In his presentation, Edward Grabowski explores the intriguing story of the Peebles Institute of Health and its fraudulent operations, which spanned from the late 19th century to the 1930s. Run by Dr. Peebles and Dr. Bobo from Battle Creek, Michigan, this institution specialized in quackery—offering dubious “cures” for various ailments, including goiter and diabetes. The…

The Fascinating History of WWII Airgraph Letters: Postal Innovation on Microfilm During World War II, communication between soldiers on the frontlines and their loved ones was vital. However, the logistical challenge of sending physical letters across oceans presented significant hurdles, especially given the limited space available on military aircraft. To solve this problem, the British…

Arnie Janson’s presentation delves into the intriguing world of unusual postal markings and the fascinating stories they tell. From railway fire damage to the recovery of letters by divers, Janson takes us on a journey through time, examining the curious and sometimes mysterious world of mail and its path through disaster, miscommunication, and even prisons.…

In his fascinating presentation, Roger Mooney took us on a historical journey through Olympic postage stamps issued by host countries, spanning from the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896 to the London Games in 1948. Mooney’s focus was clear: only stamps from the host nations themselves were discussed, a unique way to trace…

Organizing a local stamp show may seem daunting for a small club, but Edward Grabowski’s detailed recount of the 2018 Westfield Stamp Club annual show reveals how even a modest-sized event can be a resounding success. By blending community involvement, creative vendor options, smart fundraising, and partnerships with organizations like the U.S. Postal Service, Grabowski…