Looking for the Penny Magenta and the 2 cent Black
I grew up in the 1950’s before the onslaught of cell phones, video games and social media. In those days, AI were the initials of the guy that ran the luncheonette. I now work in an industry which embellishes technology.
I am by no means a Luddite — I embrace technology and innovative approaches to old problems.
As a youngster, probably around 8 years of age, I got into stamp collecting. I loved the colorful, interesting and unique images on the tiny pieces of art. But by the time I was 14 I was more interested in other larger pieces of art, i.e., GIRLS, and stamp collecting quickly fell by the wayside.
I never gave stamp collecting another thought, as my life was filled with family, work, volunteering and what ever else there was to do to keep our ship afloat.
I retired. Moved to a new state, started a new part time job, did things I always wanted to do, but had neither the time nor energy for anything else. Now as a full fledged-retiree, I had both.
One day in the post office while buying some stamps I looked up and there were sheets of the new stamps that were being issued, or had recently been issued.
They were beautiful. These were the same tiny gems I remember from my childhood, except these were in sheets of 20. (Sometimes more or less.) I bought three of the new sheets. I pulled an old empty loose leaf note book up from the basement, inserted some clear plastic page protectors and proudly placed my three newest finds into the notebook, one sheet per protector. I put some what I thought to be descriptive text on the front, went back inside, viewed each sheet of stamps, and felt a wonderful thrill that this might be something special. It was. I am as happy today as I was on that day 60 years ago, I now have 4 large loose leaf pages filled with I believe every new issue from that time on.
I enjoy them in a multitude of ways. Yes, they are beautiful and interesting, but they are also a miniature history lesson. As I look back over probably more than 100 sheets I think about all that transpired over these last several years.
That got me to thinking what about the years between my eighth birthday and today. Which led to thinking about the 20th century and all that went on. Which made me realize that this was a world I could not cope with, simply too much information. I decided, as they say, ‘to specialize’. I now collect newly issued sheets, and stamps from 1935 up to 1970, and only American. I try for mint, but if they are too difficult to find or too expensive I am happy to go with cancelled.
The other day, I went to a stamp show (now I know you truly think I’m nuts, but stay with me here…) and bought a set of stamps called the Great American series. It consists of 35 stamps and cost me $15. Some were mint, most were not. Many were not in the best condition, but they are beauties. I also purchased four blocks of four stamps commemorating the National Parks department. All four are gorgeous and in lovely mint condition. They were $10.
I have been spending time researching the National Parks and the history surrounding their creation and preservation. There are countless articles on this, and some wonderful documentaries as well.
I have also joined my local stamp club, and attend meetings once every month. Contrary to common belief, they are wonderful fun with a group of like minded folks, most of whom really enjoy the hobby. At our last meeting a friend gave me a post card commemorating the longest continual flight up to that time. That time was the year 1929. Upon his presenting the card to the assembled members, we all thought that no one person could stay awake for the 17.5 days. A new mystery waiting to be solved.
Just for the sheer fun of it, I am now researching what actually happened and what the true story is. I hope to present my findings to the club at one of our next meetings.
The point of this article for me is that everything old can be new again. That finding new things to stimulate your interest to stir a desire to learn more can only be healthy….and now that there are no more GIRLS to chase (my wife would crown me!) I’ve got the time to begin another adventure with full steam ahead.
