Stamp Collecting Month

October is National Stamp Collecting month. Stamp collecting, the world’s most popular hobby, offers something to everyone. More than 20 million collectors from all over the world, of all ages and backgrounds, know that collecting stamps is an easy, inexpensive and sometimes profitable hobby. U. S. stamps are a mini portrait of America and cover a broad range of topics. Stamps honor the history, achievements, culture and beauty of our nation. Stamps like the Constitution or World War II series bring American history to life.

Stamp collecting was popularized in the early 20^th century by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Stamp collecting or philately, first started in 1774 when John Bourke, receiver-general of Stamp Duties in Ireland, formed a collection of fiscal stamps in an album. Dr. John Edward Gray of the British Museum began the first collection of adhesive stamps when he purchased a block of Penny Black on May 1, 1840. Gray later went on to save other stamps as they were issued and in 1863 published one of the first stamp catalogs.

Today many collectors begin by saving stamps off all the envelopes they receive in the mail. As their collections grow, they may specialize their collections by concentrating on First Day of Issue covers or creating topical collection focusing on a particular subject like Great Americans, transportation, flowers, animals or sports.

Stamp collecting can be a casual hobby or a lifelong passion, yet the experience will be as meaningful and individual as the participant. Information on stamp collecting may be obtained from your local post office, stamp collecting clubs and philatelic publications.

Sincerely,

Jane Ellen Kindell

Postmaster, Renick, MO