Introduction The 1966 FIFA World Cup holds a special place in football history. Hosted by England, it was a tournament filled with memorable moments, unexpected twists, and a story that transcended the pitch. Beyond the matches, the event was celebrated worldwide through philately, with numerous countries issuing commemorative stamps. This blog post explores the fascinating…

The world of philately is intricate, with layers of complexity that both fascinate and frustrate collectors. One such complexity lies in the use of major and minor catalog numbers within the Scott Catalog, a cornerstone reference for stamp enthusiasts. Phil Pritchard, a dedicated completist collector, delves into this issue, highlighting the challenges and inconsistencies that…

n 1959, the U.S. Postal Service released a unique commemorative stamp to celebrate the centennial of the American oil industry. Designed with a stark, modern drilling rig, this stamp commemorated the centenary of the first successful oil well drilled in Titusville, Pennsylvania, by Edwin Drake in 1859. Known as the Drake Well, this site marked…

Introduction In a recent presentation, Tara Stewart introduced the Postmark Reveal tool, a free online service that helps philatelists decipher hard-to-read postmarks. The tool was brought to the philatelic community’s attention by Edward Grabowski and has quickly gained popularity due to its simplicity and effectiveness. Tara provided a live demonstration, illustrating how this tool can…

Introduction to the French Colonial Group Type In this presentation, philatelist Edward Grabowski shares his extensive knowledge and personal collection of French colonial stamps, focusing on the “Group Type” and locally produced return receipt (AR) markings. Between 1976 and 2019, Grabowski built an impressive collection, studying the locally produced hand stamps and AR markings used…

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…