Park Cities Stamps Byron Sandfield 6044 North Central Expressway, Suite 316 Dallas, Texas 75206 For Appointment: (214) 361-4322
Quality Postal History
A unique Dorothy Knapp First Day Cover addressed to Dorothy Knapp herself. Dec 29, 1945
Also, well-stocked in U.S., Classics, Revenues and Locals
Please visit my table at this upcoming show: TEXPEX 2007 Dallas Doubletree Hotel near the Galleria Dallas Texas, Apr. 13-15, 2007 contents THE TEXAS PHILATELIST FEATURES 6 Oklahoma Centennial kicks off January 11 Joe Crosby 10 Out-of-the-way places yield postcard gems Lou David Allen 12 Precancels add variety to pursuit of hobby Katherine H. Foster 17 Austin got a Sesquicentennial first day after all Lyle Boardman 18 Newsletters are the lifeblood of stamp clubs Arthur P. von Reyn 26 Mid-Cities Stamp Expo saluted Amber Alert Plan Dr. James Camak 28 Project Apollo astronaut “insurance covers” Ray Cartier 32 Use care in preparing images for publication Arthur P. von Reyn DEPARTMENTS JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2007 Volume 55, Number 1 2 President’s Message THE TEXAS PHILATELIST (ISSN 0893-2670) 4 Your Letters is published bimonthly by the Texas Philatelic Association, Inc., 3916 Wyldwood Road, Aus- 5 Editor’s Notes tin, Texas 78739-3005. 8 Texas Connection POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: TEXAS PHILATELIC ASSOCIATION 22 Calendar of Events 3916 Wyldwood Road, 25 Chapters in Action Austin, Texas 78739-3005. 30 Texas Cancels Douglas Moss EDITOR & ADVERTISING MANAGER 38 Membership Report 305 Saint Lukes Dr. 40 Crain’s Corner Richardson TX 75080-4830
Opinions expressed in The Texas Philatelist are those of the individual authors and are not necessarily those of the editor, the officers of the Texas Philatelic Association, Inc., or the membership.
The Texas Philatelist January-February 2007 president’s message A new refined look for the The Texas Philatelist By Arthur P. von Reyn You may have already noticed a bit of refining has been done to the appearance ofThe Texas Philatelist this time around; it’s part of our efforts to bring you one of the best journals for an organization our size. One new regular feature has been added, “Texas Cancels,” which is designed to keep read- ers abreast of those special cancels that are all too often poorly publicized and missed by collectors. I might note that many of the cancels will be past the 30-day ordering window by the time they are illustrated in this publication, but my experience has been that postmasters tend to keep the cancels around weeks after the “expiration” date. Anyway, your comments are welcome on this and any other features that currently appear in the Philatelist. DUES COLLECTIONS STILL UNDERWAY Treasurer Lyle Boardman reports that as of mid-December, about 80 percent of our 525 members had paid their 2007 dues. This is much better progress than usual, but I hoping we can get this thing wrapped up quickly. If the number “2006” appears anywhere above your name on the wrapper for this publication, then send in your $12 right away. This isn’t too much considering the benefits we offer these days, so I hope you will take care of this matter as soon as you read this. We don’t want to lose you, but this will be your last edition of The Texas Philatelist if your dues are not received by mid-February. HIDING THE EXHIBITS AT STAMP SHOWS One trend in stamp shows these days seems to be a tendency to shuffle the exhibits to the backwaters of the exhibit hall, usually in a corner where most show attendees will never venture. I realize it’s the dealers that pay the freight at a typical stamp show and most col- lectors come solely to make acquisitions. However, these events are still being called “stamp shows” not dealers’ bourses. Assuming we want to attract more interest to our hobby, maybe it’s time for event organizers to revisit their floor planning and try to stress a little more the non-commercial aspects of our hobby. Since exhibitors’ fees can be a good source of income to shows, organizers might do better in attracting exhibits and sparking interest in exhibiting if some serious attention is paid to the placement of exhibits! WHERE’S THE AUCTION? I’ve written about staging an auction several times in this column. This was one of the activities members asked for in the survey we conducted in the fall of 2005. Our initial thought was to hold one at TEXPEX this year. What we discovered was that in order to have an auc- tion that might possibly be attended by members of the public, we would need a licensed auctioneer. Let me tell you, there are not many licensed philatelic auctioneers in the state of Texas; those we contacted were either unavailable or not receptive to helping us out. The only alternative is to have a mail-type auction. This would be a regular auction, not a donation affair. My thinking is to make a lot submission form available in next month’s edition of The Texas Philatelist and on our website www.texasphilatelic.org. Members could then mail their lots to a post office box or bring them to the TPA booth at TEXPEX. The lots would then be described and a lot listing published the May-June edition of the Philatelist and on the website. Bids could be mailed or submitted through the website. That’ sounds pretty simple, doesn’t it?
The Texas Philatelist January-February 2007 Now here’s the hard part—finding out who’s interested in turning in some lots and who will help run the thing. So, if you truly want an auction, you will need to meet these chal- lenges: (1) Tell me if you will submit lots, and how many, by writing a note to me at 10512 Count- ess Dr., Dallas, TX 75229-5013, or e-mailing me at [emailprotected]. To make the effort worthwhile, do not anticipate submitting lots of cheap stamps and first day covers, or ones with a minimum catalogue value of less than $10.00. (2) Volunteer to either accept lots at TEXPEX, help describe the lots and prepare the lot listing for publication, process the bids to determine the winners, bill the winners and mail out lots. Most of these tasks can best be accomplished by volunteers in a central location. To volunteer to help, contact me at the previously cited addresses. Honestly, I’ don’t expect much response to the above challenges. We’re a sufficiently large organization that everyone thinks someone else is going to volunteer, so no one or almost no one volunteers for anything! It’s up to you to prove me wrong! LOOK FOR MORE PROGRESS IN 2007 So far, we’ve made solid progress in building the TPA; I look forward to more of the same this year. We’re planning some special activities for members at TEXPEX and other statewide shows. Also on the drawing board are further refinements to your journal and website. Thanks to all of you for your hard work during 2006 and let’s make 2007 the best year yet for our Association! In Philatelic Friendship, Arthur P. von Reyn
The Texas Philatelic Association www.texasphilatelic.org “Friendship Through Philately” Arthur P. von Reyn, PRESIDENT Douglas Moss, 1st VICE PRESIDENT 10512 Countess Dr. 305 St. Lukes Dr. Chapter No. Dallas TX 75229-5103 Richardson, TX 75080-4830 0632-049588 e-mail: [emailprotected] e-mail: [emailprotected]
Lyle Boardman, TREASURER OFFICERS Carol G. Arndt, SECRETARY 3916 Wyldwood Rd. Raymond E. Whyborn, 2nd VICE PRESIDENT PO Box 1095 Austin TX 78739-3005 411 Reiman, Odessa TX 79760-1095 e-mail: [emailprotected] Seymour TX 76380-2439 e-mail: [emailprotected] e-mail: [emailprotected] Romaine Flanagin, SECRETARY EMERITUS BOARD OF DIRECTORS R.M. Arndt (2008) James Berryhill (2008) Jay B. Stotts (2008) Peter C. Elias (2010) Denise Stotts (2010) George I. Woodburn (2010) Jane King Fohn, past president Texas Philatelic Association Foundation BOARD OF TRUSTEES Arthur P. von Reyn. Chairman Douglas C. Moss Lyle Boardman Carol G. Arndt Jay B. Stotts (2008) Norman A. Cohen (2008) R.M. Arndt (2010) Jeffrey Switt (2010)
The Texas Philatelist January-February 2007 your letters Initiative needed for more Texas-related issues The November/December issue of The Welfare, and the only woman in President Texas Philatelist reports on pages 38-40 that Eisenhower’s cabinet, she was featured on the 2007 USPS stamp pro- the cover of Time on May 4,1953. gram offers little for Texans! As philatelists we are more aware than Perhaps we’ve not taken the general public how many clowns, car- the initiative. toon characters, bimbos and trivia have been Ever since her death on depicted on our nation’s postage. August 16, 1995, I’ve been Won’t you join me in actively supporting attempting to persuade an issue honoring an outstanding American the Citizens’ Stamp Advi- Oveta Culp Hobby and distinguished Texan. 1905-1995 sory Committee, Postmas- Jon Lewis Allen (4297) ter General, Texas Congressional delegation, [emailprotected] our Governor, and TPA members to support issuance of a stamp honoring Oveta Culp Another great edition Hobby. November/December was another great Commander of the Women’s Army edition of The Texas Philatelist. You are doing Corps (WAC) in World War II, first Secretary a great job. of Department of Health, Education and I appreciate the added information you provided in the “Philatelic Truck” article that Pugh Cachets appeared in the same edition. Looking forward to the next issue! Individually Handpainted FDC’s for every new issue of the USPS Warren Crain (L-86) PO Box 8789 San Antonio, TX The Woodlands, TX 77387-8789 (Letters may be sent to: TP Editor, 305 Saint (281) 362-0430 Lukes Dr., Richardson, TX 75080-4830, e-mail: [emailprotected]) WE HUNT & CO. Buyers, Sellers and Appraisers ARE of Stamps for Collectors 10711 Burnett Road, Suite 314 BUYING! Austin, Texas 78758 Telephone: (512) 837-9997 or (800) 458-5745 FAX: (512) 837-9904 E-Mail: [emailprotected]
The Texas Philatelist January-February 2007 editor’s notes Postal Service made right decision on 10-year rule By Douglas Moss If you have not already heard, the United States Postal Service announced in mid-Novem- ber they are cutting in half the waiting period to honor a person on a stamp; now a postal tribute can come as soon as five years after an individual’s passing. The 2007 USPS commemorative stamp program is already underway, so it is unlikely we will see any additions because of the change in the waiting period. Here are some notable Americans who passed away in 2002 who would have been eligible this year or next had there already been a five-year policy: Ted Williams, last baseball player to bat over .400 in a season; Johnny Unitas, Baltimore Colts quarterback and Football Hall of Fame inductee; Milton Berle, entertainer—maybe a Legends of Hollywood candidate; Walter Annenberg, publisher, philanthropist and U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom; and Benjamin Davis, Jr., first Afro-American U.S. Air Force general—his father was honored on Scott #3121. I think it is a good idea for the Postal Service to cut the wait in half. This will help bring some needed media attention to our hobby. Just think of the publicity that will be generated when the appearance of Unitas, Williams or Berle is announced on a stamp sooner than later. If I were a betting man, I would say this change in policy will result in a Bob Hope stamp in 2008, his first year of eligibility. One Texan who is eligible for a stamp right now is Tom To Contact the CSAC: Landry, the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys for 29 years, Citizen’s Stamp Advisory and winner of two Super Bowls. Before he became known Committee as Coach Landry, he was Tom Landry from Mission, Texas. Stamp Development After a spectacular high school football career, he attended U.S. Postal Service the University of Texas where he played football for the 1735 North Lynn St Rm 5013 Longhorns. Like most young men of his generation, he took Arlington VA 22209-6432 a break in his studies and served in World War II, flying 30 bomber missions as a member of the U.S. Army Air Corps and surviving a crash landing in Belgium. He returned to the University of Texas, and after graduating, moved on to profes- sional football as a player and coach, spending most of his early career with the New York Giants. In 1960, Landry became the first head coach of a new National Football League team in Texas, the Dallas Cowboys. The rest is history. I for one am going to write a letter to the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC) to ask that they consider honoring Coach Landry on a postage stamp as soon as possible. If you think Landry or any other individual should be the subject of a stamp, contact the CSAC. Bear in mind that ideas should be submitted three years before the proposed stamp issue date. In this issue, you will find a “Texas Connection” you might not have been aware of, or have forgotten: Paul “Bear” Bryant and Texas A&M. Also, Joe Crosby of the Oklahoma Philatelic Soci- ety tells about the new stamp that our northern neighbors are quite excited about. New TPA member Lou David Allen shares some of his postcard gems with us. And please do not miss the tale in “Crain’s Corner” about an event that unfolded 40 years ago. In addition, Mr. Crain has a special offer for all TPA members that is detailed in his inside back cover advertisem*nt. Finally, before you know it, it will be time for TEXPEX 2007; please see the back outside cover for information about this upcoming show. We still need articles for the journal, so please consider writing one this year. If you are going to TEXPEX, bring the article with you! Have fun with our great hobby!
The Texas Philatelist January-February 2007 Oklahoma Centennial kicks off January 11 By Joe Crosby n November 16, 2007 Oklahoma marks Othe centennial of its becoming the 46th state. However, the United States Postal Service is issuing a commemorative stamp to honor this historic event on January 11, 2007 at a 9:30 a.m. first day of issue ceremony at the new Oklahoma History Center, located on the northeast corner of the State Capitol Complex. The simple design of the Oklahoma Centennial This is the second U.S. commemorative stamp, shown above, is quite a contrast from the 50th anniversary stamp. Some have criticized the issue of 2007 and comes early in the year so as new stamp as not reflecting anything in particular to be available for the wide variety of centen- about the 46th state. nial events scheduled throughout Oklahoma during the year. The stamp design was submitted by the Oklahoma Centennial Commission after being advised by the Postal Service’s Citizen’s Advisory Committee that anything featur- ing a person such as a cowboy or an Indian would be unacceptable. Depicted is a beautiful Oklahoma sunrise on the Cimarron River, based on a design by Oklahoma Indian artist, Mike Larsen. The text at the top, “Oh, What and his wife sit every morning to have coffee a Beautiful Mornin...,” is taken from the open- and watch the sun come up. “Oklahoma has ing song from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s the prettiest sunrises in the country, so it was Broadway smash hit musical, OKLAHOMA! pretty clear that this is what I should draw,” Mike Larsen is well-known for his painting Larsen said. at the Oklahoma State Capitol of the three The stamp will be also placed on sale famous Oklahoma Indian Ballerinas and his January 11 at all 600 Oklahoma post offices. series of 24 paintings of Chickasaw Living El- Only Oklahoma City will have the special ders. Larsen was born in Dallas, Texas in 1949 “First Day of Issue” cancel; other locations to a Chickasaw father and a white mother, but can have special cancels that don’t mention he grew up in Wynnewood, Oklahoma. The the first day of sale. family then moved to Amarillo, Texas where The stamp will have only limited distribu- Mike took his first art class his senior year in tion outside of Oklahoma, with the stamp high school. He studied art at the University available only at philatelic centers, at postal of Houston and at the Arts Students League stores, and by mail. in New York City in 1984. About the Author: Joe Crosby is vice- At the unveiling ceremonies at the Na- president of the Oklahoma Philatelic Society, tional Cowboy Museum late last year, Larsen president of the Oklahoma City Stamp Club and said the view from the porch of his home near chairman of OKPEX, a World Series of Philately Perkin, Oklahoma served as the inspiration stamp show, the next edition of which is slated for the centennial stamp design. There he November 1-3, 2007.
The Texas Philatelist January-February 2007 Newkirk Miami Hooker Alva Boise City Buffalo Ponca City Nowata Guymon Vinita Bryan's Corner Fort Supply Waynoka Woodward Enid
Tulsa Arnett Seiling Stillwater Chouteau
Tahlequah Kingfisher Muskogee Okmulgee
Clinton Hinton Shawnee Sallisaw Elk City Oklahoma City Sayre
Anadark Poteau Chickasha McAlester Mangum Wilburton Ada Hollis Altus Snyder Lawton Duncan Sulphur OKLAHOMAFrederick Atoka Antlers Randlett Ardmore Broken Bow Hugo
Durant STAMP Idabel GALLERY
The Texas Philatelist January-February 2007 texas connection Paul “Bear” Bryant revived Aggie football By Douglas Moss Legendary football coach Paul “Bear” Bryant will always be inextricably linked to the University of Alabama, where he won six national championships. But before Coach Bryant began his magnificent run of success at Tuscaloosa in 1958, he was the coach at what was then called the Texas Agricultural and Mechanical College. Paul Bryant came to the Aggies of Texas Before moving on to Alabama, Paul “Bear” Bryant A&M in 1954 after successful stints at the spent four seasons transforming the Texas A&M University of Maryland and the University football team into contenders, winning the 1956 of Kentucky. In fact, he left a quite success- Southwest Conference championship. ful program in Lexington because he felt Rice Institute where the Aggies were down that Wildcat football could not move from 12-0 with two minutes left. Coach Bryant told beneath the shadow of Adolph Rupp’s bas- his players “There is still time. You can win—if ketball program. you believe in yourselves. Suck up your guts Although Texas A&M won the national and win.” The Aggies were victorious 20-12. championship in 1939, by the mid-1950s, Coach Bryant’s best season with the Ag- they were no longer a feared team in the gies was 1956, when his team went 9-0-1. Southwest Conference. The year before The highlight was a 34-21 victory over the Coach Bryant arrived in College Station, the University of Texas. Until that year, the Ag- Aggies finished last. gies had never beaten the Longhorns in War Coach Bryant took his first team through Memorial Stadium—which was completed two-a-days practice in Junction, Texas. The in 1924—and it was the first time they had players were not prepared for their new won in Austin since 1922. The Aggies finished coach’s disciplinary style. Of the almost 100 fifth in the national rankings, but were barred players who went to Junction, less than 40 re- from a bowl appearance due to being placed turned as team members. That group of survi- on probation for recruiting violations. vors would be known The 1957 season as the “Junction Boys.” should have been the They promptly went year that everything 1-9 in Coach Bryant’s fell into place for the first season. Aggies. They were un- During the 1955 defeated and ranked s e a s o n , B r y a n t ’s number one in the coaching strategy nation when rumors paid off. The Aggies began flying that went 7-2-1 and were Coach Bryant would ranked 14th nation- Paul “Bear” Bryant was one of four honorees in the accept the open head ally at the end of the 1997 Legendary Football Coaches issue. In addi- coaching job at the season. The turning tion to stamps from a se-tenant sheet of 20, ones with a red bar above each coach’s name (see image University of Alabama. point in the season above) were issued in one-design sheets of 20 The Aggies went to was a game against intended for sale in each coach’s “home” state. Houston and fell to
The Texas Philatelist January-February 2007 the Rice Owls 7-6. They proceeded to lose the three remaining games of the season by a total of eight points, including a 3-0 deficit with Tennessee in the Gator Bowl. It was reported that Coach Bryant broke the news of his departure to his players, saying “When Mamma goes calling, I go running.” The 1957 season did mark the only time he coached a Heisman Trophy winner—running back John David Crow. Coach Bryant’s connection with Texas did not stop with his move from College Station; he returned four times to play in the Cotton Bowl. The most exciting of his appearances was January 1, 1968, when Alabama faced the Aggies as his opponent. Leading Texas A&M was Gene Stallings, one of the “Junc- tion Boys.” The Aggies beat the Crimson Tide 20-16. Coach Bryant would return to the Cotton Bowl in Dallas three more times before his retirement in 1982. His overall record in the Coach Bryant was honored at A&M’s 1982 spring Cotton Bowl, including an appearance with football game, 25 years after his departure. Kentucky in 1952, was 2-3-0. (Image courtesy of the 12th Man Foundation.) STAMP COLLECTIONS WANTED I am always interested in buying collections and estates of United States and Foreign Stamps and Covers. For larger collections, I will visit you. I can offer many years of experience as a professional stamp dealer in Texas (call for a free copy of my book Fifty Years of Texas Philately). You will find that I treat both you and your stamps with the respect and courtesy you deserve. FROM JUNE-OCTOBER Charles Deaton Contact me on Cape Cod: P.O. Box 340550 P.O. Box 2836 Austin, TX 78734 Orleans, MA 02653 Phone (713) 927-9948 Phone (508) 240-2683
The Texas Philatelist January-February 2007 Figure 1. Many domestic rate postcards from the first two decades of the 20th century were franked with one-cent stamps from the Washington- Franklin series, such as this green Scott #405.
Out-of-the-way places yield postcard gems By Lou David Allen earching through countless postcards at antique stores has occasionally rewarded me with Ssome real philatelic gems. Old postcards with the stamps affixed are indeed treasures, espe- cially those that bear a stamp that was not one of the common issues of the day. The preponderance of domestic rate postcards of the early 20th century carried rather nondescript one-cent green stamps, usually from the Washington-Franklin series. Typical is a postcard with Scott #405 attached (Figure 1). Contrast that to the postcard shown next, which is franked with Scott #397 (Figure 2), the perf. 12 one-cent stamp from the Panama-Pacific Exposition issue of 1913. Pictured is Spanish explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa, who was the first European to see the Pacific Ocean in 1513. The quantity issued of this stamp was 167 million. Predating the Panama-Pacific stamp is a beauty from the Jamestown Exposition issue, Scott #328 (Figure 3). This stamp pictures Captain John Smith, the leader of the Jamestown colony in Virginia 400 years ago. It was issued in 1907 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the founding of the colony; around 78 million copies were produced. The Pilgrim Tercentenary issue of 1920 also included a one-cent stamp for the domestic postcard rate. Scott #548 (Figure 4) pictures the Mayflower, the vessel that brought the Pilgrims to the New World. The issue quantity of this stamp was 130 million. The next postcard gem that I found was one with Scott #740 affixed (Figure 5). This stamp was the low value in a series of 10 designs that highlighted sights in U.S. national parks. It Figure 2. Balboa, the depicts a view of El Capitan first European explorer in Yosemite National Park. to cross the Isthmus of There were almost 85 mil- Panama and see the Pa- lion copies of the one-cent cific Ocean side of the New World, appears on perforated stamp issued. the one-cent stamp in the The final postcard gem Panama-Pacific Exposi- I want to share is franked tion issue of 1913. with a one-cent parcel stamp depicting a post office clerk Figure 3. The one-cent (Figure 6); stamps of this stamp in the 1907 James- type went on sale at post town Exposition issue offices in late 1912 and were portrays the settlement’s originally issued for use for founder, Captain John Smith. the prepayment of postage on parcels only. The stamp, Scott #Q1, was affixed to a
10 The Texas Philatelist January-February 2007 Figure 4. The Pilgrim Tercenten- nary issue of 1920 included a one-cent postcard rate stamp with a representation of the Mayflower.
Figure 5. The low value of the 1934 National Park series depicts El Capitan in California’s Yosemite National Park. The one-cent post card rate continued though the last day of 1951.
postcard that was postmarked September 7, 1913. This was allowed because beginning July 1 of that year, Parcel Post stamps became valid for all postal purposes. This postcard has the added bonus of the postmark itself. One can see the letters “R.P.O.” in the postmark, which was ap- plied in a railway post office car in route to or from Fort Worth, Texas. Perhaps you will find gems like this in out-of-the-way places like antique shops or garage and estate sales. About the Author: Lou is a new TPA member who once worked on the pre-moon flight Project Apollo in Houston ; he currently resides and works in sales in the Abilene, Texas area.
Figure 6. Parcel Post stamps became valid on all mail beginning July 1, 1913.
The Texas Philatelist January-February 2007 11 Precancels add variety to pursuit of hobby By Katherine H. Foster he term “precanceled” usually brings to Tcollectors’ minds those U.S. stamps that are overprinted with a city and state name Figure 1. Precanceled between two horizontal lines. These adhe- stamps have evolved sives, which are quite plentiful and seemingly greatly in the past three decades. Non- infinite in variety, have proven attractive to denominated ser- many collectors who are looking for greater vice-inscribed ver- challenges in their pursuit of our hobby. sions have largely Most collectors simply refer to these type replaced the ones with two lines. stamps as precancels. To be more precise, “a precancel stamp, or precancel, is an adhesive postage stamp…that has been canceled…with a device designed solely for this purpose, be- defined the term to include stamps that were fore being affixed to mail….”1 Their purpose is never overprinted but simply meant not to to facilitate faster processing of mail by reduc- be canceled, such as the experimental self- ing the amount of handling required. adhesive Christmas “precancel” of 1974, the Today, precancels are usually associated precanceled postal cards of the 1960s-80s, with bulk commercial mailings of advertising and the untagged, non-denominated bulk material; in times past they were commonly rate stamps that began to appear in the early used for newspapers and Parcel Post as well. A 1990s (Figure 1). Due to a lack of varieties, special permit, usually valid only at the issuing such “non-precanceled” precanceled issues, if post office, is required to utilize them. we can call them that, are not of particular in- Although enthusiasts usually limit their terest to most precancel collectors, so much of precancel collections to stamps having the this article will focus on traditional precancels, city and state inscription between the hori- those with the horizontal lines. zontal lines, the U.S. Postal Service and major Collectors of traditional precancels distin- stamp catalog publishers have more broadly guish between what are called Bureau issues and local types (Figure 2). 1The Precancel Stamp Society’s Town and Type Catalog of the United States and Territories, Sixth Edition, Bureaus, which are precancels supplied to Summer 1998, published by the Precancel Stamp post offices by the U.S. Postal Service (and its Society, Inc. predecessor, the U.S. Post Office Department)
Figure 2. Bureau precancels like the one at left are usually clean in appearance due to the precancel being printed dur- ing the stamp production process. Local post offices use handheld devices to apply precancels to stamps like the one at right; local press-printed precancels can be distinguished from bureau prints by their styles.
12 The Texas Philatelist January-February 2007 Figure 3. Some collectors concentrate on precancels applied to just a single stamp or issue.
Figure 4. A fascinating col- lection can be formed of precancels that relate to the stamp subject matter. in Washington, D.C., derive their name from or all states and territories. the fact they were produced for 75 years at There are fun ways to collect precancels. the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing. A collection may be limited to three or four For the first few decades, Bureau precancels letter towns, boys’ and girls’ names, or varieties were manufactured by adding one step to the of trees. Some collectors stick to one stamp or production process, the precancel “overprint” one issue only—the 1¼-cent Gallatin (Figure was added after stamp image was printed, but 3), National Parks, Black Hardings, Prexies before the stamps were gummed, perforated or Liberties. Tom Lera, a Texas collector, has and sliced into sheets or coils. Other processes included precancels from such towns as Cave have been used since the mid-1950s. In late City and Carlsbad in Masters of the Night, his 1991, private companies won contracts to national award-winning topical exhibit about print them as well, but the Scott Specialized bats. One Texas Precancel Club member col- Catalogue of U.S. Stamps and Covers contin- lects “Jefferson” precancels, not only from ues to refer to any precancel procured from towns such as Jeffersonville or Jefferson City, Washington as a Bureau. but also precancels on stamps that depict the Locals are precancels that are overprinted at president or any image that relates to him. the local post office. Devices for precanceling A synoptic collection can be compiled; stamps may be furnished under government one precancel on each possible Scott number, contract or be procured from a local source regardless of town or type, including com- by the individual post office. Unlike Bureau memoratives. You can look for self-referential precancels, which debuted on a trial basis in items, such as Beeville, Texas on the Bee coil 1916, local precancels have existed since the definitive (Figure 4) or Nixon, Texas on a first U.S. general issue of 1847. Nixon commemorative. The obvious way to put a collection to- Note that precanceled commemoratives gether is to organize by state, by town, by type, are scarce due to a series of edicts beginning in strict catalog2 order. A “town” collection in 1924 that restrict precancel overprints to needs only one type from each town, any type. certain types of definitives. Nonetheless, pre- A “town and type” collection needs one of each canceled commemoratives do exist, either be- type from each town. A “general” collection cause local post office employees are unaware will have as many different stamps as possible of the rule or ignore it altogether. with every town and type. General collecting Those who are more rigorous in their ap- is endless! One may collect one or a few states proach to collecting seek out variations on pre- 2The two current catalogs for collecting precancels are cancel devices. Many of the local devices have the Town and Type Catalog of the United States and all sorts of differences in punctuation—with or Territories in footnote one and the Precancel Stamp without a comma or period after the town or Society’s Catalog of United States Bureau Precancels, state, in spacing, in spelling, or in placement Fifth Edition, June 2005.
The Texas Philatelist January-February 2007 13 of the state name under the town name (Figure 5). The Bureau issues lend themselves to “flyspecking”—there are thousands of plate flaws or repairs that have been cataloged3 (Figure 6). Several events have greatly influenced precancel collecting. The creation of the Parcel Post service in 1912 resulted in a much greater demand for postage stamps. Catalog order firms became intensive users of precancels for mailing merchandise, which accounts for the existence of precancels on older, high- denomination stamps. Beginning in the summer of 1938, users of precancels with a denomination greater than six-cents were required to initial and date them (Figure 7, opposite page), which opened up yet another collecting avenue. For years, collectors were discouraged from purchas- ing precancels at the post of- fice. On March 1, 1937 the acting Third Figure 6. Here is a typical list- ing from the Precancel Stamp Assistant Post- Society’s Specialist’s Guide to Bu- master General reau Precancels. It is for a “break” went so far as in the Beaumont Bureau plate. to order post- The notation “2X” indicates the illustration is twice the normal masters not to size. “Type B-21” refers to an issue bulk rate older numbering system used to permits to col- describe the precancel style. At lectors, stamp the bottom, the numbers begin- clubs, stamp ning with “V” are used to describe the stamp. The first of the two dealers, etc., columns on the right gives the unless they value multiple over an unflawed were actually specimen. The second column bona fide pa- states the value multiple for a pair, since this is a coil stamp. trons of the post office involved. Precancels were eventually made available to collectors through what used to be called the Philatelic Sales Division; collectors were warned such stamps could not be used for postage without a bulk rate permit. In 1976, precancels began an evolution into Figure 5. This is a full impression of the Malakoff, what is commonly seen today (Figure 8, opposite Texas precancel device, Precancel Stamp Society page). As part of that year’s rate hike, the Postal style number 841. Note the difference in the spacing between the two bars and between the 3Specialists’ Guide to Bureau Print Precancels, Third Edition, name of the town and the top bar. Also, the state Horace Q. Trout, Editor, ©1980, published by Gilbert W. abbreviation varies as to what letters of the town Noble. This book is long out of print, but copies are offered name it appears under. from time to time.
14 The Texas Philatelist January-February 2007 Figure 8. In 1976, the U.S. Postal Service began to offer discounts to bulk mailers, prompting service inscriptions like “bulk rate” and “nonprofit” on stamps and novel forms of precancel overprints.
Service received authorization to dump its The introduction of the Transportation uniform bulk rate and offer discounts to com- coil series in 1981 further whetted collector mercial mailers who presorted their mail. Two appetites for PNCs, which eventually came fractional rate coils issued in the Americana se- to be collected in strips of three or five. For ries featured a design first—they were service- the fractional rate coils meant for use on bulk inscribed “bulk rate mail, the Postal Service continued to issue rate.” A 7.9-cent tagged, unprecanceled collector versions, as it stamp appeared had done for years. But things changed; col- first, followed six lectors clamored for both versions, particularly months later by after discovering that some plate numbers were one denominated exclusive to the precanceled stamps. To make at 7.7-cents; both matters worse, collectors had to purchase more were available in than 50 stamps to ensure one of the three- or phosphor-tagged five-stamp PNC strips would be found; and in Figure 7. Starting July 1, and untagged ver- the case of the bulk rate versions, the leftovers 1938, precancel users had sions, the former or “scrap” could not be used for postage. Fi- to initial and date high de- for collectors and nally, on July 10, 1986, rules appeared in The nomination stamps, at first the latter for com- Postal Bulletin allowing collectors to obtain ones with values exceeding six cents. This stamp was mercial use. There permits so they could use their scrap precancels used to mail merchandise were two other on regular mail. from the Montgomery Ward firsts as well, some As the 1980s catalog order warehouse in of the Americana progressed, each Fort Worth. series Bureau pre- rate hike resulted cancels had the lines only, others had service- in the Postal Ser- inscriptions in place of the usual city and vice issuing more state. and more Trans- The insertion of a tiny plate number below portation coils for the main design of every 52nd stamp in the an ever increasing 18-cent Flag over Lighthouse stamp of 1981 plethora of bulk Figure 9 - A tiny plate num- (Figure 9) ignited an entirely new collecting rates; A rate in- ber under the bottom in- mania—plate number coil (PNC) collecting. crease in 1988 ne- scription of the 1981 Flag Plate numbers began to appear on all new cessitated the is- over Lighthouse stamp ig- nited a collecting mania that coil designs, the interval determined by which suance of ten new quickly impacted precancel press was used to print them. or recycled pre- collecting.
The Texas Philatelist January-February 2007 15 cancel coil designs Due to the ad- with inscriptions vent of the non- like “Bulk Rate,” denominated pre- “Nonprofit Carrier cancel stamp, old- Route Presort,” Pre- style precancels are sorted First-Class,’ seldom seen on mail “ZIP+4 Presort” these days. Obliging and so forth. Things postal clerks will were clearly out of still drag out a dusty hand. Figure 10. The era of fractional rate precancels ended in precancel device on The solution 1991 when this pair of stamps was issued for use by bulk occasion, but most came in 1991 when mailers. They were minimally denominated; bulk mailers bulk mailers are using them paid the difference between their face value just two precanceled and the actual postage assessment, which was deter- content to use the Transportation coils mined by the level of presorting accomplished, i.e. 3-digit non-denominated were issued—a five- ZIP 5-digit ZIP and carrier route, plus whether ZIP+4 and precancels—for cent Canoe and a bar codes were included in the address block. them the important ten-cent Tractor Trailer (Figure 10). The pair thing is to use stamps so their mailings are less were respectively inscribed “Additional Non- likely to be perceived as “junk mail.” profit Postage Paid” and “Additional Presort Nonetheless, precancel collecting is alive Postage Paid, meaning the denominations and well because so much material is available. were less than the actual postage; the differ- Many precancel collectors have several collec- ence was paid at the post office at the time of tions going at once; they have found precancel mailing. This is the same system in use today, collecting is an ideal way to economically have the only difference being that all stamps now something to search for after a regular collec- issued specifically as precancels are non-de- tion has gone as far as it can go. nominated. About the Author: Katherine H. Foster is a part-time precancel dealer and also president TEXAS PRECANCEL CLUB and newsletter editor of the Texas Precancel Club. For more information on precancels, attend She learned about precancels after meeting her a meeting of your local precancel club. The husband John, who had already been collecting Texas Precancel Club is one of the most active in the nation and has a expansive them for 15 years. When they moved to Texas in website http://tx4.us/txpcclub.htm; it is a 1989, the Texas Precancel Club had no newslet- life member of both the Texas Philatelic As- ter editor, a job for which she volunteered before sociation and the Precancel Stamp Society. even joining. Contact the author at khfoster@ texas.net. Why isn’t your ad right here? It would have been seen by 500+ collectors in Texas! TO ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT JOURNAL, CONTACT: The Texas Philatelist Manager 305 Saint Lukes Dr., Richardson, TX 75080 Phone (972) 783-0958 • E-mail [emailprotected]
16 The Texas Philatelist January-February 2007 Austin got a Sesquicentennial first day after all By Lyle Boardman ers on sale at the show, a run to San Antonio hen the Republic of Texas Sesquicen- was necessary. My wife, Gerre, and I left early Wtennial stamp was first announced, in the morning for the 75-mile ride to the stamp collectors in Austin were excited that Alamo, site of the ceremony. Fortunately, the the release of the stamp might occur in the stamps were placed on sale before the official state’s capital city. unveiling, so I was able to make my purchases In addition, the Austin-Texas Stamp Club’s immediately. annual show was generally held around the Rather than stay for the festivities, we time of Texas Independence Day, so it was jumped in the car and headed back to Austin. thought that it might be a venue for the release Gerre drove, and I tore stamps apart and stuck of the stamp. them on the cacheted envelopes that were Alas, a decision had been made by the U.S. being sold at the show. The cachet featured Postal Service and state officials to release the the likeness of Stephen F. Austin and the of- stamp on March 2, 1986 in San Antonio and ficial logo of the state-wide Sesquicentennial Washington-on-the-Brazos, the latter being celebration. the republic’s first capital. By the time we got back to Austin, I had Since the club’s show, then called AUS- about 150 covers prepared – all they were lack- PEX, was scheduled for March 1 and 2, ing was our cancellation. We were able to apply members decided to have an unofficial first day the cancellations to the covers before the show cover on the second day of the event. opened and had a really nice unofficial cover The cancellation for the show was based available as the first collectors entered. on the original Texas flags featuring a star If this item interests you, some are still with the letters of the state name surround- available for $2.00 each plus a SASE. Write ing the star. to Lyle Boardman, 3916 Wyldwood Road, March 2 was a Sunday, so to have the cov- Austin, TX 78739-3005.
Now the Texas capital, Austin did not exist in 1836, so the city was skipped over in favor of San Antonio and Washington-on-the Brazos for the first day of issue of the 1986 Texas Sesquicentennial stamp. Nonetheless, the Austin-Texas Stamp Club came up with a first day cover for their hometown.
The Texas Philatelist January-February 2007 17 Newsletters are the lifeblood of stamp clubs By Arthur P. von Reyn Editor’s Note: This article is the first in oes your stamp club have a newsletter? a series on how to inject new life in your Is your stamp club struggling to keep D local stamp club. members, so talk of disbanding is rife? Let me be blunt, there is an inverse rela- tionship between these two questions. If the interest in your club? answer to the first question is “no,” then it’s That question is easy to answer, tell about quite likely the response to the second question what’s going to happen at the next meeting and is in the affirmative. what members missed by not attending the last Communicating with your members on one. So you don’t forget any details, remem- a regular basis is the best thing that can be ber the first four words in the old newspaper done to keep a club alive and thriving. A club reporter’s axiom: “who, what, when, where, without a newsletter is like a sailboat without how and why?” a mast; I think you get the picture! That means always give the next meeting It’s been more than 20 years since I pub- date and location, who’s presenting the pro- lished my first newsletter, for the Mid-Cities Stamp Club in Arling- ton, Texas. In just a few years, the club grew from about a dozen and half members to over 100. The news- letter, along with new activities, drew members back to meetings and made it easy to attract new recruits. GETTING STARTED So how do you get started with a club newsletter? Unless you are the benevolent sort, you’ll need some expense money, so prepare and submit a budget. For a simple newsletter, you’re talking about post- age plus maybe a quarter per copy for duplication and mailing envelopes. Every club should be assessing dues sufficient to cover this expense. A newsletter doesn’t have to be anything fancy. The important thing is to get something in the mail—postal or electronic—each The first stamp club newsletter the author attempted was a month to inform your members bit ambitious for the time, conveniently appearing in time for what’s about to happen and what AMERIPEX, an international stamp show in 1986. All the news- just happened. letter basics were included except for the previous meeting notes—a trading session attended by less than a half dozen So what exactly do you put in members was not deemed newsworthy. The newsletter was this newsletter, now that you just prepared using a Radio Shack TRS-80 Model 2 computer and decided it’s just the thing to reignite a “daisy wheel” printer, think IBM Selectric typewriter!
18 The Texas Philatelist January-February 2007 gram and what’s it’s about. For the previous meeting, give some details about the program and any other special meeting activities such as auction results, door prize and award winners, newly elected officers and so forth. Remember that most people love the see their names in print, so be sure to list the guests who attend each meeting and information like members who are having birthdays or are absent due to prolonged ill- ness. If you have the capability to include photographs of people, so much the better. Most likely you’ll want to dress up your publication with some sort of masthead, As well as the name of the club and the issue date, you might want to include a club logo, the regular meeting date(s) and loca- tion, a club officer listing and most important, a contact address and phone number. Most people like to see their names and pictures in print. This Most likely your first newsletter recent edition of the award-winning Mid-Cities Stamp Club will be a single-sided page with some newsletter, now edited by Peter C. Elias, illustrates the point. leftover “white” space. It’s easy to A black-and-white copy is mailed to members; a color version find filler to eliminate the “white” can be downloaded from a club site on the Internet. space, the most common items being a calen- in the world of collecting doesn’t hurt either; dar that includes area events like stamps shows most likely, the majority of members do not and bourses, or a listing of new U.S. stamp subscribe to a philatelic publication like Linn’s issues. The former is found every two months Stamp News, or access collector websites on a The Texas Philatelist and on the TPA website, regular basis. If you haven’t done so already, the latter is on our website and many other take a digital camera to meetings so you can locations on the Internet, one of the most easily add photographs to your publication. comprehensive being found at http://www. Other features commonly found in club virtualstampclub.com. publications are member submissions like MOVING BEYOND THE BASICS collecting tips, quizzes, philatelic trivia, letters With today’s desktop publishing software, to the editor, and the inevitable but always it doesn’t take a lot of work to add quite a bit entertaining “my favorite stamp” or “how I of pizzazz to your newsletter. After getting out started collecting.” the first few one-page issues, you may find it’s To make life easier on yourself, delegate time to expand it to both sides. responsibility for some regular features to club The easiest things to add are a member’s officers. The president could pen a regular classified ad section and business card adver- column on his thoughts about the club and tisem*nts from local stamp dealers. Writing a philately. The club secretary should be the one couple of paragraphs about what’s going on to write about the previous meeting. Don’t
The Texas Philatelist January-February 2007 19 for your newsletter, you’ll need to decide how to present it. Getting into the details of layout is beyond the scope of this article, but the ac- companying illustrations indicate a two-column format for 8½” x 11” paper gives some flexibility in grouping material; this is especially true for submissions that are short in nature and would look strange if stretched out all the way across an 8½” wide page. Unless you are still in the type- writer age, the next step is to print out an original and check it for er- rors. I strongly recommend proofing line by line from a printout, not at- tempting to do so from a computer screen. Bear in mind that the abso- lute worst person to proofread is the person responsible for the writing or editing. The reason?—that indi- vidual will probably mentally read the material as it’s supposed to be Some editors become ambitious and print multiple page written, not what’s actually printed! newsletters with a feature article written by a member as the If at all possible, have someone else lead item, such as in this newsletter formerly edited by Rick give your masterpiece a once over. Houghland of the Dallas-Park Cities Philatelic Society. With the final original in hand, forget reports from the chairperson of com- all that remains to be done is to run down mittees like those for the auction and annual to the copy shop, wait for the printing to stamp exhibition. be finished, bring the copies home, fold and Some club newsletters editors go one step insert them into envelopes, stick stamps on further and add one or more feature articles for the envelopes and then take the whole mess each issue. The typical scenario is a different down to the post office! An often overlooked member writes each month about something way to assist an editor is for a member who pertaining to his or her collecting interest lives close by to volunteer to take over once and provides some material for illustrative the editor has the original ready. purposes. General pleas for articles seldom work; an editor has to be aggressive about “vol- “EDITOR BURNOUT” unteering” fellow members. In a small group, As I alluded to earlier, of all the duties the volunteer pool is likely quite limited, so necessary to the operation of a successful club, one work-around is to tape record presenta- preparing the newsletter and getting it out in tions at meetings and transcribe them; don’t a timely manner is one of the most critical to forget to borrow a piece or two of material for the long-term viability of the organization. The illustrative purposes. individual who takes on the task realizes that, FINISHING UP and is usually quite dedicated, churning out Once you have all the material you need issue after issue. Occasionally, he or she will
20 The Texas Philatelist January-February 2007 receive kudos and recognition for a job well and your members are enthusiastic about at- done, which is all well and good. tending your next meeting, you’ll want your But I can tell you from experience that’s members to have a meaningful experience not what the editor really wants, it’s contri- once they get there. I’ll discuss how to keep butions from members. When an editor ap- your members coming back in the next edition proaches a member asking for “something to of The Texas Philatelist. put in the newsletter,” an affirmative response is music to his or her ears. On the other hand, hearing excuse after excuse like “maybe later” and “too busy” eventually leads to “edi- tor burnout.” And often, fellow club members never quite figure out why the editor quit. NEWSLETTERS AND THE INTERNET The Internet has introduced an entirely new distribution channel for newsletters—copies that are down- loadable from websites, or are sent via e-mail. The Mid-Cities Stamp Club of Arlington has offered the former capability for almost six years while the Dallas-Park Cities Phi- latleic Society has tried the latter. Whether electronic transmis- sions of newsletters becomes the wave of the future is uncertain. Most collectors still like going to the mail box and receiving their newsletter in Using a multiple column format makes layout easier, especially the mail, if for no other reason than when articles are relatively short. One danger in using this a new commemorative stamp might format is “clashing heads” which occurs when a heading in one column is directly adjacent to one in another column. Using have been used to mail it! different style fonts and sizes, or inserting illustrations helps Now that you have a newsletter eliminate this problem.
The Texas Philatelist January-February 2007 21 calendar of events Unless otherwise noted, admission and parking are free at all shows and bourses listed. Specific details are not provided for repeating events beyond the first insertion. For inclusion on this calendar and the one on our website www.texasphilatelic.org select the “Philatelic Event Registration” option under the “At Your Service” heading on the website home page or prepare the data in the format below and write to: Douglas Moss editor, The Texas Philatelist, 305 Saint Lukes Dr., Richardson, TX 75080-4830. JAN. 6-7 TSDA HOUSTON STAMP FAIR 2007 Bourse at the Ramada Plaza Hotel, 7611 Katy Frwy., Houston, Texas. Hours: Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. JAN. 20-21 TSDA DALLAS STAMP FAIR (New Location) 2007 Bourse at the Richardson Civic Center, 411 W. Arapaho Rd., (Next to Rich- ardson City Hall), Dallas, Texas. Hours: Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. FEB. 3-4 TSDA SAN ANTONIO STAMP FAIR 2007 Bourse at the Marquis Inn, 2635 N.E. Loop 410 (Exit 25B at Perrin-Beitel Rd.), San Antonio, Texas. Hours: Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. MAR. 3-4 TSDA HOUSTON STAMP FAIR 2007 See Jan. 6-7 listing for details. MAR. 10-11 TSDA DALLAS STAMP FAIR 2007 See Jan. 20-21 listing for details. MAR.16-17 TEXAS PRECANCEL CLUB SPRING ROUNDUP 2007 Spring auction and bourse of the Texas Precancel Club at the Clarion Inn, 1503 S. Texas Ave., College Station, Texas. Hours: Friday 9 a.m. to ? p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Auction on Saturday at 2 p.m. Contact: Katherine Foster, [emailprotected]. APR. 13-15 TEXPEX 2007 2007 The 111th annual exhibition and convention of the Texas Philatelic Associa- tion at the Doubletree Dallas Hotel Near the Galleria, 4099 Valley View Ln. (I-635 at Midway exit), Dallas, Texas. Show features World Series of Philately exhibits, bourse, youth booth, USPS substation, cacheted cover and show cancellation, TPA meetings scheduled on Saturday as follows: Foundation Trustees at 8:00 a.m.; Board of Directors at 9:00 a.m.; Annual Meeting at 10:00 a.m.; “Republic of Texas Postal History” program by Rex H. “Jim” Stever at 10:30 a.m. Hours: Friday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact: Southwest Philatelic Foundation, P.O. Box 835491, Richardson TX 75083-5491. APR. 28-29 TSDA SAN ANTONIO STAMP FAIR 2007 See Feb. 3-4 listing for details. MAY 5-6 TSDA HOUSTON STAMP FAIR 2007 See Jan. 6-7 listing for details. JUN. 2-3 TSDA DALLAS STAMP FAIR 2007 See Jan. 20-21 listing for details. JUN. 15-17 NATIONAL TOPICAL STAMP SHOW 2007 58th annual exhibition and convention of the American Topical Associa-
22 The Texas Philatelist January-February 2007 tion at the Sheraton Grand Hotel - DFW Airport, 4440 W. John W. Carpenter Frwy. (State Highway 114 at Esters Blvd. exit), Irving, Texas. Hours: Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m to 4 p.m. Contact: ATA Central Office, P.O. Box 57, Arlington, TX 76004-0057; (817) 274-1181. JUL. 21-22 TSDA DALLAS STAMP FAIR 2007 See Jan. 20-21 listing for details. JUL. 28-29 ARK-LA-TEXAS COIN STAMP & CARD EXPOSITION 2007 Coin, stamp and postcard exhibition of the Red River Stamp Society and Shreveport Coin Club at the Bossier Civic Center, 620 Benton Rd., Bossier City, Louisiana. Dealers, club exhibits, chance board, cachet, cancel and USPS substation. Hours: Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Contact: John Thomas, [emailprotected]. AUG. 4-5 TSDA SAN ANTONIO STAMP FAIR 2007 See Feb. 3-4 listing for details. SEP. 14-16 GREATER HOUSTON STAMP SHOW 2007 2007 Annual exhibition and bourse of the Houston Philatelic Society at the Humble Civic Center, 8233 Will Clayton Pkwy. (exit U.S. Hwy. 59 at Will Clayton Pkwy. and go east), Humble, Texas. Features exhibits, 33-dealer bourse, beginners’ booth, Sam Houston Philatelics auction, USPS substation, cacheted cover and show cancellation. Hours: Friday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact: Jonathan Topper, PMB 327, 8524 Highway 6 N., Houston TX 77269-0042; [emailprotected]. SEP. 29-30 TSDA DALLAS STAMP FAIR 2007 See Jan. 20-21 listing for details. OCT. 27-28 TSDA SAN ANTONIO STAMP FAIR 2007 See Feb. 3-4 listing for details. NOV. 2-4 OKPEX 2007 2007 Annual exhibition and bourse of the Oklahoma City Stamp Club at the Express Event Center, 8512 Northwest Expy., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Show features APS World Series of Philately exhibits, dealer bourse, ca- cheted cover and show cancellation. Hours: Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact: Joe Croby, 5009 Barnsteeple Ct., Oklahoma City, OK 73142-5405; [emailprotected]. NOV. 10-11 MID-CITIES STAMP EXPO 2007 20th annual exhibition and bourse of the Mid-Cities Stamp Club at the Grapevine Convention Center, 1209 S. Main St., Grapevine, Texas. Features exhibits, 24-dealer bourse, beginners’ booth, giant mixture pick, silent auc- tion, chance board, USPS substation, cacheted cover and show cancellation. Contact Stanley Christmas, [emailprotected]. DEC. 1-2 TSDA HOUSTON STAMP FAIR 2007 See Jan. 6-7 listing for details. APR. 18-20 TEXPEX 2008 2008 See Apr. 13-15, 2007 listing for details.
The Texas Philatelist January-February 2007 23 Oklahoma Philatelic Society Circuits Available to TPA Members! TPA members can now buy and sell in the OPS Sales Division; OPS mem- bership is not required for TPA members. Circuits are designed for the general collector. Profit sharing. Postage rebates. Collector and chapter circuits available.
IDEAL FOR GENERAL COLLECTORS !
Get your circuit on the way even faster by signing up at www.texasphilatelic.org. Just click on the OPS icon!
Yes, I want to participate in the Oklahoma Philatelic Society Sales Division! Check one: I’m convinced, place me on a circuit right away! I need more details. Please send more information to me as soon as possible.* I want to sell stamps. A check is enclosed for blank books at 75¢ each (price includes postage).
Name Address Apt. City State Zip Home Phone ( ) TPA or OPS Number Send to: OPS Sales Division TPA AND OPS MEMBERS P.O. Box 2179 MUST BE IN GOOD STANDING Muskogee OK 74402-2179 TO PARTICIPATE
24 The Texas Philatelist January-February 2007 chapters in action
Reporting chapter activities is now fast and easy! It’s now fast and it’s easy! To report the activities of your chapter or unit for publication in this section of The Texas Philatelist, simply go to www.texasphilatelic.org and select the “Chapter Reports” option under the “At Your Service” heading on the home page. Minutes of meetings over a two-month period, along with special club activities, can be reported at one time. Minutes may still be sent by mail to this address: Douglas Moss editor, The Texas Philatelist, 305 Saint Lukes Dr., Richardson, TX 75080-4830. Dallas-Park Cities Philatelic Society (DPCPS): The club held its annual holiday party on December 13 at the Edgemere Retirement Community, with about 35 members and spouses attending. Officers and directors for 2007 have been elected. They are: Deborah Kempston, president; Rod Gabel, vice-president; Jack Urish, treasurer; Winnie Dickson, secretary; Warren Wojiski, Mark Solomon and Dr. Harold Boehning, directors. The November edition of Stamps and Tongs was billed as “The Last Newsletter;” retiring editor Rick Houghland has been unable to find a replacement. The club has established a new Internet website www.geocities.com/dpcps2002 to communicate news to members. Featured in the November newsletter were “News for the World: The German Newspaper Stamps of 1939” by Jerry Miller and “British Officies in the Levant” by Gary F. Paiste. Heart of Texas Stamp Club: Elected as officers for 2007 at the November 2 meeting were: Jerry Gilbert, president; Royce Walston, vice-president; Darby Bybee, secretary; and James Berryhill, treasurer. On December 7, 14 members, spouses and guests gathered at the Coffee House in McGregor for with a “dutch treat” Christmas dinner followed by a gift exchange, door prizes and entertainment. James Fabbre was scheduled to present the program Postal Fractional Currency at the meeting on January 4. Houston Philatelic Society (HPS): On November 6, a roundtable discussion focused on other philatelic societies—what ones had members joined, why, and which were the best? For the November 20 session, members were invited to bring stamps for identification and to submit ideas for programs in 2007. An election was held; selected as officers for 2007 were: Jim Francis, president; Brad Horton, vice president; Jay Stotts, secretary; Larry Ballan- tyne, treasurer; and Ardy Callender, John Carson, Bruce Greek, Dick Kern, Denise Stotts, Ron Strawser, Jonathan Topper, Paula Via and David Willig, directors. On December 4, the club held its annual Christmas Party. Mid-Cities Stamp Club: The club held an election during its annual meeting on No- vember 1. Elected as officers for two-year terms beginning January 1, 2007 were: Dick Phelps, president; Susan Baker 1st vice-president; Jerry Potter 2nd vice president; Judy Christmas, secretary and Jim Camak, treasurer. Directors elected were: Ken Aldridge, Ray Cartier, Kaye Harrison and Tom Turner. The December newsletter featured the story “19th Annual Expo a Success” by Judy Christ- mas and others. A show recap and award winners list appears elsewhere in this edition of The Texas Philatelist. Oklahoma Philatelic Society (OPS): The January-March edition of The Oklahoma Phi- latelist featured “Oklahoma’s centennial celebration” by Lavoy Hatchett, “Another ‘how I got started’ story” by Tom Caldwell, and “My early collecting” by Kenneth Jenkins.
The Texas Philatelist January-February 2007 25 Mid-Cities Stamp Expo saluted Amber Alert Plan By Dr. James Camak Hagerman in Arlington y all indications, the 2006 Mid-Cities in 1996, Diana Simone BStamp Expo was a great success. The proposed the alert sys- weather cooperated nicely, attendance was tem, for which a public- strong with 417 collectors passing through ity stamp was issued this the doors, and dealers were enthusiastic about past spring. Ms. Simone, their results. The 19th annual edition, which was the lead speaker at saluted the nationwide Amber Alert Plan, the ceremony. Also dis- was held November 11-12 at the Grapevine cussing their roles in Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas. developing the Amber Almost 60 frames of exhibits were on Alert Plan were Tarrant Diane Simone’s vi- display. Taking the Grand Award in the County Sheriff Dee An- sion resulted in Multi-Frame Division was Dick Phelps, who derson, who directed law Amber Alert plans presented Cancels and Postal Markings of Cu- enforcement participa- that now span the raçao and the Netherlands Antilles 1873-mid- tion, and WBAP Opera- nation. 1970. The Reserve Grand Prize went to Robert tions Manager Tyler Cox, who coordinated Jensen for Hungary Aerogrammes. media involvement. Other dignitaries at the In the One-Frame Division, Ray Cartier session included American Philatelic Society topped other entries with his Jacques Cartier. president Janet Klug and APS executive direc- A crowd of around 50 persons packed a tor Peter Mastrangelo. seminar room for Saturday’s pre-show tribute Since the first Amber Alert Plan was insti- to the Amber Alert Plan, a system for alerting tuted in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in 1997, the public when a child has been abducted. more than 300 abducted children have been Following the tragic abduction of Amber rescued nationwide; similar systems are now cropping up in foreign countries. The show cachet, designed by profes- sional artist Alan Stacy and illustrated in the September/October edition of The Texas Philatelist, sold quite well. Remaining cachets are available for $2 each plus $.50 postage. Collectors have a choice of either November 11 or 12 cancellation dates. Orders can be directed to David Stockbridge at 2410 Wills Way, Granbury, TX 76049-8062. Sales of cachets and other Amber Alert- related items had netted almost $700 by early December; those proceeds were to be donated by the club to the Alliance for Children, a lo- cal children’s charity which protects and helps abused children by coordinating the efforts of Child Protective Services, the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office, Cook Children’s The jury at the 2007 Mid-Cities Stamp Expo, from left to right, consisted of Janet Klug, Yavuz Corap- Medical Center and 14 local law enforcement cioglu and Jeff Switt. At the extreme right is Dick agencies. Phelps, exhibits chairman. The 2006 Expo judging panel consisted
26 The Texas Philatelist January-February 2007 of three American Philatelic Society accred- The 20th annual Mid-Cities Stamp Expo ited judges, Joining Janet Klug were Yavuz will return to the Grapevine Convention Corapcioglu, a professor at Texas A & M Center on November 10-11, 2007. Further University; and Jeff Switt, last year’s Grand inquiries may be directed to Stanley Christmas Award winner. at [emailprotected]. 2006 MID-CITIES STAMP EXPO AWARDS
MULTI-FRAME DIVISION ONE-FRAME DIVISION (continued) GRAND AWARD SILVER AWARD Dick Phelps - Cancels and Postal Markings John Barrett - Swiss “Silk Threads” of Curaçao and the Netherlands Antilles BRONZE AWARDS 1873-mid-1970 Gold Award Daniel Askey - A Topical Stamp Collection Texas Philatelic Association Texas Series Award Commemorating the Development MCSC Best Foreign Exhibit Award of the Nuclear Age MCSC President’s Award John Barrett - Karl Bickel, Swiss RESERVE GRAND AWARD Designer/Engraver Robert Jensen - Hungary Aerogrammes Peter Elias - Caveat Emptor Gold Award Peter Elias - My Life on Wheels GOLD AWARDS Peter Elias - St. Vincent Philatelic Sampler Ray Cartier - The First 25 Years of Humans Peter Elias - Washington 2006 in Space Space Unit Award Penni Phelps - USA Stamps Designed by Al Hirschfeld Stanley Christmas - World Wildlife Fund Stamps ATA Novice Exhibitor Award ATA Second Place Topical Award MCSC Novice Exhibitor Award Peter Elias - 4 Rings - The History of Audi ATA First Place Topical Award MINI-EXHIBITS SILVER AWARDS ONE PAGE DIVISION William Belury - A Century of Dreadnoughts in First Place: Dick Phelps - A Bogus Issue That Philately, Deltiology and Postmarks Was Accepted By the Post Office Harold Patterson - America’s Second Place: John Barrett - Where Is Lussin- Jewels - The National Parks Picolo United States Stamp Society Award Third Place: John Barrett - Switzerland’s first American First Day Cover Society Award Synthetic Stamp TSDA Most Popular Exhibit by Public Vote Fourth Place: Dick Phelps - The World’s Only BRONZE AWARDS Genuine Metal Stamp Mohammad Rahman - Bangladesh Fifth Place: Peter Elias - 24 Hours of Diesel John Barrett - Pro-Juventute FOUR PAGE DIVISION Dave Hammer - “Penny Reds,” An Affordable First Place: Dick Phelps - Netherland’s First But Challenging Philatelic Adventure Semi-Postal Stamps. ONE-FRAME DIVISION Second Place: James Myers - Some Ways To BEST SINGLE FRAME Collect And Present Cancels. Ray Cartier - Jacques Cartier Third Place: Dick Phelps - The Postage Stamps Silver Award of the Austrian Offices in Crete. AAPE Presentation Award Fourth Place: John Barrett - Early Swiss Postal ATA Third Place Topical Award History – Some Foreign Destina- ATA Best Single Frame Award tions.
The Texas Philatelist January-February 2007 27 Project Apollo astronaut “insurance covers” By Ray E. Cartier But then something went wrong. The cap- he U.S. manned Apollo flights to the sule started twisting and spinning. Either Cer- Tmoon were a pinnacle in the history of nan or John Young let out an expletive, which mankind. Tens of thousands of hours were the entire listening world heard. We were all expended by dedicated people towards meet- extremely concerned. The Control Center gave ing the goal set by President John F. Kennedy instructions to push some switches and the in 1961 when he challenged America to send capsule settled back. The venture had almost men to the moon and bring them safely back resulted in the loss of the crew of Stafford, to Earth. The key word was “safely.” Thousands Cernan and Young. upon thousands of individual parts all had to Figure 1 shows the signatures of all three work properly and efficiently in order to make men on an official launch-dated cover from the this happen. Kennedy Space Center in Houston. The small When Apollo 8 made the first venture to rubber stamp on the lower left corner of the the moon, the NASA workers in Houston envelope was produced by the postmaster of literally held their breath while waiting for the Kennedy Space Center Post Office, and as the signal that the retro rockets had safely such, is a recognized postal marking. fired to put the crew of Frank Borman, Jim A member of the NASA Manned Space- Lovell and Bill Anders into orbit. When they craft Center Stamp Club discerned an unmet came around from the back of the moon, joy need that the astronauts had. No insurance erupted at the NASA Flight Control Center. company would cover them with life insurance The next trip to the moon put the Apollo due to the high degree of danger that moon 10 craft into an elliptical orbit around the flights held. moon. The low distance to the moon’s sur- Astronauts were not paid huge salaries. For face was a scant ten miles as Gene Cernan their trips to the moon, all they received was reported on the proximity to the mountains their normal pay plus a slight extra percentage of the moon to Charlie Duke, the Capsule for “hazardous duty pay,” the same as a U.S. Communicator. “We are down among them, soldier receives. Since their mileage was via Charlie” he stated. U.S. government supplied transportation, they did not get a mileage allow- ance; since they lived in the Apollo Com- mand Module (CM) or the Lunar Excur- sion Module (LEM), they did not even receive a hous- ing allowance. The NASA Figure 1. Apollo 10 cover postmarked May 18, 1969. Signed by astronauts Eugene s t a m p c l u b Cernan, Tom Stafford and John Young. prepared 1,500
28 The Texas Philatelist January-February 2007 envelopes and gave them to N e i l A r m - strong, Buzz A l d r i n a n d Michael Col- lins, the crew of Apollo 11. Each Astronaut signed each of the 1,500 covers while in quarantine be- fore the launch. One box of Figure 2. Apollo 11 cover postmarked July 20, 1969. Signed by astronauts Neil Arm- 500 covers be- strong, Michael Collins, and Edwin (Buzz) Aldrin. came the prop- erty of each of the three astronauts. In the event of a disaster, these covers were to be sold by the astronaut’s families to help defray the cost of college for their children. As such these are called “in- Figure 3. Apollo 12 cover postmarked November 14, 1969. Signed by astronauts Alan surance cov- Bean, Dick Gordon and Pete Conrad. ers.” Figure 2 shows an example from the box owned by cover and $500 to $700 for each of the wing Buzz Aldrin. covers. Astrophilatelists see signatures of the Since this cachet was also available for oth- crews and of scientists involved in flights to be er covers created by the NASA Club, special in- the same as an addition to the cachet. Because surance covers were created specifically for the they add a personal touch to a postmarked astronauts starting with the Apollo 12 mission history of space exploration, and because they and through the Apollo 17 flight. These insur- often tell a story much deeper than would be ance covers are called “wing covers” because of first realized by the casual observer, space cover the addition of a gold image of a pair of Navy collecting has an extremely wide following wings below the mission logo, as pictured in around the word, Figure 3. Again, each of the astronauts had 500 About the Author: Ray Cartier is executive envelopes waiting for him upon return from director of the American Topical Association the moon. Recent auctions of insurance covers ATA) and a 34-year member of the Space Study have put estimates of $1,500 for the Apollo 11 Unit of the ATA.
The Texas Philatelist January-February 2007 29 texas cancels This is a listing of special pictorial cancels recently authorized for use in Texas, or of interest to collectors in Texas. This information is excerpted from recent editions of The Postal Bulletin. If available, the sponsor of the pictorial postmark appears in italics under the date. Sponsors are encouraged to submit copies of their artwork directly to this publication as soon as practical; often the window for obtaining cancels is almost closed by the time notice is published in The Postal Bulletin. According to the U.S. Postal Service, requests for these cancels must be postmarked no later than 30 days fol- lowing the indicated postmark date. All requests must include a stamped envelope or postcard bearing at least the minimum first-class postage; items bearing postage issued after the postmark date will be returned unserviced. Place the envelope or postcard in a larger envelope and address it to: PICTORIAL POSTMARKS, followed by the NAME OF THE STATION, ADDRESS, CITY, STATE, ZIP+4 CODE, exactly as listed below (using all capitals and no punctuation, except the hyphen in the ZIP+4 code). A larger SASE must be enclosed if the item submitted for a special cancel is unaddressed. November 3-4, 2006 November 25, 2006 OKPEX Stamp Club U.S. Postal Service BASEBALL SLUGGER OKPEX COMFORT STATION STATION POSTMASTER POSTMASTER PO BOX 9998 320 SW 5TH ST COMFORT TX 78013-9998 OKLAHOMA CITY OK 73125- 9998 December 1-3, 2006 Fort Concho Historical Landmark CHRISTMAS AT OLD FORT November 11, 2006 CONCHO STATION Texas Garden Club, Inc. POSTMASTER CONVENTION STATION 1 N ABE ST POSTMASTER SAN ANGELO TX 76902-9998 1106 AVENUE F OZONA TX 76943-9998 December 8, 2006 U.S. Postal Service SNOWFLAKE STATION November 11–12, 2006 POSTMASTER Mid-Cities Stamp Club PO BOX 9998 EXHIBITION STATION RISING STAR TX 76471-9998 POSTMASTER 1251 WILLIAM D TATE GRAPEVINE TX 76051-9998
December 15, 2006 November 17–18, 2006 U.S. Postal Service U.S. Postal Service RISING STAR STATION MILAM SETTLERS DAY STATION POSTMASTER POSTMASTER PO BOX 9998 PO BOX 9998 RISING STAR TX 76471-9998 MILAM TX 75959-9998
30 The Texas Philatelist January-February 2007 December 20, 2006 December 21, 2006 U.S. Postal Service Plainview ISD ANNIVERSARY STATION POWERHOUSE OF THE POSTMASTER PLAINS STATION 101 S MAIN ST POSTMASTER LIPSCOMB TX 79056-9998 325 ASH ST PLAINVIEW TX 79072-9998 The cancel depicted below is a common design; inscriptions differ for each location.
U.S. Postal Service U.S. Postal Service OLD HELENA STOP STATION STOP STATION POSTMASTER POSTMASTER PO BOX 9998 PO BOX 9998 KARNES CITY TX 78118-9998 PANNA MARIA TX 78144- 9998 U.S. Postal Service KARNES CITY STOP STATION U.S. Postal Service POSTMASTER STOP STATION December 2, 2006 PO BOX 9998 POSTMASTER KARNES CITY TX 78118-9998 PO BOX 9998 U.S. Postal Service U.S. Postal Service RUNGE TX 78151-9998 STOP STATION STOP STATION POSTMASTER POSTMASTER U.S. Postal Service U.S. Postal Service PO BOX 9998 PO BOX 9998 STOP STATION STOP STATION ADKINS TX 78101-9998 FORT SAM HOUSTON TX POSTMASTER POSTMASTER 78234-9998 PO BOX 9998 PO BOX 9998 U.S. Postal Service MCQUEENEY TX 78123-9998 SAN ANTONIO TX 78205-9998 BRACKEN VILLAGE STOP U.S. Postal Service STATION STOP STATION U.S. Postal Service POSTMASTER POSTMASTER STOP STATION U.S. Postal Service PO BOX 9998 PO BOX 9998 POSTMASTER STOP STATION BRACKEN TX 78266-9998 GOLIAD TX 77963-9998 PO BOX 9998 POSTMASTER NEW BRAUNFELS TX 78130- PO BOX 9998 U.S. Postal Service U.S. Postal Service 9998 STOCKDALE TX 78160-9998 STOP STATION STOP STATION POSTMASTER POSTMASTER PO BOX 9998 PO BOX 9998 DEWES TX 78147-9998 GRUENE TX 78130-9998 Buy-Sell Stamps U.S. Postal Service U.S. Postal Service STOP STATION STOP STATION Coins POSTMASTER POSTMASTER Silver PO BOX 9998 PO BOX 9998 ELMENDORF TX 78112-9998 HOBSON TX 78117-9998 Castle Stamp & Coin U.S. Postal Service U.S. Postal Service PO Box 0096 STOP STATION STOP STATION Hewitt, TX 66643 POSTMASTER POSTMASTER PO BOX 9998 PO BOX 9998 George Kubal (254) 666-7755 FLORESVILLE TX 78114-9998 KARNES CITY TX 78118-9998
U.S. & Foreign Stamps & Covers • Hawaii Specialized • U.S. & U.S. Possessions • Pioneer Flights Worldwide • Tonga Tin Can Mail • Rocket Mail • Patriotics • Specialized “SCADTA” Stamps & Covers • U.S. First Days • Zeppelin Covers of the World • Worldwide Souvenir Sheets MUCH MORE, PLEASE ASK Warren H. Crain P.O. Box 5954 • San Antonio, TX 78201 • (210) 344-0303
The Texas Philatelist January-February 2007 31 Use care in preparing images for publication By Arthur P. von Reyn tion in The Texas Philatelist, and reduce the espite the popularity of the Internet time currently devoted to preparation of im- Dthese days, the long-heralded demise ages. However, many of the tips are useful for of the print media has yet to materialize. In other applications, so please consider reading fact, there seem to be more print publications this entire article even if you don’t anticipate than ever, thanks in part to the availability of contributing anything to the Philatelist, or any easy-to-use desktop publishing software for other stamp collector publication. computers. ACTUAL ITEMS As desktop publishing has moved out of The easiest way to illustrate articles on the exclusive realm of those in the print busi- stamps and covers is to mail or hand-deliver ness, images have proliferated in philatelic the actual items to the publication’s editor. publications ranging from club newsletters to Material so submitted will be scanned into a journals like The Texas Philatelist. computer and returned postpaid, so the only One downside, though, is frequently poor effort on the contributor’s part is mailing image quality in these publications because them to us. This works well for cheap items, contributors either ignore, or are unaware of, but many collectors are understandably a bit basic rules necessary for high quality image reluctant to entrust more expense items to a reproduction. round-trip through the mail. About 25-percent of the more than 100 hours spent on laying out each Philatelist is PHOTOGRAPHS now devoted to insuring the illustrations are Unless a contributor has an elaborate setup clear, include the intended subject matter, and for taking close-up photographs, this method are properly oriented. of submitting images of stamps and covers This article is designed to help contributors for publication has been almost completely submit the best possible images for reproduc- supplanted by scanning, to be discussed later
Figure 1. The most common error amateur photogra- phers make is failing to orient the camera appropriate to the subject matter. Persistently taking snapshots with the camera held horizontally, as illustrated above, results in innumerable snapshots of people with chopped off heads and feet. Much better results can be obtained by rotating the camera to vertical position.
32 The Texas Philatelist January-February 2007 in this article. For illustrating “people” type articles like stamp shows, award winners, new club officers, or first-day ceremonies, snapshots taken with a digital camera, or captured with an old-fash- ioned film camera, work well. The principal problems encountered with the quality of photographs are camera orientation, proximity to subject, lighting and camera movement. ORIENT THE CAMERA CORRECTLY. Although most cameras have a native rectan- gular format that allows either horizontal or vertical orientation, there is a tendency for amateur photographers is always take snap- shots in the horizontal orientation (Figure 1, opposite page). As a result, images with just one or two people in them, for instance, end up with the subjects too far away or even have their heads partially chopped off. The Figure 2. Although the above photograph is a solution is to turn the camera vertically and pleasing one, if photographing the person was the get sufficiently close so the subject almost fills primary objective, then the picture was taken too far away. Stepping closer to the intended subject the camera’s preview window. matter or using a zoom lens would have been the GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL. Prox- solution. Just having a “blow-up” done on the imity to the subject matter is very important. desired part of the picture, as shown below, can As mentioned previously, the intended subject result in a fuzzy image if too high a speed film is should fill as much of the camera preview win- used in a regular camera or if too low a resolution is selected on a digital camera. dow as possible (Figure 2). If it’s not physically possible to get as close as desired, use of a zoom lens, if available, is an easy solution. MAKE IT BRIGHT. Occasionally a pho- tograph is not fit for publication because the subject matter is too dark. This is a problem usually associated with indoor shots and is likely a consequence of a flash not being used, the subject matter being too far away for a flash to be effective, or an incorrect shutter speed. Most flashes have an effective range of no more than 10 to 15 feet. A picture taken any further away indoors is a wasted shot unless the photographer is adept a varying the shutter speed. One reason promoters often don’t mind cameras being brought to pop concerts is that they know none of the pictures being taken will be any good; they just like the electric ef- fect of all the flashes among the audience. HOLD IT STEADY. Many an otherwise outstanding picture has been ruined because
The Texas Philatelist January-February 2007 33 DON’T GO TO EX- TREMES. Digital cameras give the user the option of selecting different levels of resolution. Ca- sual digital camera users quickly discover that taking pictures with the maximum resolution has a major limitation—after only a few shots are taken, an annoying warning flashes on the preview window indicating the camera’s memory card is full. There is a proclivity to go to the other extreme and change to a mode that reduces the resolution to a minimum and maximizes the number of shots that can be taken. Digital cameras usually offer a half dozen or more resolu- tion options; using those in the middle or upper middle range is best for general photography. CONSIDER THE END USE. Sometimes deviation from Figure 3. When taking digital photographs, consider the end use the usual mid-range resolu- when choosing the appropriate camera resolution. The fuzzy right tion options is necessary. A low half of the above picture may look fine on the Internet, but obvi- resolution is perfectly acceptable ously not when reproduced in a print publication. for a photograph to be displayed the camera is jiggled just as the shutter but- solely on the Internet or on a computer ton is pressed. Briefly holding one’s breath as screen. However, an image intended for a the picture is snapped helps a lot. Automatic print publication will appear fuzzy if too low cameras slow down the shutter speed dramati- a resolution is used. This is due to pixiliza- cally if light is not bright, so consider using a tion, which occurs when a computer program tripod in those situations. A tripod also helps multiplies each pixel by itself in order to turn reduce jiggle when a zoom lens is used. a low resolution photograph into one large DIGITAL CAMERAS enough for print publication. The difference between a photograph shot with an original AND RESOLUTION publication quality of 300 dpi (dots per inch) Digital cameras have introduced a new fac- and one taken with an Internet quality of 72 tor in the picture taking equation—resolution. dpi, but converted for print publication, is Resolution refers to the degree of clarity in a dramatic (Figure 3). photograph. The building blocks of a digital For cameras rated at 4.0 megapixels or less, photograph are pixels, so the more pixels that err on the safe side and use one of the highest comprise a photograph, the higher the resolu- resolution settings when taking pictures for tion. Currently, cameras with capacities of six a print publication. If a camera has higher to eight mega (million) pixels have become resolution than that, then drop down another quite common and affordable. notch or two in resolution.
34 The Texas Philatelist January-February 2007 For maximum clarity of illus- trations in The Texas Philatelist, we request that digital photographs have a minimum resolution of 300 dpi. That means a photograph des- tined to appear in print with a size of 5” x 3” should have a resolution of 1500 pixels by 900 pixels—that’s 450,000 pixels and about in the medium range of selectable resolu- tions on a typical 4.0 megapixel digital camera. Figure 5. A surprising number of items submitted for publica- FARTHER DISTANCE DIC- tion are scanned crookedly, which necessitates digital correc- tion procedures. Contributors are encouraged to exercise care TATES HIGHER RESOLUTION. when scanning to ensure items are properly oriented. When taking a photograph of a subject that is some distance away with the in- Another option is to use the camera’s optical tention of having a small portion of the picture zoom—note that the digital zoom does noth- enlarged for final publication (refer back to ing to improve resolution. figure 2), compensate by using the maximum SCANNING MATERIAL resolution the camera allows. Usually there will be sufficient detail to avoid “pixilization.” FOR PUBLICATION Rather than mail or hand-deliver original items for publication, especially expensive ones, many contributors with computers prefer to use a scanner to make digital repre- sentations of their material. LOW RESOLUTION DELAYS PUBLICA- TION. As was previously mentioned, an image that looks great on a computer screen does not always translate well for print. For almost every issue of the Philatelist, submissions are Figure 4. For print publication, high 300 dpi received that are scanned at too low a resolu- resolution 300 dots per inch (dpi) tion for publication purposes, necessitating images (above) reproduce clearly. delays while new scans are requested. Images produced at default scanner resolution (below) may look fine on a Most scanning programs have a default computer screen, but are typically 100 setting of 200 dpi or less. Since 300 dpi is the to 200 dpi and appear fuzzy in print. standard for the Philatelist, those who submit 100 dpi scanned illustrations should take care to either change the default setting each time an item is scanned, or to reset the program’s default resolution (Figure 4). SECURITIES REQUIRE EXTRA CARE: Note that the U.S. government has rules as to the reproduction of securities like postage stamps. Specifically, U.S. stamps that are still valid for postage may be reproduced in color only if they are either: (1) 150% or 75% of
The Texas Philatelist January-February 2007 35 ers can be placed at the edge of the scan- ner window. If a machine scans poorly at the edges, one technique for getting an item scanned straight is to use a spacer like a six-inch ruler to move the cover away from the edges. Also, because the preview screen is essentially a mirror im- age of what the scanners sees, to correct an item appears to be “sinking” on one side, simply turn the item a bit more in the same direction it is “sinking.” It may take several tries to get it right. If you are not adept at scanning items and they are of low value, then send them to the editor. He’ll be happy to scan and return them to you. JPEG COMPRESSION AND DISTORTION JPEG (abbreviation for Joint Photo- graphs Expert Group and pronounced “jay-peg”) is the de facto standard for digital image storage. This standard al- lows for different levels of compression to save memory space on digital camera memory cards, on computers, and on the Internet. Figure 6: Compressing JPEG images saves memory storage space on computers, digital camera cards and the Internet. WATCH THE COMPRESSION: As might be expected, there is an inverse relationship to Often, users of digital media discover image quality, the degradation of which becomes particu- that by increasing compression of im- larly noticeable at high levels of compression. ages, they can realize the aforementioned normal size, (2) any size, but canceled, (3) any savings of memory space. The trade off, of size, with a bar drawn through the denomi- course, is image quality degradation at high nation, or (4) any size, but part of the stamp levels of compression (Figure 6). For images design is obscured. Thus, scans of unused intended for reproduction in a high quality stamps submitted for publication should be print publication, the lowest practical level of at least 150% of normal size, which can be compression should be used. accomplished by switching from a scanner’s ARCHEOLOGISTS DON’T HAVE A default setting each time an item is scanned. MONOPOLY ON ARTIFACTS. Another DON’T SUBMIT A SINKING SHIP. An- problem associated with the JPEG standard is other problem with some scans is crookedness. something called “compression artifacts.” This (Figure 5, previous page). While this “sinking is not an issue associated with archeology; it ship” problem can be digitally corrected by is a distortion in images that is most visible the editor, it is a time consuming process to around objects with distinct borders (Figure do so and also introduces some jaggedness in 7). This anomaly results when an image is the final product. saved to the JPEG format either at high levels To avoid crookedness, large items like cov- of compression, as was previously discussed,
36 The Texas Philatelist January-February 2007 or is repeatedly saved at moderate levels of Figure 7. Com- compression. For print publication purposes, pression “arti- facts” are a type submissions of JPEG images should be ones of distortion that have never been opened and resaved over most noticeable the original source. Alternatively, images can in areas adja- be resaved in a “lossless” format like “tif” or cent to lines or borders, as in “bmp” which will result in a larger file size the enlarge - but eliminates the compression that creates artifacts. SUMMARY This article is not intended to discourage the submission of illustrations for use in the ment of “Sam” Philatelist or any other publication; we love in Sam Houston, to receive images. The objective is to merely shown here. bring to potential contributors’ attention the myriad technical issues editors can face when (Editor’s Note: Many books are available given images that do not meet print publica- at public libraries and bookstores on the subject tion standards. of improving the quality of photographs. Some Contributors who are aware of the afore- camera owners’ manuals are also quite helpful mentioned points will not only make the edi- For more background and information on issues tors’ job much easier, but greatly improve the associated with JPEG images, try the follow- visual impact of any article that their images ing link on the Internet: http://en.wikipedia. are intended to accompany. org/wiki/Jpeg.)
Professionals Serving The Philatelic Community of Texas For Information Contact: GEORGE KUBAL P.O. BOX 1196 HEWITT TX 76643-1196 (817) 666-7755
The Texas Philatelist January-February 2007 37 membership report NEW MEMBERS RESIGNATIONS 4799 Porter, George D. - Houston, TX 2252 Chandler-Brown, Carolyn - Austin, TX 4800 Doerflein, Charles K. - Dallas, TX 4332 George, James B. - Midland, TX. 4801 Hardee, Jr., Marvin - Plano, TX ADDRESS UPDATE NEEDED 4802 Ankele , Richard - Arlington, TX The following individuals will be dropped from the 4803 Paetzold, Gary R. - Fort Worth, TX membership roll in the next report if an address cor- 4804 Ely, Gifford F. - North Richland Hills, TX rection is not provided. 4805 Arbuckle, Leland B. - Plano, TX 4602 Guntherchung, Karen -Austin, TX 4806 Wells, Van - Dallas, TX L-63 Brandion, Thomas F. - Houston, TX 4807 Benson, Paul H. - Allen, TX 4808 Klug, Janet - Bellefonte, PA 4809 Aljoe, Ronald R. - Lewisville, TX MEMBERSHIP SUMMARY 4810 Dusse, Joe - Austin, TX November-December 2006 4811 Goldman, Dan L - San Antonio, TX Membership, October 22, 2006 ...... 513 4812 Loch, Edward J. - San Antonio, TX New Members...... +15 Deceased...... -1 REINSTATED Resignations...... -2 4285 Foster, Katherine H. Membership, December 31, 2006...... 525 LIFE MEMBERS Life Chapters...... 10 L-113 von Reyn, Arthur P. - Dallas, TX Life Members...... 59 L-114 Jinks, Charles - Dallas, TX Regular Chapters/Units...... 17 Regular Members...... 439 DECEASED Total Members...... 525 4689 Marschall, Walter P. - El Paso, TX TPA FOUNDATION DONORS Thanks to the following members for their generous contributions to the TPA Foundation. Giving levels are: Sponsor $40 and over; Patron, $20.00 to $39.99 and Sustaining, $5.00 to $19.99. Gifts may be made at any time to Lyle Boardman, 3916 Wyldwood Rd., Austin, TX 78739-3005. SPONSOR 4777 Ellis, Floyd E. 4459 Charney, Pat L-94 Boardmanm Lyle C. 4461 Owens, Robert L. 2598 Pierce, Jr., Graham L. L-100 Strauss, Bill 4486 Wagner, William H. 3413 Becker, Donald W. L-106 Mangum, Mark P. 4489 Williams, Jimmy R. 3743 Berryhill, James 4516 Baumann, William F. 4113 Smith, William H. PATRON 4538 Camp, Joseph A. 4129 Bosley, Jackson W. 1951 Spies, Richard E. 4632 Morris, Jack L. 4131 von Reyn, Arthur P. 3542 Hartsfield Jr, Henry W. 4722 Trubee, Norman Dean 4334 Russ, Jr, Terry 4002 Collyer, David C. 4733 Thompson, Robert G. 4347 Groth, Manfred 4069 Eggleston, Craig 4759 Burkey, Charles T. 4480 Davis, Alex 4119 Congrady, Cleo 4760 Dempsey, Edward 4496 Boswell, Joe 4156 Gaddy, A Eugene 4775 O’Kelley, George 4614 Pond, Robert G. 4215 Whyborn, Raymond E. L-35 Green, Nonie 4621 White, Richard C. 4251 Henschen, Larry L-80 Woodard, Jr., George S. 4643 Fabbre, James F. 4331 Dougherty, Jim L-92 Fohn, Jane King 4681 Davis, Larry (M.L.) 4371 Olds, Robert S. U-32 Eire Philatelic Assn.-Lone 4703 Young, Robert A. 4409 Moss, Douglas C. Star Chapter
38 The Texas Philatelist January-February 2007 TPA FOUNDATION DONORS SUSTAINING 4369 Stockbridge, David A. 4522 Barry, Gerald M. 2720 Eads, Howard L. 4389 Sellers, Dianna M. 4570 Walston, Royce 4407 Neville, Richard F. 3055 Carmack, Norma J. 4578 Haynes , Lois 4427 Fisher, Alyne G. 3116 Foote, Robert N. 4593 Necker, John E. 4434 Howdeshell, Virginia A. 3883 Kubal, George 4635 Linn, David K. 4438 Solomon, Mark J. 3973 Weiershausen, J. R. 4663 Hedin, Carl A. 4442 Bomgren, Eric 3995 Schmidt, Dennis W. 4664 McConathy, Walter J. 4450 Olsen, Mary Ann Thornton 4025 Rowe III, John N. 4668 Fink, C. E. 4455 Weiser, Paul J. 4715 Tull, Robert C. 4181 Gilmore, Robert R. 4471 Cruse, Steve 4197 Gambill, Charles R. 4476 Geisewite, Charles W. 4723 Williams, James C. 4227 Kerkhove, Diane 4505 Cartier, Ray E. 4752 Hortick, Lonnie 4256 Ammons, Paul F. 4506 Loop, Roger D. 4754 Will, John H. 4261 Lybarger, Upton S. 4512 Pedersen, Harry H. 4785 Martin de Nicolas, Arturo 4288 Margulis, Martin 4515 Rankin, David A. Ch-22 Houston Philatelic Society 4338 Metting, Darryl 4518 Sutton, Eugene E. L-108 Beisser, Stephen M. Membership fees and dues are pro-rata based on the quarter an application is JOIN US!received: $12 for January-March; $9 for April-June; $6 for July-September; $13 for October-December (includes next full year). Membership applications are available on the TPA website www.texasphilatelic.org or by writing to: Lyle Boardman, 3916 Wyldwood Rd., Austin TX 78739-3005.
The Texas Philatelist January-February 2007 39 crain’s corner My favorite stamp in the whole wide world! By Warren Crain My favorite stamp is a beautiful one- penny green, black and blue issued August 15, 1906 by Barbados. The stamp commemo- rates the tercentenary of the British annexa- tion of the island. It is Scott #109 and depicts the sailing ship Olive Blossom. The designer of this delightful stamp was Lady Carter, wife of the governor of Barbados. Her artwork was accepted after a contest in which her entry was declared the winner. This is one of the very few British colonial stamps to show even the slightest art nou- veau influence. The usual lateral framework has been replaced by a realistic mangrove swamp with sinuous, twisting tree trunks. The strong, clear lettering adds much to the de- sign, and the three-color printing was quite an unusual accomplishment for the period, resulting in a very lovely stamp. Even though I think this stamp is one of the most beautiful ever issued, I have another reason for holding it dear. A cleverly made The January 1968 edition of The Texas Philatelist counterfeit of the Olive Blossom, with the reported on the recovery of Warren Crain’s stolen center inverted, was instrumental in the re- collection. covery of about 60% of my stamp collection partment informed me that the collection about 40 years ago! had been taken or sent to Fort Worth for The recovery of a goodly portion of the disposal. I immediately alerted Kelly Shryoc, collection makes quite an interesting story. a past president of the Texas Philatelic As- It begins back on July 1, 1967, when burglars sociation. Kelly later called me, requesting entered our home, stealing all of the stamps a number of copies of my stamp inventory. I had there (I had stamps in the bank, too!). Shryoc and Willard Jackson, a prominent Also missing were our son’s stamp and coin stamp dealer in Fort Worth, distributed the collection, and my wife’s jewelry. On or about inventory list to collectors and dealers in the September 1967, one of the culprits was Dallas-Fort Worth area. caught in another burglary. He confessed On January 16, 1968, things started to burglarizing our home. He had already popping! Mr. Jackson received a call from a disposed of the stamps, however, to a “fence” Fort Worth man who said he wished to sell in my hometown of San Antonio. The police a stamp collection. An appointment was obtained a search warrant and paid a visit made to have the collection brought to his to the home of the “fence,” but nothing was office the next morning. Mr. Jackson then found. The man denied any involvement in called me to ask about any unusual items in the case. my collection that would help him identify In October, the San Antonio police de- the collection as mine. One of the items I
40 The Texas Philatelist January-February 2007 described was the Barba- poker game! It seems that dos Olive Blossom “invert” the “fence” in San Anto- which I had obtained nio and he were friends, from Herman Herst some although he denied get- years earlier. This Olive ting the collection from Blossom “invert” was actu- him. ally a fake—the center of The surprise occurred a normal stamp had been when a mug shot was cut out, rotated 180o, and shown to Mr. Jackson, so cleverly reinserted that and he identified the it looked genuine in all San Antonio man as “Mr. The Barbados one-penny stamp depict- respects! ing the Olive Blossom never existed as a Miller.” The two men were The next day, the Fort genuine invert. Collectors are known on later booked for receiving Worth man brought the occasion to make their own inverts by and concealing stolen collection, as arranged by cutting out centers and rotating them. merchandise. The case Mr. Jackson. He was accompanied by another never came to court, however, as fencing man who was introduced as a “Mr. Miller,” an is very difficult to prove. It did prove costly employee of the Fort Worth man. He was to to the Fort Worth crook, as he hired a well- stay with the stamps while his boss attended known San Antonio attorney who did not to other business. Mr. Jackson began to check take less than $10,000 as a retainer! though some of the British material, and it So do you blame me for thinking that the wasn’t long before he spotted the Olive Blos- Olive Blossom is the most beautiful stamp in som “invert!” Kelly Shryoc wandered in soon the whole wide world! after the two men arrived with the stamps, (Editor’s Note: This Crain’s Corner is updated as had been pre-arranged with Mr. Jackson, from one originally printed in the January- so as to be a witness in case the collection February 1976 edition of The Texas Philatelist. was mine. Please see Mr. Crain’s advertisem*nt on the back After spotting the counterfeit invert, Mr. inside page of this edition for a very generous Jackson told the Fort Worth man’s agent offer.) that the collection was stolen and that he would have to call the police. The man New U.S. issues to be sold became excited, said he have to go find his nationwide on the first day boss, and tried to take the stamps with him. Mr. Jackson, bless him, said he would put Beginning this year, most new U.S. stamp the stamps in his safe until the police ar- issues will be available nationwide on the first rived, which he did. Mr. Jackson turned the day of issue, the U.S, Postal Service has said. stamps over to the Fort Worth police, who Exceptions will include items that are only took them to the property room of the Fort sold regionally or at philatelic outlets, such as Worth Police Station. With the assistance of statehood and college anniversary emissions, the San Antonio police department, I went and collector items like limited-release souve- to Fort Worth and was able to identify and nir sheets. Postmarks inscribed the “First Day recover my stamps. of Issue” will still be authorized for use in the The Fort Worth man who had brought designated “first day” city or cities. the stamps in to Mr. Jackson was a well- Also, collectors will now have a 60-day known businessman. The San Antonio police window after the release date for ordering interrogated him about how he acquired the first day cancels on new stamps and postal stamps. He claimed he had won them in a stationery.
The Texas Philatelist January-February 2007 41 Free to TPA Members! “Classified Bourse” Ad in The Texas Philatelist and on www.texasphilatelic.org Members who paid their 2007 dues by December 31, 2006 are eligible to receive one free 30-word ad for two issues of The Texas Philatelist and for four months on our website www.texasphilatelic.org. Ads will run on a space-available basis this year. You may submit your ad anytime during the year in one of three ways: (1) complete and mail the form below (or a photo copy thereof). (2) write the information on a blank sheet of paper in the format of the form below and mail. (3) use the form on our website www.texasphilatelic.org. Yes! I have paid my 2007 dues. Here is my free “Classified Bourse” ad of up to 30 words (name, address, phone, FAX and e-mail do not count towards the 30 words):
Name Telephone Address FAX City State ZIP E-mail The Texas Philatelist Submit your ad on our website Editor www.texasphilatelic.org or mail it to: 305 Saint Lukes Dr. Richardson TX 75080-4830
42 The Texas Philatelist January-February 2007 Classified Emporium
CLASSIFIED ADVERTIsem*nTS in The Texas Philatelist are accepted on the basis of 10¢ per word (minimum 10 words) with name, address, telephone/FAX number and e-mail address FREE. Please PRINT or TYPE your ad copy, state the number of times you desire it to run, determine the total cost, make the check payable to the “Texas Philatelic Association,” and send to The Texas Philatelist, 305 Saint Lukes Dr., Richardson, TX 75080-4830.
HAVING TROUBLE finding newer used and those TRADING U.S. and world-wide unused and used for elusive common stamps? Free lists. Darrell L. George, early U.S. to close gaps in my collection. Have sheets, 19410 Cantrell Rd., Little Rock AR 72223-4422. Visit blocks, new and used singles in U.S. collection, all for me on eBay at dlgstamps. (55-5) sale. James Mathis. e-mail [emailprotected]. (55-2) ALBANIA, Fifty different, attractive, colorful Albanian stamps, $9. One hundred different, only $16. 200 different $52. Postpaid. Satisfaction guaranteed, 10- day return privilege! Balkan Philatelics, P.O. Box 696, CANCELED U.S. 7¢ RATE POST CARDS used Fritch TX 79036-0696. (55-1) September through December 1975, especially ones posted to Mexico and Canada or to and from U.S. possessions, APOs and FPOs. Also need 7¢ Thomson reply cards and examples of postage due assessments on TEXAS AVIATION HISTORY. Visit the 1940 Air Thomson cards after December 30, 1975. See my article Terminal Museum at Houston Hobby Airport. Many in July/August The Texas Philatelist. Write to Arthur covers on display. Various postcards available in gift P. von Reyn, 10512 Countess Dr., Dallas TX 75229- shop. Watch airplanes take off and land. 1940 Air Ter- 5103 or visit my web page at
HAVE MORE FUN! COLLECT PRECANCELS! TEXAS PRECANCEL CLUB Come to our next meeting: Friday and Saturday, March 16-17, 2007 Clarion Inn, 1503 Texas Avenue South College Station, Texas For more information: John C. Foster [emailprotected] or call (512) 346-8253
The Texas Philatelist January-February 2007 43 chapter meetings Note: Check with chapters for meeting changes and cancellations during holiday periods.
AUSTIN-TEXAS STAMP CLUB, CH #16, 10101 Hillside stampclub.com for location), Irving; 4th Tues., 7:00 North, Austin TX, 78736-7612; meets 1st Tues. 7:30 PM, Studio at Tarleton State Langdon Center, 308 PM, Howson Branch Library, 2500 Exposition Blvd., Pearl St., Granbury. Austin; 3rd Tues. 7:30 PM, South Austin Senior Activities NACOGDOCHES STAMP CLUB, CH #31, P.O. Box 630247, Center, 3911 Manchaca Rd., Austin. Nacogdoches TX 77963-0247; meets 2nd Thurs., 7:00 BLUEBONNET PHILATELIC SOCIETY, LCH#8; 1821 Thur- PM, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 903 North St., man, Kerrville TX 78028-2536; meets 1st Thurs., 7:00 Nacogdoches. PM, Dietert Senior Center, 617 Jefferson St., Kerrville. OKLAHOMA PHILATELIC SOCIETY. CH #61, P.O. Box COLLECTORS CLUB OF DALLAS, L Unit #4, 2206 Sut- 700334, Tulsa OK 74170-0334 ton Pl., Richardson TX 75080-2543; membership by PANTHER CITY PHILATELIC SOCIETY, LCH #1, 820 invitation only. Rockledge Dr., Saginaw TX 76179-2034; chapter is not CROATIAN PHILATELIC SOCIETY, Unit #2, P.O. Box 696, currently meeting. Fritch TX 79036-0696. PARIS STAMP CLUB. CH #67, P.O. Box 82, Paris, TX 75461- DALLAS-PARK CITIES PHILATELIC SOCIETY, CH #40, 314 0082; meets 3rd Mon., 7:00 PM, Calvary Methodist Allegheny Trl., Garland TX 75043-5659; meets 2nd and Church, 3105 Lamar Ave., Paris. 4th Weds., 7:30 PM, Northway Christian Church, 7202 PRAIRIE BEAVER REGIONAL GROUP, British North W. Northwest Hwy, Dallas. America Philatelic Society Ltd., Unit #1, 501 Fairview EL PASO PHILATELIC SOCIETY, LCH #7, 2990 Trawood Ave., College Station TX 77840-2933. Dr. Apt. 11F, El Paso TX 79936-4233, meets 2nd Tues., RED RIVER STAMP SOCIETY, CH #58, P.O. Box 3352, 7:30 PM, Saint Clements Episcopal Church, 810 N. Shreveport LA 71133-3352; meets 1st Wed., 7:30 PM, Campbell St., El Paso. Aulds South Bossier Branch Library, 3950 Wayne Ave., FRED C. SAWYER CHAPTER #56 AMERICAN FIRST DAY Bossier City. COVER SOCIETY, Unit #6, 201 Willow Creek Circle. Allen SAN ANTONIO PHILATELIC ASSN., LCH #3, 514 Santa TX. Meets monthly (except July and August) at the Monica, San Antonio TX 78212-1838; meets every Fri., University of Texas-Dallas, Richardson, TX. Call 972- 7:30 PM, St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 514 Santa Monica, 727-1381 for meetings dates and times. San Antonio. HEART OF TEXAS STAMP CLUB, CH #59, 1700 Plum SEAGULL STAMP CLUB, LCH # 11, P.O. Box 30574, Cor- Cir., Waco TX 76706-1629; meets lst Thurs., 7:00 PM, pus Christi TX 78463-0574; meets 2nd Weds., 7:00 PM, Wiethorn Visitor’s Center, S. University Parks Dr. across Main Library, 805 Comanche St., Corpus Christi. from Baylor University Marina, Waco. SOUTH PLAINS STAMP CLUB, CH #36, P.O. Box 68154, HOUSTON PHILATELIC SOCIETY, CH #22, PMB 237, 8524 Lubbock TX 79414-8154; meets 4th Tues. (2nd Tues. Hwy. 6 N., Houston TX 77095-2103; meets 1st & 3rd in Nov. and Dec.), 7:30 PM, Municipal Garden & Arts Mon., 7:30 PM, Recreation Center, Central Presbyterian Center, 4215 S. University Ave, Lubbock. Church, 3788 Richmond Ave., Houston. TEXAS POSTAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Unit #3, 3916 LYNDON B. JOHNSON SPACE CENTER STAMP CLUB, Wyldwood Rd., Austin TX 78739-3005, meets at stamp LCH #9, P.O. Box 58247, Houston TX 77258-8247; meets shows in various cities. 2nd & 4th Mon., 7:00 PM, Gilruth Recreation Center, TEXAS PRECANCEL CLUB, LCH #10, 4113 Paint Rock Johnson Space Center, Gate #5 off Space Center Blvd., Dr., Austin TX 78731-1320; meets biannually in vari- Clear Lake City. ous cities. LONE STAR CHAPTER, Éire Philatelic Association Inter- TEXOMA STAMP CLUB. CH #64, 411 W. Reiman St., national, Unit #32, 14302 Oak Shadow, San Antonio Seymour TX 76380-2439; meets 2nd Thurs. and TX 78232-4441; meets 2nd Sat. 2:00 PM, member’s 4th Tues., 7:00 PM, Merrill Gardens, 5100 Kell Blvd., homes. Wichita Falls. MAGIC VALLEY STAMP CLUB. CH #56, 2014 E. Bowie TWIN LAKES COIN AND STAMP CLUB, CH #66, 906 Nola Ave., Harlingen TX 78550-5164; meets 4th Tues., (ex- Ruth Blvd., Harker Heights TX 76548-1540; meets last cept June, July, August) 7:00 PM, Camelot Retirement Tues., 6:30 PM, Harker Heights Library, 901 S. Ann Blvd., Center Headquarters, 1000 Camelot Dr., Harlingen. Harker Heights. MID-CITIES STAMP CLUB. CH #53, P.O. Box 2158, WICHITA FALLS COIN & STAMP CLUB, LCH #5, 411 Arlington TX 760042158; meets lst Wed., 7:30 PM, W. Reiman St., Seymour TX 76380-2439; meets 4th Bob Duncan Community Center, 2800 S. Center St., Thurs., 7:30 PM, Merrill Gardens, 5100 Kell Blvd., Arlington; 3rd Wed., 7:30 PM (check www.mid-cities Wichita Falls.
44 The Texas Philatelist January-February 2007 The Olive Blossom This stamp, Barbados Scott #109, was issued to commemorate the 300th anni- versary of the annexation of Barbados to the British Empire. The design shows the British Ship Olive Blossom, which visited the island in 1605.
The design used for the stamp was determined by a contest, the winner being the wife of the Governor of Barbados, Lady Gilbert Carter. The three-color printing at the time was quite an unusual accomplishment for a stamp issued in 1906. It is my most favorite stamp!
I want to share this stamp with some of you. The first 50 TPA members who write to me will receive one of these unused beauties FREE! I would appreciate a SASE (self-ad- dressed, stamped envelope). No need to write a note, just the SASE will do. The Scott catalog value of this stamp is $12.50. Color Hawaii Album Pages Offer I have a set of album pages for Hawaii that are the best I’ve ever seen! There are spaces for every stamp, as well as the varieties such as “NO PERIOD AFTER GOVT.” varieties, double surcharges, inverted surcharges, etc. This album also has the officials, all of the revenues including “NOT LIABLE TO DUTY” that Scott does not list, and all of the railroad stamps (including the Schmidt printings). There are two pages describing the postal history of Hawaii, one page describ- ing the history of the Numerals issue, and one page depicting varieties of the Numerals.
The pages are nice and thick, one side only, and are three-ring punched so any 3-ring binder will do. So if you collect Hawaii, and you need pages, a set of these can be yours for $35, postpaid.
TELL YOUR COLLECTOR FRIENDS ABOUT THE TPA!
Friendship through Philately,
Warren H. Crain P.O. Box 5954 San Antonio, Texas 78201 TEXPEX 2007 World Series of Philately Exhibition Sanctioned by the American Philatelic Society April 13-15, 2007 DoubleTree Hotel Dallas Near the Galleria (LBJ Freeway at Midway Road) Dallas, Texas Welcoming the National Convention of the United States Stamp Society and the 111th Annual Convention of the Texas Philatelic Association. Philatelic Road Show Bring your stamps and covers for an expert analysis! Also, Youth Fun Center, National and Regional Dealers, Opening Ceremony, Award Banquet, Free Seminars, Special Cachet and Pictorial Cancellation, and U.S. Postal Service Sales Counter. Free admission, Free Parking Check our website for updates and an exhibit prospectus: http://home.comcast.net/~kochacabana/TEXPEX/index.html, or for further information, call (972) 883-4951 or e-mail [emailprotected]. The Doubletree Hotel Dallas Near the Galleria show rate is $98 single or double. Reservations must be made by April 1, 2007. The national reservation number is 1 (800) 222-TREE. The local number is (972) 385-9000. Sponsored by the Southwest Philatelic Foundation P.O. Box 835491 Richardson, TX 75083-5491
