez, Cuba; Convention was held co-incident with Rafael Oriol, Cuba; Dr. Tomas A. Terry, CUPEX, Cuba's great Exhibition com­ Cuba; Edgar S. Runken, Cuba. Dr. Er­ memorating the Centenary of its first nesto Quiros, Costa Rico; H. L. Lind­ postage stamps. quist, U. S. A. L. B. Gatchell, U. S. A.; Bernard Davis, U. S. A.; Jesse G. John­ Although the Convention did not of­ son, U S. A.; Stanley R. Rice, U. S. A.; ficially open until Sunday, November 13, practically all delegates were on hand Larry D. Shoemaker, U. S. A., and Dr. for the opening of CUPEX on Saturday, Rafael A. Vilar, Puerto Rico. November 12 at which time a set of five The Convention proper opened with air mail stamps were first placed on sale. registration at the Palacio de Bellos Ar­ There was great interest in these stamps tes on Sunday morning, the 13th, fol­ and sales were brisk at all times. The lowed by informal vjewing of the Ex­ same five stamps, reproduced in differ­ hibition. At noon delegates were the ent colors and arranged in a souvenir guests of the famous House of Bacardi sheet, were released the next day in at the private bar located in the Admin­ compliment to the American Air Mail istration building of the famous Com­ Society. The sheet was appropriately in­ pany. Luncheon was at ,the exclusive scribed to do honor to the Society and Habana Country Club and visitors en­ the 15,000 sheets available were in con­ joyed not only a fine lunch but had the stant demand. Advices from Cuba in­ opportunity to explore the beautiful and dicate t.1-iat these sheets have been com­ spacious grounds of the fine Club. pletely sold out.. Delegates returned to the Palacio de The fine exhibition was staged in the Bellas Artes in time to participate in the Palacio de Bellas Artes, a fine modern single business session of the Convention stmcture in downtown Habana, just re­ which was held in the Little Theatre lo­ cently completed. It was ideal in every cated in the Palacio. President John P. way for the CUPEX. In addition to the V. Heinmuller presided The Committee rarities and other interesting items dis­ on Elections headed by Samuel S. Gold­ plaved in the Court of Honor there were sticker Jr., reported that the following 1,283 frames of competitive material. had been elected officers for the ensu­ The frames were of new and improved ing five year term: design and were especially constmcted for the Exhibition. The Section for Air President: Rafael Oriol was the largest single section in the Vice-Presidents: Bernard Davis, Mrs. show and more than 80 separate Exhi­ Florence Kleinert, Robert W. bitors were represented in the Section. Murch and Perham C. Nahl The quality of the material was uniform- (Continued on page 78) DECEMBER, 1955 77

• The Official Souvenir Sheet Issued by CUBA :to Commemorate :the XXXII Conveniion of :the American Air Mail Society.

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF Tlil THE AIRPOST JOURNAL AMERICAN AIR MAIL S0CIJ:TY Entered as second-class matter, February 10, 1932, at the at Albion, Pa. under the act of March 3, 1879. Published monthly. DECEMBER, 1955 - VOL. xxvn. NO. 3-ISSUE NO. 308 - 25c PER COPY 78 THE AIRPOST JOURNAL CONVENTION --- (Continued from page 76)

Directors (Term •expiring 1959): Alton J. Blank, Mrs. Louise S. Hoffman, Ernest A • Kehr and Dr. South­ gate Leigh

Secretary-Treasurer: John J. Smith Affairs of the Society were discussed at length and reports of Officers and Committees were received. The Society was shown to be in good financial coa · dition with its membership at a peak. Complete and full pa1ticipation in FI­ PEX, the great Internaitional Show to be held in New York from April 28 to May 6, was discussed. It was voted to com­ pletely review the Publications program of the Society and to give Editor Gatch­ ell some much needed assistance by the appointment of an Associate Editor of Publications. In the evening the entire group took in the fabulous Tropicana Night Club for dinner and dancing and to view the floor show. This Club is located in a natural outdoor setting and is famed the world over. On Tuesday morning, November 14, some of the Conve~.tioneers journeyed to Brihuegas Airport to participate in ceremonies incident to the take-off of two jet planes of the Cuban Air Force carrying official air mail to Miami, Flor­ ida. Those attending were transported each way by a plane of the Cuban Air Force, piloted by the Chief of the Cu­ ban Air Force, Col. Charles Tabermilla. An .account of the jet flight and cere­ monies in connection therewith will be found . elsewhere in this issue. The re­ ception scheduled at the Post Office Department had to be cancelled due to the sudden death of Dr. Aurelio F er­ -Photos by MIKE c. HOFFMAN nandez Coucheso, Minister of Education, as no official functions could be held • Top. George D. Kingdom, Presid­ during the period of mourning. Lunch­ ing at Convention Banquet; center1 eon on this day was at the Hatney-Ba­ cardi Brewery located on the outskirts President John P. V. Heinmuller of Habana. Again a fine lunch of typi­ Addressing the Business Session; cal Cuban foods with music and plenty of beer was enjoyed by all. Bottom, Harry L. Lindquist, left and The Annual Banquet of the Society Bernard Davis. was held in the Grand Ball Room of the DECEMBER, 1955 79

-Photo by DR. CHARLES D. SUELLER

' j. e Officers Present at Habana, left to right, front row, Raf ~el Oriol, L. B. Gatchell. John P. V. Heinmuller: back row, Richard L. Singley, George D. Kingdom, John J. Smith, Grace Conrath and George W. Angers.

Hotel Nacional. A capacity crowd of the co-operation and participation of all well over 100 was served. collectors. During the course of the evening pre­ George D. Kingdom, who has presid­ sentation of the Walter J. Conrath Me­ ed at so many of these affairs that it has morial Award was made to Past Presi­ come to be a must, acted as Toastmast­ dent John P. V. Heinmuller and to Sec­ er. Col. Tabermilla of the Cuban Air retary-Treasurer John J. Smith. A sepa­ Force, as well as Lieut. Col. Felipe Cata­ rate article about this will be noted else­ SttS, and the two pilots who flew the where. Special medallion plaques were special jet mail, Captain George Ale­ presented to Dr. Andres Di!iihingo and many and Lieut. Hector Gonzalez, were to Dr. B. Cruz Planas for ,tlieir work in honored guests. The Hon. Albert .J Rob­ connection with CUPEX by L. B. Gat­ ertson. Assistant General of chell. Retiring President John P. V. United States and Dr. Jose A. Montaloo, Heinmuller presented Mrs. Rafael Oriol Director of the Posts of Cuba were and Dr. Ernesto Bello with Longines­ Guests of Honor and made appropriate Wittnauer wrist watches and in tum Mr. addresses. Mrs. Albert J. Robertson en­ Heinmuller was given a handsome set deared herself to all present by making consisting of gold tie clasp and cuff a short talk in Spanish when responding links mounted with the A. A. M. S. in­ to an introduction. _Harry L. Lindquist, signia by his fellow officers. The pre­ President, Natfonal Federation o-f Stamp sentation was made by Past President Clubs, spoke on the FIPEX and urged (Continued on page 80) 80 THE AIRPOiST JOURNAL CONVENTION (Continued from page 79) Auction Chairman's • Report • There will be two major American Air Mail Society Auctions during 1956, both being regular floor sales. The first of these will be held dur­ ing the FIPEX in New York- in ear.ly May and the second will be held dur­ ing. our annual Convention. It is hoped that at least one of these sales 'Vill be a complete donation sale. We are in dire need of good ma­ terial for both of these sales, and urge members to send their dupli­ cates or other items they wish to have auctioned to the Auction Chairman as quickly as possible. Donation material -Photo by Samuel s. Goldsticker, Jr. will be appreciated. • Herb Brandner Takes it Easy at Send your material as quickly as Veradero Beach. possible to Samuel S. Goldsticker, Jr. George W . Angers. Winners of the prin­ 70-D Fremont Street, cipal awards fa :the Air Mail Section Bloomfield, N. were also annoultced 'at the banquet. J. . The 75 mile round trip to Varadero .)3each was made on Tuesday the 15th. About 40 delegates made the all day Finns To Stage trip. A stop was made at Mataugas en route to permit a visit to the Shrine International Show of Montserrat which provides an incom­ parable view of the famed Yumuri Val­ • ley. Luncheon was served at the Inter­ In 1956, the centenary of the first nacional Hotel. This trip concluded the Finnish stamps will be commemorated Convention activities. according to the established interna­ tional custom, with an International The Convention was carefully plan- Stamp Exhibition. This Exhibition will / ned by the local Committee, the Club be arranged by the Suomen FlatelistiUit­ Filatelico de la Repu.blica de Cuba and to r. y. - Finland's Filatelistforbund r. f. despite many unforseen disappointments, the Finnish Philatelic Society, in con­ was faultlessly executed to provide a junction with the Finnish Postal Authori­ maximum of enjoyment for all those who ties, and the Federation Internationale attended. It is impossible to name all de Philatelie has extended its patronage of those who so graciously extended the to the Exhibition. hand of Cuban hospitality - their num­ ber is legion -- but of course the prin­ The Exhibition will be arranged in the cipal credit must go to the Co-Chairmen Exhibition Hall in the centre of Hel­ for the affair, Dr. B. Cruz Planas and sinki during the period 7th to 15th July our own newly elected President Rafael 1956 and it will bear the name "FIN­ Oriol: Well done, Cuba! LANDIA 56". List Of Awards At "CUPEX" •

GOLD MEDALS THOMAS A. MATHEWS, with objet d'art LOUISE S. HOFFMAN, with objet d 'art

SILVER GILT MEDALS

SAM RODVIEN, with objet d 'art GEORGE W. ANGERS: wiiJh felicitations of the Jury BERNARD FINK, with felicitations of the Jury RICHARD MiiLIAN JACOB S. GLASER DR. ANDRIDS ,DOMI:NGO

SILVER MEDALS

DR. JAMES MATEJKA, with felicitations of the Jury HAROLD DERMODY ERNEST A. KEHR JULES L. WACHT HENRY M. GOODroIND ROBERT W. MURCH THOMAS J. O'SULLIVAN FRED HAUER JOHN P. V. HEINMULLER RICHARD MOREYRA RICHARD L. SINGLEY GEORGE D. KINGDOM RAFAEL R. GARCI'A

BRONZE MEDALS

GERHARDT KAUFMANN, with felicitations of the Jury DR. RENE MONTERO ORM.N E. GREEN DR. OSCAR GARCIA MONTES C. ALBERT PERZ K. N. WOODWAIRD V. H. ROHWEDDER JOSEPH L. ErSENDRATH, JR. MIKE C. HOFFMAN C. W. LOUNSBERRY PERHAM C. NAIHL JOHN J. SMI'Illi EMILIO PROBST 82 THE AIRPOST JOURNAL

HELP WANTED! SPECIAL FIPEX FLIGHT

Editor of Publications• L. B. Gatch- Word reaches us• from Hamburg, ell has announced the appointment of Germany that Edgar Mohrmann, the Past President Jesse G. Johnson as prominent stamp dealer and member Chairman of the Governmental Sec­ of the American Air Mail Society, is tion of the American Air Mail Cata­ arranging for the charter of a special logue, succeeding the late Karl B. plane to take visitors from Europe to Weber. the great FIPEX show to be held in The Governmental Section is Sec­ the New York Coliseum from April tion 3 of Volume I and includes all 28 to May 6. The proposed flight those covers which have been official­ will be by chartered Clipper of Pan­ ly authorized by the United States American Airways and will start from Post Office Department with the ex­ Frankfurt, Germany on April 26. The ception of Contract Air Mail covers return flight will leave New York on and F. A. M. Covers which have May 6. The price of the trip by this separate Sections of their own. chartered plane wil_l be considerably Admiral Johnson asks that each cheaper than the regular Trans-At­ member who has a collection of lantic fares. Depending on the num­ Governmental covers send him a list ber of passengers taking the trip, Mr. of those which he or she feels should Mohrmann believes that the cost be included in the Supplemental list­ the flight will be in the neighborhood ing, starting with those covers sub­ ~f $400-450. Many tentative book­ sequent to September 25, 1946, the ings have already been made. This date of the last cover listed at page trip is open to nationals of all Euro­ 129 of Volume I. These lists will be pean countries and others who can cross checked and correlated and arrange to leave from Frankfurt. from them a master listing will be Those interested can receive further evolved. Chairman Johnson may be details by contacting Edgar Mohr­ reached at 906 Bank of Commerce mann at Speersort' 6, Hamburg 1, Building, Norfolk 10, Va. Germany.

DELTA TO INAUGURATE lanta, Ga, before. January 15 to be as­ NEW C. A. M. SERVICE sured of properly stamped covers. There is no limit to the number of Delta Air Lines •has announced that Delta will stamp for each collector, but first-flight cachets will be available to unless the sender specifies the desired stamp collectors when Delta inaugurates - whether Charlotte, ·washing­ service early in 1956 from Charlotte, ton, Philadelphia, or New York - all Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, covers will be postmarked New York. and New York. Delta is now certificated to serve 66 The Civil Aeronautics Board granted cities, and its total route system is 10,- Delta 1,075 miles of new routes in the 756 miles. Southwest-Northeast Additional Service Case, effective Jan. 20,, 1956, and plans TRANS OCEANIC RECORD FLIGHT are to begin service as soon after that AAMS cat. No. 1220, Dec. 1934 Inaugural date as the availability of satisfactory service HOLLAND to DUTCH WEST IN­ ground facilities will permit, according DIES, 1st trip over Atlantic Ocean to West to C. E. Woolman, Delta's president and Indies. Dispatched from the NETHER­ LANDS, bearing cachet and CURACAO general manager. backstamp. CAT. VALUE $30.00 net The airline asks that collectors send SPECIAL - $7.50. -stamped, self-addressed envel­ DOLIN&: CO. opes to Delta Air Lines, Office of Infor­ ~1 PARK ROW NEW YORK 38, N. Y. mation Services, Atlanta Airport, At- A single rarity or a wbole collection Wbichever you are thinking of selling, you will have every reason to he pleased if you place it in our hands for auction. We can offer you 50 years of experience and a sterling reputation. Also: free appraisal if we sell your stamps; an immediate cash advance; an unsurpassed mailing list of buyers all over the world; full insurance on your stamps; qualified experts in all departments; deluxe illustrated catalogues. We are constantly planning future sales, so write us today! Barmer, Rooke & Co., Ine. Leading Auctioneers of Fine Stamps 560 Fifth Avenue New York 36, N. Y.

Errors, Varieties & For 30 years we have been specializing in all unusual i:tems: Errors, Varieties, e:tc •• regardless as :to whe:ther :they are or are no:t lis:ted. Now we have on hand a very large selection of Airmails U.P.U•• U.N., Inverted Cen:ters. Sports, Topicals, Miniature Shee:ts, De Luxe Shee:ts, Proofs, Die Proofs, Ro:tary, e:tc., e:tc. We have oddities and unusual items from many different countries as:- Albania, Abyssinia, Belgium, Brazil, Canary Islands, Colombia, Congo, Croatia, Czechoslovakia, Danzig, Ecuador, Epirus, Far East, France & Colonies, Greece, Georgia, Honduras, Iceland, Ifni, Iran, Italy & Colonies, Latvia, Liberia, Lithuania, Monaco, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Poland, Romania, Russia, Saar, Salvador, Scadta, Spain & Colonies, Tangier, Tanna Touva, Uruguay, Venezuela. We will gladly make up special offers or selections on approval. Please write countries, price range and specialties. (Usual refer­ ences, please). We are also always buyers of similar material. S. SEREBRAKIAN 15 Park Row New York 38, N. Y. SPECIAL JET FLIGHT MAIL WAS FE ATURE OF A.A.M.S. CONVENTION • by JESSE G. JOHNSON • RECISE and nicely executed is ers on this flight were offered at $1.00 P the best way to describe one of each. They were also offered at the Ex­ the most interesting Aero-philatelic hibition hall in the Palacio de Bellas events at our recent Ame1·ican Air Mail Artes at that same price. Society Convention in Habana. Two The cover itself was a very attractive Lockheed T-33 Jet Airplanes piloted by one. Across the top, printed in red in two Cuban Air Force Ace pilots made bold type, was 'Club Filate:lico de la Re­ history when at 10:00 A. M. Monday, publica de Cuba". Across the bottom in November 14, 1955 they took off from bold blue type was "American Air Mail the Batista Airport near the Village of Society". The printed cachet showed a San Antonio · Ios Banos in Cuba for jet plane between a broken line with Miami, Florida with two bags of Air Habana on one end and Miami on the Mail. other with the words "Primer correo por Aviaon de propulsion a Ohorro. Lock­ But let's go back. Your writer was one heed T-33-Ejercito de Cuba." There was of the invited guests who flew from the also a rubber stamp cachet showing a Columbia Military Air Field in Habana jet under a circle to frame it "Primer to the Batista Airport. On board ailso Correo en Avion de Propulsion a chorro, were Post Office officials with the mail. Habana - Miami." After a very short ride we landed and AU covers had the new 50c Air Mail walked to the Jet Airplanes and met the stamp cancelled "14 Nov 1955 Habana" pilots close by. Our Pilot on the Flight with "Exposition Filatelica Internacion­ from Habana to Batista was the Com­ al" framed by two rh1gs. Instead of kill­ manding officer of the Cuban Air Force er bars to tie the stamp to the cover at Columbia Field, Col. Charles Taber­ there were three rows of crosses between niUa. which were the words "Palacio de Bellas Every reader of The Airpost I ournal Artes" and "Primer dia", which of course was invited to hare in this project. Cov- meant the first day of the Flight and not

e The Official Souvenir Jei DECEMBER, 1955 85

- Photo b y DR. CH ARLES D. SUELLER e Past President Jesse G. Johnson Hands Official Mail to Cuban Air Force Jet Pilots Lieut. Hector Gonzalez and Capt. Jor ge Alemany. of the stamp which had its first day on the Jet Planes short speeches were made the 12th. expressing International Goodwill by President Rafael Oriol and the writer of The cover was backstamped "Inter­ this article. Yes sir, whether it be Day­ national Airport, Fla. 1955 Nov 14 12:30 ton or Habana or anywhere else, Ameri­ PM 195.5". There were a total of 690 can Air Mail Society members always covers carried with 158 being sent on­ have very special privileges of partici­ ward from Miami and the remaining 552 pation when Aerophilatelic history is be­ returned to Habana through the courtesy ing made. We are deeply grateful to the of Pan American World Airways. The Cuban Air Force and our own Habana T-33 Lockheed Plane No. 707 was piloted Chapter for this special pleasure. by Captain George Alemany and No. 701 by Lieutenant Hector Gonzalez. The trip to Miami was made in 20 minutes AIRMAIL s:si s at an altitude of 25,000 feet. The jets arrived in Miami before the Convention Attractively Priced party had returned to the Columbia Air­ Fr. Eq. Africa C37, u sed ...... $1.25 port. Haiti C52-54, mint ...... $1.50 H on duras C144-152, mint ...... $5.0-0 We are pleased with the publicity giv­ T u r k ey C21-27, mint ...... 50 en in the Habana newspapers where the Our 1955 P . L . is ob solete. Write for 1956 list, mint and used, cu rrent issue s for new picture of one of our own Jet flight cov­ airpost supplem ent. ers flown from Dayton to Washington during the 1953 Convention was shown NORMANDY STAMP STUDIO, INiC. along with a picture of tlhe Plane making B ox 1111 Studio City, California the subject Flight. Before departure of Announce Additional Features For Great FIPEX Exhibition • ~\ NY doubts that may have existed an exhibitor from applying for addition­ ~ in some quarters about the suc­ al units of five frames. This can be done cess of FIPEX have been completely by dividing a large collection into logi­ swept away," i!; was stated by Richard cal groupings. Explanation should be S. Bohn, FIP~ Chairman, in announc­ made of another point that has not been ing that applications for 1028 frames al­ clear to some· prospective exhibitors. This ready have been received by the direct­ concerns Rule 6 which states, "Collec­ ing Committee. These are definite ap­ tions which did not win an award in pre­ plications, accompanied by the requisite vious International Exhibitions, or did fees, and are not figures for preliminary not receive at least a silver medal or an reservations as released previously. equal medal at a national (regional) ex­ It was pointed out that this number of hibition can be entered only by a special applications is far ahead of the number ruling of the Directing Committee." The received for CIPEX in 1947 at a com­ important point is that collections which parable date. There is no doubt that all have not won the specified awards are of the available 2000 frames will be not excluded, but merely that they must filled, and the Exceutive Committee may be passed by the Directing Committee. be forced to consider the feasibility of It is expected that many collectors will providing additional frames, space per­ prepare entirely new exhibits, which mitting. Continuing, Mr. Bohn said, have never been shown anywhere, while "We are very much heartened by the others will improve existing collections. fact that over half of the available Persons in such a category are urged to frames have. been sold, especially that submit their applications with the assur­ many of ~.,,applications are being re­ ance that they will be given every con­ ceived froi:n countries throughout the sideration. This pro\tision was inserted to world - from lands such as Pakistan and insure the quality of the exhibits at FI­ Burma." PEX, and was never intended to exclude Experience of previous philatelic ex­ any worthwhile exhibit. hibitions has shown that a great flood of Medals and special awards for the applications may be expected during the Exhibition will be furnished by world­ last week before the entries close. The famous Cartier of New York, London Directing Committee is braced for the and Paris, it was announced by Franc FIPEX deadline of January 15, 1956. Ritter, FIPEX Art Director. These prizes Collectors intending to exhibit are urged will cost approximately $20,000 and will to send their applications as soon as pos­ be the most attractive and elegant ever sible. They are assured that applications offered to award-winning exhibits at an received after the Jan. 15 deadline will international philatelic exhibition. be given every consideration and as­ Mr. Ritter revealed that Mr. Cartier signed frameS- as long as they are avail­ himself, who is an enthusiastic stamp able, first come, first served. Further­ collector, is taking a personal interest in more, as mentioned previously, if it is these awards and has assured FIPEX clearly demonstrated that 2000 frames officials that they will be unsurpassed in are not sufficient for what is expected to beauty and quality. Mr. Jules Glaenzer, be the greatest philatelic exhibition ever vice president of Cartier, also an enthusi­ held, additional frames may be provided astic stamp collector, is equally interest­ if space is available. ed in providing appropriate awards that As stated previously, although the will reflect credit on FIPEX as well as Rules and Regulations specify that each Cartier. Mr. Glaenzer has worked very exhibit will be allotted not more than closely with Mr. Ritter for some time to five frames, there is nothing to prevent come up with a set of unparalleled DECEMBER, 1955 87 prizes. The firm of Cmtier is without doubt the leading jeweler in the world. The Grand Award at FIPEX will be OUR AUCTION OF an exquisite sterling silver ewer valued at more than $2000. Trophies for the FEBRUARY 13, 14, 15 Best 19th Century Exhibit and the Best 20th Century Exhibit will be identical will include one important session sterling silv~r bowls valued at several of AIR POST ISSUES. hundred dollars each. In addition, there will be ten Class and Section trophies consisting of silver ice buckets, worth Write now :to ensure receiving :this over $100 each. These trophies are un­ and future catalogues of H. R. questionably of the highest artistic merit Harmer, Inc., where the finest and quality. Medals will be triangular in shape, stamps are offered in accordance incorporating the familiar FIPEX theme with :the best :traditions of phil­ which was designed by Franc Ritter. ately. This design featuring the world globe surmounted by the Statue of Liberty has been expertly engraved by one of Car­ • tier's craftsmen. FIPEX will offer 60 H. R. HARMER, Inc. gold medals for top awards in the vari­ ous Groups. Five of these gold medals The World's Leading "»ttamp will be set with brilliants (small diam­ Auctioneers onds) in the spot on the gobe indicating the location of N€w York City. These 6 West 48:th S:tree:t special gold medals will be available to NEW YORK 36, N. Y. the Jury for award to such exhibits as they deem worthy. For additional awards in the various groups, there will be 75 silver gilt, 90 AIR LETTER SHEETS silver and 125 bronze medals - all of the same superb design and workman­ Aero-Postal Stationery ship. The gold medals will cost well over $100 each, and all of the medals will be worthy of this great international NEW ISSUES philatelic exhibition which is expected to attain a new high for events of this A COMPLETE SERVICE OF type. FIPEX in 1956 will be remem­ bered for many years and these trophies AIRLETTERS OF THE WORLD and medals will commemorate it with distinction. There is still time to submit an ap­ Mint And Flown plication for the Fifth International Exhibition which will be held from Ap­ ril 28 to May 6, 1956 in the great New NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED York Coliseum which is rapidly nearing NO MINIMUM PURCHASES completion in New York City. FIPEX EXPECTED will be one of three great shows to open this fabulous exhibition hall. An air mail Ask For Particulars Today request to the Executive Secretary, Ed­ win E. Elkins, 22 East S5th Street, New York 16, N. Y. will bring entry blanks by WALTER R. GUTHRIE reh1rn air mail. Don't delay if it is de­ sired to exhibit at FIPEX in New York SEA CLIFF NEW YORK in 1956. Entered as second-class ·matter at the Post Office at Albion, Pa. February 10, 1932, under the Act of March 3, 1879 . The AIRPOST JOURNAL is not conducted• for profit. The Editor, Business Manager, and all other editors, feature writers and contributors serve gratis and without compensation of any kind. All receipts from advertising, subscriptions and contributions are applied directly to the betterment of the magazine and the promotion of aero-philately.

EDITOR L. B. GATCHELL - 6 The Fairway, Upper Montclair, N. J. BUSINESS MANAGER GEORGE D. KINGDOM - Tyler Building, Conneaut, Ohio ASSISTANT EDITORS ALTON J, BLANK - 1089 Winston Rd., So. Euclid 21, Ohio GRACE CONRATH - P. 0. Box 519, Albion, Penn'a ER~EST A. KEHR - 230 West 41 Street, New York 18, N. Y. ART EDITOR EDWIN L. HASTRY DEPARTMENT EDITORS R. LEE BLACK - Interrupted Flight Cover News FLORENCE L. KLEINERT - A. A. M. S. Chapter News RICHARD L. SINGLEY - F. A. M. Air Mail Routes WILLIAM R. WARE - Contract Air Mail Routes WILLIAM T. WYNN - Dedication Covers Assistant Editor ALTON J. BLANK also conducts "Airs of the Month Department ASSOCIATE EDITORS FRANCIS J. FIELD F. W. KESSLER DR. MAX KRONSTEIN THOMAS J. O'SULLIVAN JAMES WOTHERSPOON

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THE AIRPOST JOURNAL has been published under the auspices of THE AMERICAN AIR MAIL SOCIBTY since October, 1931. It has reached ftS high place of usefulness to the hobby primarily through the genius, industry and devotion of the late WALTER J. CONRATH successively Business Manager and Editor. To his memory are the future issues of the JOURNAL gratefully dedicated. WHERE TO WRITE Correspondence concerning advertis­ Department Editors may be written ing, new and renewal subscriptions, direct at the addresses printed at the back numbers and bound volumes, top of their columns. All general edi­ address changes and other matters of torial copy and communications on all circulation, business · matters of all other matters should be sent to the kinds and all remittances should be personal attention of the Editor at sent direct to the Publication Office at 6 The Fairway ALBION, PENN'A UPPER MONTCLAIR, N. J. Death Clainis A. A. M. S. Past President Herbert H . Griffin • "-"'\TITH deep regret and a sense \~V of great personal loss we re­ cord the passing Df Past President Herb­ ert H. Griffin in St. Petersburg, Florida on December 14. Mr. Griffin had been suffering from anemia and complications thereof and his last illness had prevented his being present at the American Air Mail Society Convention in Habana, an event he had looked forward to attend­ ing. He was 83 years old and is survived by his widow Dora D. Griffin and a brother Harry H. Griffin, both of St. Petersburg. Herbert H. Griffin was bom in Forest..: ville, N. Y. but spent most of his life in Cleveland, Ohio where he headed the • Past President Griffin at Phila­ Auditing Departmpnt of the American delphia Convention Banquet in 1954. Multigraph Company. His business duties took him to many cities throughout the had an Eisenhower collection. But by Uni.ted States and Canada and he made far his most valuable and interesting one prolonged trip to Europe. He retired collection was his collection of Lindberg­ in 1938. hiana. This was far and way the finest collection of Lindbergh covers extant A philate.Ust most of his life, Griffin and in order that it might be preserved early became interested in Air Mails. He for posterity Mr. Griffin last year jour­ was the leading exponent of the hobby neyed to the American Air Mail Society in and around Cleveland and headed the Convention in Philadelphia and during Committees which staged twD highly the Banquet made formal presentation of successful Conventions of the American this collection to the National Philatelic Air Mail Society in the early thirties. He Museum. served as President of the Society in 1931 and 1932 and under his leadership Overshadowing all his other activities much progress was made. He was also a were the many friends be "collected" as prominent member of the Garfield-Perry he journeyed through life. These are Stamp Club of Cleveland and in later legion and scattered all over the world years became a wheel horse of the St. and we know that each has a special Petersburg Stamp Club. In many res­ place of affectionate memory in their pects he was this club's most widely hearts for a well beloved friend. - L.B.G. known member and a gala party was • tendere

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Aetion In Auetion Catalogs For Colleetions Each month sees thousands of stamps and covers sold Besides handling stamps, seals and covers of all coun­ to mail bidders in our famous Mail Auctions. Regardless of tries of the world. The Department Store of Philately is your philatelic interests, there will be something to inter­ well known for the extensive variety of albums, books and est you in every sale and if you are not on the mailing list catalogues of philatelic nature always on hand. Here are for these monthly catalogues, your AAMS number and a some of the most popular editions of catalogs available to­ postal card request will place you on that list, at no cost. di•y (Postfree in USA) ( 50c extra per catalog shipped Your bids will be most welcome and your AAMS member­ abroad):- ship is your reference. Countless choice cover collections SCOTT 1956 Combined (World) Catalog $8.00 SCOTT 1956 United States .Specialized ... $3.50 have been broken into appropriate units in these sales with r MINKUS 1956 American Stamp Catalog ...... $3.00 rare covers offered singly and entire collections sometimes t MINKUS 1956 Volume I (US &: BC only) ...... $4.00 offered intact. GIBBONS: 1956 Volume I (Brit. Empire) $3.00 Whether you wish to buy or sell, you will want to keep AMERICAN AIR MAIL 1947 Volume I ...... $4.00 in touch with us! We are as close to you as your nearest AMERICAN AIR MAIL 1950 Volume II...... $4.00 HERST-ZARECKI: Fancy U. S. Cancels ...... $5.00 mailbox. Prompt and satisfactory attention to your every THORP-BARTELS: U. S. Stamped Envs...... $8.50 inquiry.... Write today! JOHL: 2 Volumes "U. S. 20th C. Comm." ...... "."'···· $10.00

Life Member: 1111 2 MA\R.KE'lr STOC) AAMS ELMER Ro LO~G APS DA\RRISBURG, IP A\o SPA Heinmuller And Smith Receive Conrath Memorial Awards For 1955 • 11( N an unprecedented ceremony at JI the Habana Convention of the WALTER .J. CONRATH MEMORIAL American Air Mail Society, the Walter AWARD J. Conrath Memo1·ial Award, Aerophil­ PURPOSE OF THE AWARD: ately's highE!st honor, was bestowed on To perpetuate the memory of WALTER ,J. CONRATH, who contributed unselfish­ two recipients, retiring President John ly to the growth and welfare of the P. ' ' · H einmuller and Secretary-Treas­ AMERICAN AIR MAIL SOCIETY, who urer John J. Smith. This is the first oc­ possessed a fearless conviction and was casion on .which the award was made to an unceasing advocate of every principal more than a single person. Presentation of ri~ht, who was an ardent and true was made by Past President George W. aero-philatelist, and who made many val­ Angers, the first recipient of the Award. uable contributions to the betterment of the hobby. Messrs. Heinmuller and Smith thus be­ BASIS OF THE AWARD: come the eighth and ninth persons to The WALTER J. CONRATH MEMORIAL win the coveted recognition. Previous AW ARD shall be given to the member of recipients, in the order of designation, in­ the AMERICAN AIR MAIL SOCIETY who clude George W. Angers, L. B. Gatchell, in the opinion and jud~ment of the A ward Richard L. Singley, Ernest A. Kehr, Committee has rendered an outstanding George D. Kingdom, Grace Conrath and service to the Society or who has made an outstanding contribution to the hobby Jesse G. Johnson. of Aero-philately. AWARD COMMITTEE: The Walter J. Conrath Memorial The Committee of Award to determine Award was established in 1943 to per­ the recipients of the WALTER J. CON­ petuate the memory of and to render RATH MEMORIAL AWARD shall consist appropriate honor to Walt Conrath, a . of those persons who have heretofore been Past President of the Society and Edi­ _honored by the award'. tor of The Airpost l our-nal, whose work for Aero-philately was unparalleled and .tomobile accident claimed his life in May whose unselfish interest in the promo­ of 1942. The award, consisting of a tion of all that was right and best for handsomely engrossed parchment certi­ the hobby has become the inspiration of ficate, is made from time to time - not all his associates and fellow collectors. necessarily annually - and is by unani­ Most readers are aware that a tragic au- mous vote of the Committee which is formed of those who have previously won the honor; thus the standards for the award are jealously guard d because of the .especial interest each member of the Committee has in maintaining them at a high level. Retiring President Heinmuller has been prominent in the affairs of Aero­ philately and the American Air Mail So­ dety for a great number of ears. He has always been an active supporter of all projects of the Society both as mem­ ber and Officer and has just completed two years as President dm,ing which the Society made substantial progress and expanded its membership. Two of the • John P. V. Heinmuller Society's most successful Conventions -- DECEMBER, 1955 93

-Photo b y HERBERT BRANDNER • Past President. George W. Angers, right, Prese·nting ±he Conrath Merr.orial Award Certificate io Secretary-Treasurer John J. Smith. Philadelphia and Mahana -- were held during the term of President Heinmuller AEROGRAMMES and his helpful advice and counsel did OF ICELAN·D much to contribute to their enjoyment by the membership. President Hein­ For Sale Unused First Day muller is the Author of a best selling Postmarked 60 Aurar .75 1.00 chronology of Aviation "Man's Fight to 85 Aurar .50 .75 Fly". He is the President of the Lon­ 150 Aurar .25 .50 gines-Wittnauer Watch Company and is 175 Aurar .25 .50 personally responsible for many instru­ (all postfre~) ments used in the Aviation industry. The imprint ed design of the stamps shows an Aer oplane and Northern I ohn I . Smith has served several years Lights over Volcano Hekla - frozen, in the thankless and exacting job of icy cold. Secretary-Treasurer. As such he prob­ Fire and I ce side by side . . . A short illust rated article, tellin~ ably "knows" more members than any­ of t he fury of a volcano eruption­ one else associated with the Society. His the fires flaming, the lava boiling unfailing courtesy and desire to assist - will be given free to buyers. has won the admiration of the member­ Any one intere st ed in OLD and RARE ICEL ANDI C POSTAL AND L ETTER ship. Both he and his charming wife CARDS (not air) w ould do well to ask Ruth are intensely interested in the So­ for part icula rs. ciety and have ·attended all meetings and ICELAND STAMP Conventions. A Bank Executive in the daytime, John, assisted by Ruth, has SERVICE burned the midnight oil ceaselessly in MAGNUS STEF ANSSON his work for the Society and richly de­ TUNGATA 22 serves the recognition which is inherent REYKJAVIK, ICELAND Member: AAMS - A PS - UPSS in this most important award. 94 THE AIRPOST JOURNAL Scott's Specialized Has Headed Cuban Convention Many Price Cha 1nges • Scott prices on scores and scores of U. S. 20th Century plate-number blocks have been advanced, some of them tre­ mendously, in the newly published 1956 Scott's Specialized Catalogue of United States Stamps. This is the 24th annual edition of the handbook-catalogue for U. S. specia'1ists which first appeared in 1922 as a vest­ pocket booklet of 67 pages, compiled by Eugene N . Costales. The 1956 edition fills 579 pages. This year there are eighty-four sec­ tions to this catalogue. In the Air Post section, the 24c invert, # C3a, has acquired a new variation -­ the unjque margin block of four with blue plate number, priced at $25,000. Scott's "U. S. Specialized" is publish­ ed by Scott Publications and. edited by Gordon R. Harmer, who will be assisted • President Rafael Oriol on future editions by Sidney F. Barrett. It is priced at $3.50. This catalogue lists and prices stamps to defer sending their orders to the Su­ in pairs, blocks, on and off cover, in perintendent of Docuinents, Government rnanv minor variations and with various Printing Office, Washington 25, D. C., can~~ ll ations . It gives quantities issued until the new edition is available. of commemoratives, and a list of all plate numbers used for commemoratives. • • JOIN NEW POST OFFICE BOOK THE • AMERICAN AIR MAIL The Post Office Department publica­ SOCIETY tion entitled "Postage Stamps of the United States" is being revised and STOP - LOOK - LISTEN brought up to date. The new edition 75 % OFF SCOTT CATALOG will contain all issues of postage stamps Air~ails Used Singles. Mint Singles from July l, 1847 to December 31, 1955. short and complete sets. Regular It is expected that the new edition postage stamps in complete sets. will be ready for distribution early in Our House Organ ("Aero World") is· sued monthly 10 times. 30c per year. J 956. A further announcement will be Sample Copy lOc. None Free. made regarding the release date of the HARRY REICHENTHAL, ESO. new publication, as well as the selling price. h~ The 1953 edition of this publication P. 0. Box 73-F New York 60, N. Y. is exhausted and patrons are requested DECEMBER, 1955 95 CARTER GLASS, JR. - his sons Warren and Norman. Mr. Gisi­ (Continued from page 89) ger was born in Switzerland and was 58 vears old at the time of his death. He • ~onducted a stamp brokerage and auction '62 years of age, died on the morning of business from 110 West 42nd St., New December 1. Carter Glass, Jr. was the York with his son Warren as partner and son of the late Secretary of tl~ e Treasury active head of the business. We are ad­ and United States Senator Carter Glass vised that the business will be continued and Mrs. Glass and had been associated and expanded by his son Warren. with. the Lynchburg, Va. newspaper since 1913. He was a former member of the Virginia State Senate. He was prom­ 1956 PRICE &: CHECK LIST OF inent in phila.telic c~cl es and served a FOREIGN USED AIRMAILS. term as President of the American Phila­ Now a vailable for 5Gc which 50c is telic Society. His many friends will mourn deductible from the first order of $5. his passing. It lists and prices thousands of air­ mails from all countries and colonies• NO FREE LISTS SO PLEASE WALTER• GISI GER • DON'T ASK Walter Gisiger, a Life Member of the GEORGE HERZOG, INC. American Air Mail Society, and New York stamp professional died suddenly ~ on December 2. He is survived by his 68 Nassau Street New York City 38 wife Emmy, his daughter Jacqueline and ST AMPS OF THE UNITED ST A TES U. S. POSSESSIONS and BRITISH NORTH AMERICA Most widely-used U. S. Oatalog in the world, STAiMPS OF THE UNITED STATES is com­ piled by specialists of America's largest stamp firm. Tihe completely revised 1956 edition con­ tains 144 pages with 1497 beautifully clear illustrations. Listing last-minute prices, this V1alua•ble guide includes all major U. S. P ostage and Airmail varieties, Special Delivery, Special Handling, P arcel P ost, Officials, P ostage Du e, Squares, P ostal Cards, etc . . .. spe0ialties such as mint blocks, perforated coils, booklet panes, first day covers and others . . . Confederate States, eomplete U. S. P ossessions and British Nort;h America. This catalog is a must for every collector as a relialble reference book and source of supply U. S. STAMP IDENTIFIER for desira·ble issues at economical prices. A complete 12-page, illustrated book. Shows the difference b e· New 1956 Edition ...... 25c tween rare and common look­ alike stamps. Use it to check H. E. HARRIS & CO. your collection for valuable hid­ den treasures! Boston 17, Mass. Highlights Of Habana Convention • by GEORGE D. KINGDOM • CUBA . . . the land of enchantment . . . HAVANA . . . the city of fun and gaiety ... thus in this atmosphere of the old world and of Spanish influence did over one hundred twenty-five members of the American Air Mail Society gather for its S2nd annual convention ... to partake of and enjoy the unexcelled hospitality of our Cuban friends and members of the Club Filatelico de. la Republica de Cuba ... the beautiful Palacio de Bellas Artes served as the place of the convention registration and business sessions and also housed the superb Exhibition designated as CUPEX ... the hotel headquarters and home during the convention stay for nearly all at­ tenders was the Hotel Nacional ... the Convention officially opened on Sunday, November 13th but many were on hand, the Saturday before to attend the official opening of the CUPEX EXPOSITION and the official ceremonies at the opening of the Branch Post Office in the Palacio de Bellas Artes which featured appropriate re­ marks by Sr. Jose A. Montalvo, the Director of Posts and by the Hon. Albert J. Rob­ ertson, Assistant of the United States Post Office Department ... long lines of collectors wailed to purchase the five attractive air mail stamps that were issued in honor of this event ... and equally in demand, the following day, Sunday, November 13th was the beautiful souvenir sheet bearing all five air mail stamps and commemorating the 32nd convention of the American Air Mail Society being held in Cuba ... prior to gathering at the Havana Country Club for a lunch­ eon, many of the conventioners availed themselves of the invitatfon to the Bacardi Bar to whet their appetites for the feast to follow . . . over one hundred persons at­ tended the luncheon in the clubhouse of the Havana Country Club and this spot was a virtual heaven for the camera hounds with the beautiful grounds surrounding this country club ... late in the afternoon the first business session of the convention was held and well attended . . . regular reports of the officers and committees were re­ ceived ... election of the new officers announced ... publication of future catalogu­ es and handbooks thoroughly discussed . . . a cable wishing speedy recovery sent to our venerable Past President Herbert H. Griffin ... Sunday evening was devoted to :i dinner at the fabulous and world famous night club, the TROPICANA ... here a fine dinner and wonderful floor show was a treat for all . . . while many found the · gaming room with its many devices a lure not to be denied . . . Monday morning, November 14th featured the ceremony for the first mail carrying jet flight from Cuba to the United States ... a group of about fifteen gathered at Camp Columbia and were welcomed by the Chief of the Cuban Air Force, Colonel C. Tabemilla Palmero and his assistant, Lieut. Col. Felipe Catasus ... the party was personally piloted by Colonel Tabernilla in an army plane to Camp Batista, the site of the jet flight . . . appropriate ceremonies for the delivery of the mail to the jet pilots included remarks by the new Pre~ident of our society and Director of CUPEX, Rafael Oriol, by our Past President Jesse G. Johnson and by Colonel Tabernilla ... exhibition bombing of the airfield was a part of the ceremony as well as a view of all preparations by the jet pilots for their take off ... it was a most thrilling and inspiring sight to see these two jet planes wing their way from this airfield towards the USA ... Colonel Taber­ nilla kindly flew the return trip via a scenic tour over the city of Havana for the DECEMBER. 1955 97

e Vi.e'w of the Head Table at the Convention Banquet. pleasure of the visitors on the return to Camp Columbia . . . arrangements for the flight and the ceremony were ably handled under the direction of Dr. Thomas A. Terry ... CUBA is to be congratulated and fortunate to have as its Air Force leader . uch a capable man as Colonel Tabernilla ... Luncheon on Monday was at the beau­ tiful outdoor dining hall of the Hatuey-Bacardi Brewery ... plenty of music, refresh­ ments, food and entertainment provided a gala time for the over one hundred fifty persons attending this luncheon . . . Monday evening was devoted to the Convention Banquet .. . featured were the presentations of the Walter J. Conrath Memorial Award to both retiring President John P. V. Heinmuller and our present and just re­ elected Secretary-Treasurer John J. Smith, both men ha ing already rendered yeo­ men service to our society, and richly deserving of this recognition; the presentation of solid gold cuff links and tie pin bearing the society emblem to President Hein­ muller by his fellow officers in appreciation of his leadership of the society during the past two years; the announcement 'by Jury Member L. B. Gatchell that Thomas Matthews, Louise S. Hoffman, Richard Milian, Sam Rodvien and Bernard Fink would receive the principal First Awards in the Air Mail Section of the CUPEX EXHIBI­ TION; and an address by the Hon. Albe'lt J. Robertson, Assistant Postmaster General which was concluded by a gracious t~lk in Spanish by the lovely wife of the Post­ master General, Mrs. Robertson .. . Also, speaking briefly were Rafael Oriol, Geo. W. Angers, Harry L. Lindquist, John P. V. IIeinmu.ller, Dr. Gruz Plans, Col. C. Tab­ emilla Palmero, Dr. Jose Montalvo and Dr. Rafael Lamus Rodrigues from the Re­ public of Colombia ... Tuesday, November 15th was devoted to an excursion by bus to the beautiful Veradero Beach which included a stop at Matanzas for a view of the Yumuri Valley ... a refreshing swim in the gulf, a tasty luncheon and a ride through the countryside all afforded everyone a pleasurable day and conclusion to the convention . .. following are some random notes of happenings and personalities (Continued on next page) 98 THE AIRPOST JOURNAL CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS - (Contimrnd from preceding page) • a& they were observed from time to time ... t.lie swimming pool at the Hotel Nac­ ional was the most popular attraction and the real addict was our member "Mike" Hoffman who gained the nickname of the "Johnny Weissmuller of Cuba" for his aquai:orial feats . . . incidentally "Mike" was again serving as official photographer for the convention and could be seen snapping pictures everywhere ... the beautiful view of Morro Castle, the Havana harbor, the Malecon Drive, and the new American Embassy building were sights to be enjoyed from the windows in the hotel rooms ... Our retiring President John P. V. Heinmuller graciously presented a man's wrist watch to Dr. Ernesto Bello for his services in behalf of the CUPEX and Convention and a ladies wrist watch to Conchita Oriol, in compliment to the wife of our new Piesident of the s0ciety, Rafael Oriol ... Stanley Rice, President of Aero-Philatelists and Larry Schumacher the new President of the American Philatelic Society were guests at the banquet ... our Cuban member, Alfredo Cano was busy assisting with the convention registration and helping with the servicing of covers . . . our long time Cuban friend and member, Richard Milian, accompanied by his charming wife, was in prominence at all convention affairs . . . and his exhibit of Graf Zeppelin stamps of the United States attracted many favorable comments ... down atVeradero Beach, Milt Ehrlich, Gus Lancaster and Fritz Billig seemed to be thoroughly enjoy­ ing the refreshing waters of the gulf . . . nearly a convention in itself was Charles Lounsberry, his wife, daughter and two granddaughters who made the long trek from St. Louis to Havana to attend our convention for the second year in a row ... from the same vicinity was one of our newly elected Vice-Presidents, Bob Murch who has also just recently been appointed the General Chairman for the APS Con­ vention to be held next year in St. Louis and he promises that "Air Mails" will have a featured spot m this exhibition . . . after nearly twenty years,. it surely was good to have a reunion with Henry O. Nouss of Ferguson, Mo.; don't stay away so long again, Henry ... Earl Wellman headed the Chicago contingent which included Per­ ham Nahl and Joe EiserJdrath ... Herb Brandner just out of the military service was back attending the convention . . . he has always been a regular attender in years past ... Among the new convention registrants were Mrs. Dorothy Foster and her husband who is a numismatist, while she does the , from Salem, , Mass .... Mr. and Mrs. Dyer from Lakewood, Ohio and Mr. and Mrs. John Hoster­ man from Tulsa, Oklahoma and it seems sure that the Hostermans take the first award for coming the longest distance to be at the meeting and they further promise to make our convention an annual event . . . Sam Goldsticker as Chairman of the Election committee reported the results of the annual election of officers and also, as Auction Manager urged more and better support for the auction recently appear­ ing in The Airpost Journal ... The Auction method is a splendid way of either buy­ ing or selling airpost material and we urge that you contact Mr. Goldsticker concern­ ing this service for the members .. Bernard Daois, Director of the National Philatelic Museum and a Vice-President of our society was always in prominence at all con­ vention affairs and he also lent his artistic abiHties to the presentation of several at­ tractive exhibits in the CUPEX . . . Fred Bauer and his wife, arrived home from Europe just in time to hop off by plane to Havana ... Prominent among the An:ieri- DECEMBER, 1955 99

- Photo by National Airlines • Haban.a Bound! Left to ·right, L. B. Gatchell, Samuel S. Goldsticker. Jr•• George W. Angers, Dorothy Singley, Grace Conrath, Richard L. Singley. Walter R. Guthrie, Sol Whitman, R. J. Lyon and A. Medawar. can deillers were Fred Kessler and hi;; assistant, Miss Eleanor Carlson, A. Medawar and Robert Lyon o.f the Sanabria organization, Walter Guthrie and Fritz Billig . . . the Detroit delegation was headed by Orian Green and ·wife, along with John B. Jackson, and nearby Milwaukee was represented by Leslie Markovich and wife ... the La Floridita restaurant seemed to be the most popular of restaurants in Havana and the favorite drink, as to be expected, was the frozen daquiri. The favorite dish was red snapper with almondine ... the hideaway spot for a quick drink and a "Dagwnod" sandwich was, of course, Sloppy Joe's ... two of the more intimate spots with truly Cuban and Spanish atmosphere were the Tosca Espinaola at Male­ con and Prado a11d the Monsigneur restaurant near the Nacional Hotel . .. Dot Sing­ ley, wife of our l'ast President Richard L. Single1j, renewed acquaintenance with the manag ~r of the Ambos Mundos Hotel and arranged for a lovely dinner party of twenty on the roof garden of this favorite hostelry of the writer, Ernest Hemingway . . . the view from the roof garden of this hotel overlooking the city of Havana is magnificent and the food equally superb .. . Our lone member living in Costa Rica, Ernesto Quiros was greeting his many American friends . . . Past Presidents of our Society constituted a fine contingent to the convention and included Grace Conrath, Geo. W. Angers, L. B. Gatchell, Richard L. Singley, Jesse G. Johnson and the writer No small part of the time spent by the female contingent was devoted to ran­ (Continued on next page) 100 THE AIRPOST JOURNAL CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS - . (Continued from preceding page) • sacking the various shops and department s~ores in search of gifts and personal ar- ticles to take home, so ~hat each day as you would see two, three or more of the fair­ er sex gathered together, there was always three questiqns on the tongues of every­ one of them . .. What did you buy? Where did you get it? and What did you pay for it? . .. Conventions as successful as this, do not just happen but are the results of hard work on the part of someone ... From t.1ie United States, L. B. Gatchell and our Secreta:ry-Treasurer John J. Smith and his wife, Ruth ceritainly performed the lion's. share ·of this work ... In Cuba, the one single person most responsible for the succes::: of our convention was our new President Rafael 01·iol. . . . He worked untir­ ingly for months- prior to the convention and during the convention was toiling the clock around in order that all

- Phot o b y HER B ERT BRANDNER • .Luncheon at :the Habana Country Club During American Air Mail Society Convention. M~ ALTON J. BLANK 1089 WINSTON ROAD, SOUTH EUCLID 21,0HIO •

-Stamps for Illustration, courtesy F. W. KESSLER • New and Recent Airpost Issues. for air mail purposes. It is a product of A surpnsmg variety of items to "La Papelara". place in the albums make up this COLOMBIA month's new issue news. Most of the The VII Congress of America and continents contribute and we find com­ Spain Posta1l Union set consists of six airs memoratives along with the regular post­ along with three postal vafoes. A 15;c al issues. A grand group of designs and rose and black shows portraits of 0 - colors they are. Higgins, Santander, and Sucre while a BOLIVIA 20c is brown and black and shows Mar­ Two elongated stamps for raismg ti, Hidalgo, and Petion. These two funds for air posts were released in No­ stamps also come in a miniature sheet. vember. A 5 Bs blue shows a plane The four stamps for interna•l service coming in over an administration build­ are a 2c brown and black which shows ing and is for purposes. It the Indians Atahualpa, Tisquesuza, and is the product of "Lito. U nidas". The Montezuma. The 5c brown and yellow other value is a 10 Bs green and shows shows Ferdinand and Isabella and the two four-motored planes in flight and is (Continued on next page) 102 THE AIRPOST JOURNAL •CHRONICLE LEBANON (Continued from preceding page) Native fruits are vividly depicted on the latest airs. They are: 5p green and • yellow, grapefruit, lOp deep green and Coat of Arms. The 1 peso olive and orange, oranges, 15p yellow green and brown presents Artigas, Solano Lopez, red orange, pomegranates, 20p dark and Murillo. The 2p violet and black olive and orange, oranges, 25p blue and honors Calderon, Rio Branco, and de la deep blue, grapes, 35p green and red­ Mar. dish purple, grapes, 50p yelow olive and COSTA RICA olive, grapes, 65p green and yellow, The National Industries set of 1954 is apples, lOOp yellow green and red, ap­ to have four values re-issued by a new ples, and 200p green and red, apples. printer, the Austrian Printing Works in­ stead of de la Rue. All have a black LIBERIA center and an engraved border. Values More Rotary mayhem consists of three are 5c light blue, lOc dark blue, 15c items: a lOc blue and red showing the yellow, and 25c pink. headquarters at Evanston, Ill., a 15c CUBA brown red and gold, a view of Monrovia, A 12c red and green is promised for and a 50c blue and red miniature sheet the Marian Year issue. showing the Evanston building. These are being freely circulated immediately DOMINICAN REPUBLIC after issue for about five times face. The International Fair at Ciudad Tru­ Such trash. jillo will have a llc red showing the portrait of Rafael J. Trujillo. Issue is PANAMA limited to 500,000 copies. The 150th anniversary of the birth of ECUADOR de Lesseps finds a 5c green showing Five values were issued recalling Jose Pedro J. Sosa and a 1 Balboa purple and Abel Castillo who was the local "Pre­ black showing de Lesseps viewing the cursor of Aviation". The 60c brown, 90c "Ancon", the fir~t vessel to cross the yellow green, and 1 Sucre violet show a Canal. portrait and a plane over a mountain, The recent 21c red Rotary has been while the 2S carmine and 5S blue show reduced to 15c by a simple surcharge. a map of this pioneer's flight along with PHILIPPINES his portrait. In the same design as the Gozar pair A one sucre provisional was obtained by a 30c red and a 70c blue will feature Lt. surcharging that value in black on the Cesar Fernado Basa. This is part of a 1929 5S violet stamp. "Heroes" set being released piecemeal. HUNGARY SP·AIN The composer Bela Bartok appears on A four motored Constellation over a a 1 fl. grey green and a 1 fl violet Caravel comprises a five valued set just brown. The same design is used on a at hand. Values and color.s are: 25c grey, 1 fl brown violet bearing a surtax of 1 P orange, l.40P pink, 4.80P mustard 5 fl which has a tab showing the top of yellow, and 5P brown. Additional values a grand piano. The set was issued Oc­ planned are a 20c, 50c, l.lOP, SP, 7P, tober 16, 1955. and a lOP. LAOS Native dancers depicting the story of SYRIA Ramayana make up six values of a glor­ A l.5p blue and 35p brown show a iously colored set just received. The globe, dove, and a scale and the motto currency is expressed in Kips. Values "Justice is the Base of Peace'', issued for the 10th anniversary of the United Na­ are 2k green and deep blue, 4k brown and red, 5k red and yeJ1ow and brown, tions. lOk black and orange, 20k green, olive, U.S. S. R. and purple, and 30k black and blue. All Postoffices at the North Pole Nos. "4" ohow masked figures. and "5" have been supplied with sur- DECEMBER. 1955 103 charge

CONTRACT Al R MAIL ROUTES Ca:t. Ne:t 4Nl3, Sl3, R~5~4. Nl4 Cedar City $2.10 $ .60 5Nl3 Boise-Seattle 4.50 1.50 5Sl5, NlS Reno-Boise .50 .25 2SS15, Nl5, RSlS. RN16 Logan s.oo I.OD 33E8SS, was. E87. W87 Odessa-Midland 2.55 .70 39Wll, Ell, RW12, RE12 Marianna 3.lS .80 39WlS, EIS Gulfport .so .30 S3N17. Sl7, Nl8, SIB Beaumont-Port Arthur 2.SS .SS S8N8. N8f, sa. S8f Columbus 2.30 1.00 S3S3. N3. RS3. RN3 Oakland 7.60 2.00 S3N4 :to S3S7f (8 covers) San Francisco-Seattle 2.40 1.00 74ElS, WIS, El7 Parkersburg .7S .3S 75Nl :to SS (8 covers com.) Orlando. etc. 3.SS 1.00 7SE3. WS, WSf Gainsville-Jaxonville 3.SO .90 75SS to Nll Cll cov. com.) Jaxonville, e:tc. 11.lS 2.90 7SN2S. N2S, S2S, S27 Yreka I.SO .so 80Sl. Nl, S2, N3 Tulsa. Tyler, Houston 1.SS .so SONS. SS. NS, SS Paris, Muskogee 1.30 .4S 8SS22, N22 Land O'Lakes .so .30 18W73, W73f E74, E74f Crit:ago, e:tc. 3.2S 1.00 E75, E7Sf 19WlOS Greenville 7.50 2.00 19E107 Chattanooga 7.SO 2.00 All backs:tamped, efc., 6% covers, neai, etc Satisfaction guaranteed. ALBERT N. BROWN 270 TEHAMA STREET SAN FRANCISCO, 3, CALIF. PRESIDENT. RAFAEL ORIOL Merced 307 Habana, Cuba EXECUTIVE BOARD (Former Presidents) HARRY A. TRUBY GEORGE D. KlNGDOK GEORGE w. ANGERS M. 0. WARNS L. B. GATCHELL GRACE CONRATH WILLIAM R. ALLEY JESSE G. JOHNSON RICHARD L. SINGLEY JoHC'I P. V. HEINMULLER

VICE-PRESIDENTS BERNARD DAVIS ROBERT w. MURCH FLORENCE L. KLEINERT PE1~HAM c. NAHL A Non-Profit Corporation SECRETARY-TREASURER Un_der the Laws of Ohio JoHN J. SMITH Organized 1923 Ferndale & Emerson Sts. Incorporated 1944 Philadelphia 11, Pa.

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION DIRECTORS EDITOR OF THE AmPOST JOURNAL Term Expires 1959 PUBLICATIONS Published monthly and sent to all members in good standing. ALTON J. BLANK L. B. GATCHELL Ohio 6 The Fairway Upper Montclair, N. ;J,

LOUISE S. HOFFMAN EXCHANGE DEPARTMENT New York ATTORNEY Each member is entitled to GEOHGE D. KINGDOM two 25-word Exchange Notices per year in the Official Publica- ERNEST A. KEHR tion, without charge. Address New York direct to the publication offict CHAPTER CHAIRMAN at Albion, Penn'a. FLORENCE L. KLEINERT DH. SOUTHGATE LEIGH Virginia ADVANCE BULLETIN SERVICE GRACE CONRATH Term Expires 1957 DIRECTOR OF Manai:-er FOREIGN RELATIONS The Airpost Journal, Albion, GEHALD BooKHOP Penn'a. New York Dn. j'v[Ax KnoNSTEIN The Advance Bulletin is sent SAMUEL S. GoLDSTJCKEH regularly by the manager only New Jersey to those members who are in AUCTION MANAGER good standing and provide a supply of self-addressed regula- JAMES Wo-rHERSPOON SAMUEL S. GoLDSTICKER tion Government Postal Cards. Great Britain 70-D Fremont St. Bloomfield, N. J.

MEMBERSHIP DUES S3.00 PER YEAR Dues include subscription to THE AIRPOST JOURNAL. Applicants must furnish two references, philatelic preferred. At least one of these reference• must reside in Applicant's home town. Applicants under 21 years of age must be guaranteed by Parent or Guardian. Membership is a privilege - not a right - and may be terminated by the Society in accordance with its By-Laws. WRITE SECRETARY-TREASURER FOR APPLICATION BLANE SECETABY'S REPORT • NEW MEMBERS 4228 Sieklucki, M. C., 19 Plymouth Street, Hartford 14, Conn. 4229 Percival, John, 3218 Baring Street, Philadelphia 4, Pa. 4230 Bartlett, Bart H., 651 Upland Road, Louisville 6, Ky. 4231 Flatow, George, 131-35 229th Street, Lanre1ton 13, N. Y. 4232 Porter, Elliott H., 13407 Greenwood Avenue, Seattle 33, Wash. 4233 Wagg, J. W. Bruce, 513 Newport Avenue, Bend, Oregon.

NEW APPLICATIONS Schmidt, Arthur M., 61.'5 E. Front St., Plainfield, N. J. Age 4·i. Drug Sales. by Grace Conrath, Swobucla, A., 92 Seventh St., Ridgefield Park, N. J. Age 66. Retired Acct. Exec. by Grace Conrath. Korn, Dr. Bertram W., 832 Rice's Mill Rd., Wyncote, Pa. Age 37. Rabbi. PC HC PA PB RP Z PIX EX by John J. Smith. Gordon. Edward, 3.200 E. Anderwn St.. Orlando, Fla. Age 34. Theatre Mgr. PC HC FF GF CAM FAM RP OF by Claude W. Degler, Ferguson, Nornrnn E., O.M.S., Box 335, Fitzsimmons Army Hospital, Denver 8, Colo. Age 55 . .Army Chaplain. AM AU U20 UC PC I-IC FF CAM FAM DC ID' EX by John J. Smith. DECEASED Spiegel, B. W. \V., Elmhurst, N. Y. Carley, Edward F'., Wilmington, Del. CHANGES OF ADDRESS Witten, Cmdr. Charles H., U. S. S. Soley ( DD-707), F. P. 0., New York, N. Y.. Haines, Mrs. I. T, Route 2, Box 76, New Tripoli, Pa. Jarnick, Jerome C., 2710 S. 52rd Place, Milwaukee, Wis. Ingersoll, Warren, Eagle Road, Radnor, Pa. Schenone, Giuseppe, Viale ArehlSa 34, Nilano, Italy Flinn, Robert M., 412 Fifth Street SW, Albuquerque, N. M. Bonnell, Arnold R., Box 629, Marianna, Fla. Collier, George P., 3040 Center Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Clarke, William J., 8 Kintyre Avenue, Toronto, Ontario Beris, Isidore, 920 llfontgomery Street, Brooklyn 13, N. Y. Van Sickle, T. Earl Jr., Super-Exchange, Cranford, N. J. Smallmm, Robe!"t, 926 E. 4th Street, Long beach 12, Cal. OFFICIAL SOCIETY NOTICE AMERICAN AIR MAIL SOCIETY REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON ELECTIONS

FOR PRESIDENT: Rafael Oriol 146 votes (elected) T. Earl Van Sickle, Jr. 1 vote

FOR VICE-PRESliDENTS: Bernard Davis 115 votes (elected) Florence L. Kleinert 115 votes (elected) Robert W. Murch 104 votes (elected) Perham C. Nahl 95 votes (elected) Orian E. Green 86 votes Thomas J. O'Sullivan 65 votes T. Earl Vansickle, Jr. 1 vote

FOR SECRET ARY· TREASURER: John J. Smith 146 votes (elected) T. Earl VanSickle, Jr. 1 vote

FOR DIRECTORS: Ernest A. Kehr 121 votes (elected) Alton J. Blank 119 votes (elected) Louise S. Hoffman 115 votes (elected) Dr. Southgate Leigh 89 votes (elected) Lester S. ·Manning 80 votes Paul Bugg 56 votes Florence L. Kleinert 1 vote T. Earl Van Sickle, Jr. 1 vote

A total of 147 ballots were received.

Respectfully submitted: SAMUEL S. GOLDSTIOKER, JR. Chairman - 1'955 Election Committee

G. F. ·Lancaster Herbert F. Brandner Committee Members AAMS EXCHANGE DEPARTMENT APJ ADS BUY SELL WANT LISTS

RATES: EXCHANGE USED AIRMAIL STAMPS. THR.lm CENTS PER WORD per in­ Dr. C. R. Keller, Hilton, N. Y. Ex-lt sen1on Minimum ch;;ir~e 50 cents. Re­ mitiance must accomp;;iny order and copy. AM INTERESTED IN SECURING THE The AlliPOST JOURNAL, APJ Ads, Al­ Unit"d Nations Aerogramme sheet can­ bion,· i-enr.·a. celled on Sept. 14, 1954. Dolin, 31 Park Row, NYC, 3t!, N. Y. Ex-lt BOUND VOLUMES OF THE AIRPOST Journal, Vol. l through XVIII for sale. All numbers from November 1929 through EXCHA.i"fGE WANTED. SCOTT's BASIS. September 1947 (except rare No. 2 of Vol. Have million duplicates. Need Poland, IJ. Will ship prepaid to sender of first Canada and used airmails of the World. check for $~0. Joseph C. Horan, M. D., 565 M. c. Sieklucki, 19 Plymouth St., Hart­ Park Avenue, New York 21, N. Y. iord 14, Conn. Ex-lt 307-2t* ------EXCHANGE MINT AIRMAIL SETS OF USED AIRMAILS AND ON COVERS - world for complete mint sets of QE-II Price list for postage only. Captain Will­ reign. 1Vlint Airmail sets also wanted. iam H. Peters, Interlachen, Florida. GERARD A. CARON, 121 College Street, 305-12t* Lewiston, Mame. Ex-lt I SPECIALIZE IN LETTERSHEET AND WILL EXCHANGE HUNDREDS OF FINE lettercard rarities, errors, oddities, etc. in United States and Foreign Flight Covers both air and non-air (continental style) for United States First Days on a face varieties, used or mint. No postcards, basis. Dolin, 31 Park Row, NYC, 38. Ex-lt envelopes or wrappers wanted at all. I also accept postal folders, with or with­ CANADIAN FIRST FLIGHTS WANTED: out stamps from the year 1840. Payments Especially Pioneers and earlies. Will trade are made within two days after receipt semi-official Airs, including full sheets and approval. F. A Senecal, 1950 Clare­ and covers. Ed Richardson, 303 · Pin Oak, mont Ave., Montreal, Canada. 305-6t LaMarque, Texas. Ex-lt CHARLES J. MOLNAR, 1246 SUM"'v1Il' I PURCHASED IN GUADALAJARA A Drive, Cleveland 24, Ohio, has issued an Jot of covers sent to Mexico from U. S. A. illustrated price list of Allied Propagan­ and South America. Anyone interested in da Leaflets of World War 11 listing some exchange? Albert G. Smith, Obregon 12, 800 items in 11 languages. It's a use±ul lr2puato, Gto., Mexico. · Ex-lt guide to the leaflets dropped for propa­ ganda from aircraft during the war and WOuLD LIKE TO SWAP - TRADE OR is available for $1 which is deductible buy: Airport Deds. Anxious to complete from a $5 order. 304-12t* my collection. Will answer all mail. John E. Slavin, 23 Oxford, Lowell, Mass. Ex-lt SELF-ADHESIVE LABELS, PEELABLE or permanent, single or double gummed, WANTED - ALASKA COVERS PRIOR solves every addressing or mounting prob­ to 1900. Dr. Mateska, Hotel LaSalle, Chic- le:ffi, sample and price kit free. Stanley ago, Ill. . . . Ex-lt Billey, Castle Rock, Minnesota. 307C6t* CAM's, FAM'S, CANADIAN FIRST 25 ALL DIFFERENT AEROGRAMMES Flights, Dedications, First Days on approv­ mint and used including many obsolete al or will swap for First Days. Ed Winters, issu~s. Special $5.00. Sol Whitman, 1462 Box 151, GPO, Staten Island, N. Y _lt* Taylor Ave., Bronx 60, New York City. 307 ----'------~307-5t* HAVE BACK ISSUES AIRPOST JOUR­ FREE! OVER 150 DIFFERENT SCARCE NAL since 1937, 10 years complete and !I World War II and Korean War Historical vears with 1 or 2 missing. R. J. Parker, Covers, Foreign Paper Money and Coins 217 Second St., S. E., Medicine Hat, Alta, Postal Cards, Air Mail Covers, Stamp Canada. Ex-lt Collections and many other philatelic items given free. Send 3c stamp for large AERIAL PROPAGANDA LEAFLETS AL­ illustrated folder plus free Perforation WAYS wanted, especially from recent Gauge. FRANK L. TEIXEIRA, Box 906F, events. Correspondence invited. Have Mission Kansas. 307-3t* scarce and historical duplicates from many countries. Robbs, Grendon, North­ AAMS EXCHANGE ADS c.mp~on, England. Ex306-2~

EXCHANGE RARE SERIES AIRMAIL I HAVE FOREIGN STAMPS TO SWAP mint of Europe, Spain and Colonies for for foreign first flight covers and airmail oeries Airmail America mint. Please write. stamps. II' eiss, 3417 E. 147 St., Cleveland, <::onrado Catala, Bolonia 27 enlo izda, Ohio Ex-lt Zaragoza, Spain. Ex308-2t LATIN AMERICA 1912-1923 .ALWAYS WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO EXCHANGE wanted, especially 1918-1920 Brazil. Ar­ for CAMs, F AMs, Dedications, Canadian gentine, etc. demonstration mail flights. flights; First Days, cancellations, old US Francis Field, Richmond Road, Sutton Covers? Orian E. Green, 555 W. Drayton Coldfield, England. Ex308-2t A.ve., Ferndale 20, Michigan,. Ex-lt TRADE OR BUY CRASH COVERS AND I'M INTERESTED IN OBTAINING FIRST related material. Send for want list of Flight covers of Canada and Newfound­ CAMs, FAMs. J"oe Eisendrath, 350 North land. What do you have? 2/Lt ..Jerome C. Deere Park Drive, Highland Park, Ill. .rarnick, Box 910, Ellington AFB, Houston, Ex-lt Texas. Ex-lt New Issues Of Mint Airmail Stamps

THE MOST ECONOMICAL METHOD OF

COLLECTING NEW ISSUES, INCLUD~NG

RARE AND UNUSUAL ITEMS AT NEW

ISSUE PRICES.

P. W. KESSLER 500 Fifth Avenue New York 36, N. Y.