Stamps also tell a story

Long periods of open time have allowed me to get back to my stamp collection.

I had a small collection as a child and then put it all behind me until later in life.

My collection had been collecting dust until about six months ago when I pulled my albums out and took over the dining room table.

The urge came on as I talked with our oldest son, Paul, who has a substantial collection. 

He was lucky enough to be able to purchase a large collection from a former postmaster.

Stamps can be much more than something to lick and drop off at the post office on a letter.

Each stamp has a history.  First there is the person who designed the stamp and got it selected by the federal government, no small task.

That person has a history, and the stamp itself tells its own story.

I have albums on general stamps that are issued in any given year. I have six albums of these, three of my own and three duplicate albums for my great granddaughter, Kaylee Landeros.

I am filling an air mail album, and an album of commemorative stamps that feature places, events and people.

I also have some plate block albums. That’s the numbered corner of stamp sheets. I also have a few first-day covers — a stamped letter from the first day stamps are released. However, I have shipped most of these to Paul.

If a person is inclined to study stamps, the country’s history unfolds just like a history book, only more completely.

I have albums I am developing on first ladies, starting with Martha Washington.

Another album features the presidents. Text stories help bring the people to life.

Another album features the states with stories and stamps. Some have coins designed to depict the people, places or events.

Another album features the events at Pearl Harbor that started World War II in the Pacific and follow the major battles all the way to Japan.

I have found that it is better to narrow collections or you can get too spread out, a little late.

One stamp company is tempting me to widen my collection to include world stamps. I would like to oblige, but there just isn’t time to pursue all of the offerings at the same time.

I have started to spend time reading about the individual stamps and getting history lessons at the same time.

I trade duplicate stamps with my son Paul. He sends me material and I reciprocate when I have extras.

I had hoped to find other stamp collectors in the area to offer some of my duplicates.

I put all the loose stamps and albums away for the holidays, but they are coming out this week. There won’t be room to eat in the dining room for some time.

There’s a lot of reading to do and a bit of eyestrain, but a lighted magnifying glass eases the problem.

You don’t have to wait until you are retired to develop an interest in stamps.