The words you are searching are inside this book. To get more targeted content, please make full-text search by clicking here.

Across the Fence Post, January-February-March 2022

Discover the best professional documents and content resources in AnyFlip Document Base.
Search
Published by riestg, 2022-01-30 22:29:39

ATFP-January February March 2022

Across the Fence Post, January-February-March 2022

January-February-March 2022 VOLUME 44 ISSUE 1

Newsletter of the Wisconsin Federation of Stamp Clubs

www.wfscstamps.org

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

by Gregg Greenwald plus non-competitive four- and eight- Clubs — Your delegates are
WFSC President page exhibits will be present. Judges
include Ken Grant and Rob Henak.The needed for the WFSC
CALL TO CONVENTION 2022 exhibit prospectus and entry form can Annual Business Meeting
be found on the WFSC website, wfsc- Saturday, April 9, 11 a.m. at
Back to the Hotel stamps.org/WISCOPEX.
Retlaw! Come and WISCOPEX ’22
join us in Fond du Silent Auctions — Three silent
Lac for WISCOPEX auctions will be run throughout the You are VIPs of this event. We
2022, the annual show. Donated items will be available request that clubs register their dele-
convention and for bidding with proceeds going to the gates prior to the meeting using the
philatelic exhibition WFSC and the Fond du Lac Stamp Club following two options:
of the Wisconsin to help offset the costs of the show.
Federation of Stamp (1) Inform WFSC Secretary
Clubs. This year, Annual Business Meeting — The Clarence Davis of your delegate’s
WISCOPEX will be hosted by the Fond WFSC’s Annual Business Meeting name via mail or email at any time
du Lac Stamp Club and will be held convenes at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April prior to the convention (Clarence Da-
April 9-10, 2022, at the Hotel Retlaw, 9. The agenda includes brief officer, vis, W4022 Linden Dr., Malone, WI
One North Main Street in downtown committee and project reports. Delegates 53049, [email protected]).
Fond du Lac, Wis. There will be many have the opportunity to provide feedback
philatelic activities to enjoy. and concerns regarding the WFSC and (2) Have your delegate register
Dealer Bourse — Dealers from its operations. We will also be wel- at the WFSC Society Table prior to
across the area will be present to help coming bids for member clubs to host the meeting at 11 a.m.
collectors build their collections (see a future WISCOPEX (including WIS-
the list of dealers on page 4). Five-dol- COPEX 2023). Please send your club In either case, delegates should
lar door prizes will be available to help delegate with an offer to host. We plan to check-in at the WFSC Society Table
your shopping effort. keep the meeting to an hour or less. to pick up missing meeting papers
Exhibits — A good showing of open and delegate name tag and ribbon.
(multi-frame) and single-frame exhibits, Delegates — All member clubs
are urged to send a delegate and/or an DUES
ARE DUE!
(cont’d. on p. 2)
YOUR CLUB
INSIDE
TREASURER OR WFSC
President’s Message 1 Dealer Spotlight (Croaker Collectibles) 5
REPRESENTATIVE HAS
Delegate Registration for Annual Club Connections 6
RECEIVED A NOTICE FOR
Business Meeting 1 Clubs at a Glance (Baraboo Area
WFSC 2022 DUES.
WISCOPEX Attendee Check-in 2 Stamp Club) 7
PLEASE RESPOND BY
Federation News 3 Rhyme Time — Countries Challenge 8
MARCH 1. THANK YOU!
Aimée Devine New Southwest VP 3 Answers to Chain Puzzle 8

Editor Wanted 3 Looking Again At Details:

WISCOPEX 2022 FAQs 4 Rediscovering Our Stamps 9

(Lodging, Parking, Schedule of Events, Notes From A Magpie —

Banquet Reservation, Dealer Bourse, Introduction 12

Call for Exhibits, Silent Auction) Show Calendar 15

President’s Message Apri l 9-10I wholeheartedly look forward toFond du Lac, WI WFSC OFFICERS
(cont’d. from p. 1) seeing everyone at the Hotel Retlaw on
April 9-10. q PRESIDENT
alternate to the WFSC business meeting. Gregg Greenwald
The WFSC officers and appointees want WISCOPEX ‘22 2401 Bluebird Ct.
the member clubs’ voices to be heard. Marshfield, WI 54449
1932 . . . 2022 [email protected]
Delegates should preferably pre-reg-
ister using one of the options suggested We encourage all attendees to check VICE PRESIDENT
on page 1. Delegates should have writ- in at the WFSC Society Table. Brian Liedtke
ten credentials — a simple statement 4625 South Scot Dr.
from your club president designating • Pick up a convention button New Berlin, WI 53131
you as the official representative or • Get a free gift [email protected]
alternate of your club — sent via email • Register for a $5 door prize to
or presented in hard copy at the show. SECRETARY
spend at the show Clarence Davis
Seminars — Speakers have been • Grab a souvenir show program W4022 Linden Dr.
scheduled for both Saturday and Sunday • Light up your home club on the Malone, WI 53049
and will provide topics on a variety of [email protected]
philatelic subjects. See the Schedule of display map
Events on page 4 for the list of speakers • Bring your club publicity items TREASURER
and topics. David Rees
(meeting information, show N4256 Evergreen Dr.
Awards Banquet — Important fliers, etc.) for distribution to all Rio, WI 53960
awards will be presented during the show visitors [email protected]
banquet. They include recognition of the
exhibitors, presentation of the WFSC’s JOIN THE WFSC EBLAST LIST! VP YOUTH DIVISION
2022 Dealer Recognition Award and Send your email address to our Eblast MaryAnn Bowman
inductions into the Wisconsin Philatelic Manager Ken Grant at grantke@uwplatt. P.O. Box 1451
Hall of Fame. edu. Be sure to send Ken any address Waukesha, WI 53187
changes, too. [email protected]
Just as important, it is a chance to
meet fellow collectors over dinner. EAST CENTRAL REGION VP
Please come and join us! Bill Manka
[email protected]
The guest speaker will be Jay Bigal- Fond du Lac Stamp Club
ke, editor-in-chief of Linn’s Stamp News Kettle Moraine Coin & Stamp Club
and Scott catalogs. Jay is an engaging Manitowoc Philatelic Society
speaker and will certainly have an enter- Sheboygan Stamp Club
taining presentation.
SE REGION VP
Across the Fence Post is the official publication of the Wisconsin Anna Trischan
Federation of Stamp Clubs, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organi- [email protected]
zation. The WFSC is a life member of the APS (since 1953), and American Topical Association No. 5
a chapter member of the ATA. For more information about the Germany Philatelic Society
WFSC, please visit the website, www.wfscstamps.org.
(Chapter 18)
ATFP is currently published four times a year: January, April, Milwaukee Philatelic Society
July, October. News of Wisconsin collectors, club news and other Waukesha County Philatelic Society
gratis original features are welcomed. The editor accepts sub- Wauwatosa Philatelic Society
missions in any format, but prefers email if possible. The editor
reserves the right to make editorial changes to submitted copy. Material appearing in ATFP NE REGION VP
not carrying an individual copyright notice may be reproduced only by not-for-profit organiza- Ray D. Perry
tions, provided the author(s) and ATFP receive credit or attribution. All materials carrying an [email protected]
individual copyright notice are the sole property of the author(s). Bay de Noc Stamp & Coin Club
Unless explicitly stated by an officer in conjunction with official WFSC business, opinions Green Bay Philatelic Society
expressed by the editor or individual authors are not necessarily endorsed by the WFSC. Northwoods Philatelic Society
Submission deadlines for editorial and advertising materials are the first of the month Oshkosh Philatelic Society
preceding month of publication. Editorial matter should be sent to: Karen Weigt, Interim Editor Wisconsin Postal History Society
ATFP, 4184 Rose Ct., Middleton, WI 53562, 608-609-6173, [email protected].
Send advertising material to Brian Liedtke, Advertising Manager, ATFP, 4625 So. Scot CENTRAL REGION VP
Dr., New Berlin, WI 53131, 414-731-9794, [email protected]. For a complete list Chuck Rebek
of advertising rates and policies (display, classified, and listings), request a copy from the [email protected]
advertising manager. Central Wisconsin Stmap Club
Chippewa Valley Stamp Club
2 Across the Fence Post January-February-March 2022 Lakeland Stamp & Coin Club
Wisconsin Valley Philatelic Society

SW REGION VP
Aimée Devine
[email protected]
Badger Stamp Club
Baraboo Stamp Club
Janesville Stamp Club
Monroe Stamp & Postcard Club
Tri-State Stamp Club

FEDERATION N EWS IS ONE OF THESE
YOU?
WINTER EXECUTIVE BOARD MEET- will order a new supply of Hall of Fame
ING NOTES — JANUARY 8, 2022, pins. Editor: Across the Fence Post
VIA ZOOM
Google Drive/File Share — An at- Wisconsin Federation of Stamp
Treasurer’s Report — David Rees tempt will be made to get various WFSC Clubs (WFSC) is in need of an
reported a treasury balance of $7106.60 documents posted on the drive. editor for its publication, Across
as of December 31, 2021. This is down the Fence Post. You could be that
approximately $2500 from a year ago. Region VP Reports — East Central editor. Picture yourself in one of the
The decline is due to 2021 activities VP Bill Manka has contacted all the above blank faces. Your responsibil-
expenses and no dues collection. Dues clubs in his region to ascertain meeting ities would include:
notices for 2022 are ready to be sent. dates and times. Southeast VP Anna
Financial records were approved by the Trischan attended meetings of three • Planning the issues
new treasurer, David Rees, thereby mak- clubs in her region. The American Top- • Contacting writers
ing a 2020-21 audit unnecessary. ical Association Chapter 5 continues to • Working with the ad manager
meet by Zoom. • Leading the Editorial
The WFSC received a new Wiscon- Committee
sin State Sales Tax Exempt Number. The Next Meeting Date — The next • Sending PDF copy to printer
Registered Agent on the Wisconsin State meeting will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday,
Annual Nonstock Corporation Report April 23, 2002, via Zoom. and requesting number of
was changed to “Just the Numbers,” the copies to be printed
name of David Rees’ accounting firm. AIMÈE DEVINE APPOINTED
NEW SOUTHWEST REGION VP • Adhering to publishing schedule
ATFP — Karen Weigt will contin- • Be timely
ue as interim editor with issues done Aimée Devine, of • Be attuned to deadlines
quarterly. The first-quarter issue will be Janesville, Wis., is the
delayed a month to include details of new Southwest Region You can expect the following sup-
WISCOPEX 2022, April 9-10, and the VP. She was appointed port from the Editorial Committee:
WFSC president’s call to convention. on December 5, 2021,
Delegates are urged to canvas their clubs to fulfill the term of • Being available for guidance if
for a candidate for editor. John Paré, who held the desired
position since 2011.
WISCOPEX 2022 — Event details Aimee is a member of numerous • Suggesting article topics
were discussed with General Chairman clubs and national-level organiza- • Suggesting and soliciting
Clarence Davis, Bourse Chairman Bill tions.Her home club, of course, is the
Manka, and Exhibits Chairman John Janesville Stamp Club. She is also article authors
Paré. Clarence also related actions taken a member of the American Topical • Assistance with proofreading
by Publicity Chairman Joe Kowalski, Association Chapter 5, and the Badger • Assistance with laying out the
and plans for a silent donation auction Stamp Club (Madison).
headed by David Borchert. She is known nationally for her work scheduling plan
with youth philately. She has created • Providing guidance on how to
A motion was made and passed to hundreds of free and downloadable
amend the WFSC Dealer Recognition activities, display modules, booklets and accomplish the tasks
Award criteria to allow recipients to be newsletters for not only the WFSC, but
nominated a second time after 10 years. also for the American Philatelic Society, Please, please, please take another
American Topical Association, and the look at those silhouettes above.
A motion was made and passed that American First Day Cover Society. When you can see yourself in one
the Champion of Champions competi- Aimée has received several awards. of those images, please contact
tion and award will be suspended indef- both statewide and nationally, for her Ray Perry at: fiveperrys@athenet.
initely. The currently held Champion of contributions to philately. net or call at (920) 660-2154 with
Champions award will be used for the She currently serves on the WFSC your name and contact information.
WISCOPEX 2022 Best of Show award. Publicity and Public Relations Commit- Thank you!
tee, the Editorial Committee, and as the
It was unanimously decided to assess WFSC’s Facebook Administrator.
a $10 fee for exhibits of less than one We welcome Aimée in her role as a
frame. WFSC elected officer. We additionally
thank John Paré for his several years of
Website — Webmaster Greg Ries- service as Southwest Region VP.
terer will update the dealer listing on the
website.

Hall of Fame — Two candidates
will be proposed to the delegates at the
Annual Business Meeting. John Paré

January-February-March 2022 Across the Fence Post 3

WISCOPEX 2022 FAQs
April 9-10, Fond du Lac, Wis.

LODGING PARKING
Reservations Due March 25 Free parking is available in the Hotel
Make room reservations directly with the Retlaw’s ramp levels three and four of the
historical and newly renovated Hotel Retlaw. parking garage. Take the elevator down
The address is One North Main St., Fond to the lobby level and cross a courtyard to
du Lac, WI 54935. Phone 920-204-0400 or enter the lobby. Take the lobby elevators to
833-HRETLAW. Reservations should refer- the second floor to get to WISCOPEX. Free
ence the WISCOPEX Convention. Room cost parking is also available on streets surround-
is $169.12 including tax. ing the hotel.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 5 p.m. — Social hour
Saturday, April 9 6 p.m. — Awards banquet, speaker Jay Bigalke

10 a.m. — Show opens Sunday, April 10
— First auction opens
— Seminar “Educational Program Ideas for 10 a.m. — Show opens
Club Meetings,” by MaryAnn Bowman — Seminar “Wisconsin Library Postal
11 a.m. — WFSC Annual Business Meeting History,” by Larry Nix
Noon — First auction closes — Third auction opens
1 p.m. — Second auction opens 11 a.m. — Seminar “The New Scott Digital Catalog,”
2 p.m. — Judges’ critique by Jay Bigalke
3 p.m. — Wisconsin Postal History Society Meeting Noon — Third auction closes
— Second auction closes 12:30 p.m. — Clearance sale opens
4 p.m. — Seminar “The Norwegian Post Horn Issue,” 1 p.m. — Seminar “Philatelic Writing,” by Ken
by Steve Lund Grant
5 p.m. — Show closes 3 p.m. — Show closes

BANQUET DEALER BOURSE
WISCOPEX 2022 AWARDS BANQUET Up to 14 dealers
Reservations Due March 25 expected. Look for a complete
Saturday, April 9, Hotel Retlaw, Fond du Lac, Wis. listing on the WFSC website
5 p.m. Social Hour (Eisenhower Rm.) • 6 p.m. dinner (Eisenhower Rm.) (wfscstamps.org/WISCOPEX).

Make banquet reservations on the following form. Pick up ticket(s) Dealers accepted on a first-
at the WFSC registration table. come, first-served basis. To
receive a contract, contact Bourse
WISCOPEX ’22 Awards Banquet, Saturday April 9, 6 pm Chrmn. Bill Manka, 920-266-
8082, [email protected].
Please reserve _____ tickets for
_____________________________________________ Dealers committed as of
January 19, 2022:
Choice of entrée (includes green salad and lemon curd torte)
All choices are $50 — Chuck’s Stamps
______ Apple Cider Brined Roast Pork Loin Fox River Stamps
______ Peruvian Grilled Chicken with Citrus Crème JADECO
Lake Country Stamps
Please be sure to specify your preferred entrée(s). Pleyte Stamps
RHO Postal History and Stamps
My check for $_________ is enclosed (checks payable to Fond du Lac Stamp Club) Smyth’s Stamp Shoppe
Reservations due March 25 Terry Kurzinski
WYstamps
Send to Clarence B. Davis, W4022 Linden Dr., Malone, WI 53049

4 Across the Fence Post January-February-March 2022

CALL FOR EXHIBITS — Entries Due March 28
Both experienced and novice exhibitors are invited to enter exhibits at
WISCOPEX ’22.

Consider participating in the non-competitive four- and eight-page exhibit
division. Its purpose is to promote philately to the public by making them aware
of the wide range of collecting interests that can be used to tell a philatelic story.
Its aim is to encourage beginning exhibitors to share their philatelic material and
get a taste of this aspect of philately. These exhibits are not judged.

Of course, we’re also offering the traditional exhibit divisions that include
Open (including Display), Single-frame, Youth, and Non-competitive. Frames
are limited and on a first-come, first-served basis.

Request a prospectus and exhibit entry form from Exhibits Chairman John
Paré, 405 Perimeter Rd., Mount Horeb, WI 53572, 608-852-7358, pare16@
mhtc.net. These documents, which include rules and further information, are also
available online at wfscstamps.org/WISCOPEX.

SILENT DONATION AUCTION
The WFSC/Fond du Lac Stamp Club request donations for three silent
auctions planned to be held at WISCOPEX. Proceeds will be used to help
defray costs for sponsoring the show. The auction schedule is:

Saturday, April 9 - 10 a.m. to noon
Saturday, April 9 - 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Sunday, April 10 - 10 a.m. to noon
Sunday, April 10 - Clearance Sale 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Auction items must have a minimum estimated value of $3

PLEASE HELP -- BRING YOUR DONATIONS -- BID

DEALER SPOTLIGHT Any dealer who wishes to
participate in a future spotlight
This column features dealers who are WFSC members and/or participate at may contact Brian Liedtke at
WFSC member club shows. A complete listing of dealers appears at www.wfsc-
stamps.org. Please patronize our WFSC club-member and show dealers. These [email protected].
dealer profiles are in response to a set of questions received via email.

Martin Croaker, Croaker Collectibles, LLC, McFarland, Wis. Contact information — Collectors can
contact me at croakerscollectibles@charter.
Getting Started — I got started on my sixth birthday. My net and my phone number 608-279-9606.
mom bought me a starter stamp book with mostly common
stamps. The fun tidbit was that I used Scotch tape to put Interesting philatelic note — What I
stamps in the collection book. The gum ruined all the stamps. like best about being a dealer is getting to know
Lucky that most stamps were common. other dealers and collectors. Talking with them
allows for more knowledge and humor. Knowing
I received my second stamp book from my uncle when dealers leads to friendships that make shows a
I was about 11. It had some nice hinged stamps. It re-sparked my collecting positive experience.
interest. In seventh and eighth grade we had a stamp club where we exchanged

stamps. Then I was off to high school and stopped collecting until college gradu-

ation. From then on, I was hooked.

I started selling stamps around the year 2000. I sold individual postage and

duck stamps on eBay. This went on for a few years. I then became a dealer about

nine years ago. Being a dealer has its ups and downs. Some shows you make a

good profit, and some you don’t.

Material offered — I offer U.S. and worldwide single stamps and collections.

Show participation — I am a dealer at various stamp shows in Wisconsin,

and a few in Illinois.

January-February-March 2022 Across the Fence Post 5

by MaryAnn Bowman, WFSC VP Youth Division It is a good way to learn from one
Chrmn. Publicity and Public Relations Committee another as well as to see items that one
might not necessarily have in one’s own
CLUB CONNECTIONS collection.

The Waukesha County Philatelic The American Topical Associa- Club programs are an essential part
Society recently had a meeting tion Chapter 5 (Milwaukee) had an of a club meeting. In order to facilitate
night where the presenter for evening of holiday fun at their Decem- new program ideas, the WFSC has
the evening’s program was not able to ber meeting. Among the activities was a offered an opportunity for members
attend and it was not known in advance. PowerPoint participation program titled to create an educational program and
A program was quickly implemented Christmas Carol Game Show. Clues submit it for honorarium monies. Last
and it turned out to be well received, were offered and members were asked year (2021) prize money was awarded
informative and involved participation to guess the name of the Christmas to nine individuals (see below) whose
by each of the members in attendance. carol. The following slide depicted the entries are on the WFSC website either
answer as well as a stamp representative as a club resource or on the WFSC
Titled “A Minute to Win It,” the of the song. YouTube channel, as well as in Across
program involved having each member the Fence Post.
speak on a philatelic term/subject for A second activity was a retelling of
one minute. Small slips of paper, each a children’s book about Christmas mail In 2022, there is even more money
with a various topic such as albums, delivery with the words to the picture available. Won’t you consider creating an
tongs, definitives, plate blocks, postal book being sung to the tune “Hark the activity, lesson, or PowerPoint program
cards, etc., were quickly written up and Harold Angels Sing.” Interspersed was and submit it to me for consideration?
thrown into a hat. Each member selected an internet prize wheel. Names were
a slip of paper and had one minute to entered onto the wheel, the wheel was And if you are looking for more
talk about that subject. (Note: if the spun, and winners were declared. ideas to use at your club meetings, I will
member did not feel comfortable talking be presenting a seminar at WISCOPEX
on the first-drawn subject, they could The Milwaukee Philatelic Society 2022 with ideas that are easy to imple-
select another paper.) A timer was used had a major auction in November and a ment and present. The seminar is at 10
and after the minute was up, the topic holiday party in December with the club a.m. on Saturday, April 9.
was thrown open to other members who providing sub sandwiches and individ-
added additional information they felt ually packaged salty snacks. Members Consider sending a representative
was important to the understanding of brought their own drink and a dessert from your club to attend as a delegate to
the topic. to share. The evening included a silent the convention and to attend the seminar
auction and stamp bingo.
Each member was rewarded with a on club program ideas. q
stamp buck, hence the “minute to win it” The Northwoods Philatelic Society
game title. Quick, easy to prepare, and (Iron Mountain, Mich.) will be having 2021 WFSC HONORARIUM
got everyone involved. Questions and some interesting stamp lots for sale and RECIPIENTS FOR CLUB
learning a plus! auctions. They bought five boxes of EDUCATIONAL
philatelic material from Bill Robinson’s PROGRAM IDEAS
Continuing with programs of the stock. Other clubs have done something
Waukesha club, their holiday party similar with lots purchased from the Congratulations! And thank
included a fun activity — a retelling of American Philatelic Society for the cost you for your ideas and submission
“The Night Before Christmas” with a of postage. efforts. Program entries are posted
philatelic twist AND combining it with on the WFSC website (under Club
a popular party game — the Left-Right The Green Bay Philatelic Society Resources) or on the WFSC You-
Game. had a show-and-tell in November and Tube channel, or published in Across
December. The November theme cen- the Fence Post).
Members stood in a circle, each tered around things that the member was
holding a wrapped philatelic gift. (In thankful for. Their December newsletter Ellis Bromberg David Gates
this case, the gifts were provided but it featured Christmas stamps from around Edward Bergen Eric Knapp
could also be played with members pro- the world while their November issue Jim Byrne Joe Kowalsky
viding a wrapped gift.) The well-known had an article about the Famous Ameri- Aimée Devine Jonathan Weir
poem had been altered to include the can stamps. David Devine
words “right” and “left.” As the story
is read, each time the directional word The Badger Stamp Club (Madi- 2022 entries for up to $50 now
was read, the gift was passed in that son) used their December meeting for a being accepted. For entry details, see
direction. When the story-poem was fin- holiday gathering with food, an auction, the application form on the WFSC
ished, the member got to keep the gift and a show-and-tell. website, www.wfscstamps.org.
in their possession.
There are many clubs that make
frequent use of show-and-tell programs.

6 Across the Fence Post January-February-March 2022

by Ken Grant, Baraboo Area Stamp Club and Wisconsin Postal History Society

CLUBS AT A GLANCE WANTED! The following clubs have not yet

BARABOO AREA STAMP CLUB been featured in “Clubs At A Glance.” Please send
the ATFP editor your club’s contribution to this
Iarrived in Baraboo in August 1978 to take a year-long teach-
ing assignment at the UW Baraboo/Sauk County Campus page. Deadline for the next issue is March 1
Bay de Noc Stamp & Coin Club

in what was then part of the UW Center System. I had started Central Wisconsin Stamp Club

collecting stamps in 1974 and had a small collection of U.S., Chippewa Valley Stamp Club
U.N., and Canada. Most university faculty members have Janesville Stamp Club
four areas in which they must be active: teaching, research, Kettle Moraine Coin & Stamp Club
university service, and community service. I thought that the Lakeland Stamp & Coin Club
Baraboo community might be served if there was a local stamp Manitowoc Philatelic Society
club that the folks in Sauk County could attend. Milwaukee Philatelic Society
Monroe Stamp & Postcard Club
I secured campus permission to use a classroom for our Sheboygan Stamp Club
monthly meetings and prevailed upon the director of public Tri-State Stamp Club
information to allow me to piggy-back on their regular press Wauwatosa Philatelic Society
releases by sending my announcement to the campus’s regular Wisconsin Valley Philatelic Society
media outlets. And so the Baraboo Area Stamp Club was born.

We were not the only stamp club operating in the area. The

1933 cacheted cover honoring the 50th anniversary of the

founding of Ringling Bros. shows carries the signature of

H. L. Hanson, president of the Sauk County Philatelic So-

ciety. That society was not active when I arrived in Bara-

boo and there seems to be no record of when and where the

Sauk County Philatelic Society met. The Baraboo Area

Stamp Club, however, meets on the last Thursday of the

month in a classroom at Boo-U.

In the beginning, we were a very formal club with a

reading of the meeting minutes preceding each program

and auction. We conducted elections and collected dues

of $5 a year. For our first 20 years, we had an average

attendance of 24. Revenue specialist Bill Smiley present-

ed twice in the 1980s, each time drawing more than 50

folks. Nowadays, we have about 10 regular members and 1933 commemorative cover signed by the president of the un-
known Sauk County Philatelic Society
we operate mostly by consensus.
Our monthly auctions provide us with enough cash to

cover our expenses. We usually begin with our auction

and follow that with a show-and-tell session. We don’t

always have a formal program, but we almost always

have a good time.

In 2018, we hosted WISCOPEX, the Federation’s

87th convention and exhibition at the Voyageur Inn and

Convention Center. It required a lot of work from our

small number of members to host WISCOPEX 2018, but

we think we did a pretty good job. That show honored the

32nd Red Arrow Infantry Division in World War I.

Covid-19 put a crimp in our style, and we did not

have any meetings for over a year. We began face-to-

face meetings in the summer of 2021, first in an open-

air shelter at the Conservancy located near the city’s dog

park and now back in a classroom at Boo-U. Everyone

is welcome to join us at 7 p.m. on the last Thursday of Baraboo Area Stamp Club’s WISCOPEX ‘18 commemorative cover
the month. The UW campus is located at 1006 Connie honoring the Red Arrow Infantry Division in World War I

Drive, Baraboo 53913. q

January-February-March 2022 Across the Fence Post 7

by Joe Kowalski, Fond du Lac Stamp Club PATRONIZE
OUR ATFP
RHYME TIME — Countries ADVERTISERS

Fill in the boxes on the right with widely collected countries that rhyme with
the words and phrases on the left. Slashes denote spaces. Answers will
appear on the WFSC website and in the next quarter’s Across the Fence Post.

1. rain

2. pants

3. bongo

4. blue freehand

5. Texaco

6. Dad

7. Why banned?

8. her shoe

9. Windy, huh?

10. mate smitten

11. her money

12. tan casino

ANSWERS TO A CHAIN PUZZLE —

from Oct.-Nov.-Dec. 2021 ATFP, p. 4
1. Philatelic tweezers (tongs)
2. Scott #B1, B2, B3, etc. (semi-postal)
3. Stamp not quite mint (lightly-hinged)
4. Everyday, non-commemorative stamp (definitive)
5. USPS pro who cuts a design into a printing plate (engraver)
6. See No. 4 above (two words) (regular issue)
7. Non-collector’s word for cover (envelope)
8. Inverted Jenny is the most famous one (error)
9. Iranian stamp denomination (rial)
10. Printing paper with alternating grid (laid)
11. D on early British stamps stood for (denarius)
12. All U.S. covers before 1847 (stampless)
13. Adjacent stamps with different designs (se-tenant)
14. Across _____ Fence Post (the)
15. The _____ of this puzzle! (end)

8 Across the Fence Post January-February-March 2022

by James E. Byrne, Northwoods Philatelic Society and
Green Bay Philatelic Society

Looking details:again at
Rediscovering our stamps

When I was a new collector in the previous century, faced significant opposition, was
I spent hours looking at the details on stamps. One
Christmas, I even asked for a high-power magni- signed by him on June 16, 1933,
fying glass with a wide diameter so I could see more of the
stamp image with clarity at once. and the stamp was issued on

As a youngster, I knew nothing about the methods of August 15, 1933. That was unusually
printing but the way the little lines defined pictures fascinated
me. In the details, the stories that stamps told emerged, and in fast. The Supreme Court ruled that the
my imagination, the stories expanded. I had yet to learn about
subliminal messages and propaganda and accepted stamps for act was unconstitutional in 1935.
what they seemed to be and for where they took me. Some-
times, I mourn that loss of innocence. When I enlarged the image to get a good look at

Decades later, I am still having fun looking at the details the farmer, the skilled industrial worker, and the woman, I was
on stamps, but I am a very different viewer. I now know a little
bit about printing methods and a great deal about some aspects surprised by a telling detail. Is the man in the suit and spats re-
of history, world cultures, and wildlife. I am also much more
conscious of political messages and the ways stamps can be ally FDR with a false mustache marching shoulder to shoulder
used to promote agendas.
with the voters whose support he needed? Was FDR the first
Although I appreciate the work of modern designers and
engravers like Czeslaw Slania and Martin Mörck, I am still living president to appear on a stamp?
drawn back to the stamps with which I filled spaces in The
Master Global Album that Santa brought me one Christmas Most stamps are not that blatant as propaganda. Take,
long ago, the album in which I studied stamp details with
youthful appreciation. (As an aside, that album has held up for example, the Overrun Nations Issue of 1943-44 (Figures
much better than the socks that were also under the Christmas
tree that year.) 2 and 2a). It was clearly a set intended to promote the war

When is the last time you sat down with your old album effort by presenting it as
and really looked at what is in it? For me, looking again at
material I collected years ago through eyes tempered by expe- a high moral issue. The
rience has been a great rediscovery experience.
common frame used for
For example, have you looked recently at the 1933 three-
cent stamp promoting the National Industrial Recovery Act? each stamp in the series
(See Figures 1 and 1a.) It’s really a very dull design, and the
purple ink does not enhance it. President Franklin Delano Roo- depends on two symbols
sevelt was inaugurated on March 4, 1933. The NIRA, which
to carry the message. A
Figures 1 and 1a —
1933 3-cent stamp representation of freedom
promoting the National Industrial Recovery Act
as a woman with the

broken chain of tyranny

hanging from her wrists

frames the flag of an

occupied nation on one

side, and a phoenix, a

mythological bird that

regenerated from the

ashes of the flames which

destroyed it, forms the

frame on the other side of

the flag.

The message on

these stamps is aimed at

a sophisticated audience Figures 2 and 2a — 1943-44
capable of understanding Overrun Nations Issue
shared visual, cultural

symbols. The stamp is also interesting enlarged because the

frame is engraved and the flags added by offset printing. The

enlarged image of the full stamp is a clear lesson in stamp pro-

duction as well as being a reminder of a horrendous war.

Some of the stamps to which I have paid little attention

because they are commonplace have provided entertaining

(cont’d. on p. 10)

January-February-March 2022 Across the Fence Post 9

Looking At Details the seal of the Senate. The 3-cent Webster stamp of 1932 (Figure
(cont’d. from p. 9)
6) echoes the design of the earlier 10-cent stamp in recognizing

surprises. As a collector of Figures 3 Webster’s public service. The two issues share common symbols.
Wisconsin postal history, and
I have a shoebox full of 3a — Ancient symbols appear often on
postcards franked with the
1-cent Franklin from the 1902 older stamps; a person just needs to
1-cent
Franklin become conscious of them. As a

youngster, I coveted trian-

1902-03 series, but I never gular stamps, and I have

have actually looked at the never outgrown that

details on the stamp (Figures 3 trait. The Liberian

and 3a). The design is based on 5-cent triangle of

a portrait by J. B. Longacre, an 1894 (Figures 7a and Figures 7a and 7b —
1894 5-cent Liberia
important figure in U.S. art his- 7b) has long been a

tory, but the image is not flat- favorite. There are the

tering. Is that a double or triple obvious symbols of commerce, but the

chin? Franklin’s face is framed presence of Mercury with the cadu-

by two nearly naked lads who ceus surprised me. Did you know

support an Ionic capital with that his name is derived from

the U.S. shield. The shield is an the Latin word merx mean-

obvious symbol but what is the ing “merchandise,” from

which our words “mer-

symbolism of the naked lads chant” and “commerce” are

who each holds a light bulb? We all know Franklin invented derived? The caduceus in

electricity, but did he also invent the light bulb? Perhaps the his right hand is commonly

bulbs symbolize Franklin’s bright ideas. I need to put on my associated with medicine today, but historically it has been a

bifocals and do a bit more research. symbol of commerce and negotiation.

Other stamps in this series On my

also bear a closer look. Fortu- philatelic trip to

nately, on the internet I can find Liberia, my eye

high resolution images of the was attracted by

ones that never made it into my the drama of two

album. The 8-cent Martha Wash- longboats landing

ington (Figure 4) is an elegant in rough sea with

stamp with a curved frame and the Liberian star

white space. She does not need shining above

to be ornamented with symbols. them (Figure 8).

On the other hand, the 10- Figure 4 — 1902 Enlarged, the im-
cent Webster (Figure 5) is framed Martha Washington
with fasces, bundles of sticks, age called to mind Figure 8 — Liberia longboats landing
heroic, and some- in rough sea
which symbolized power and authority in ancient Rome. A bit times foolhardy,

of research reveals that the fasces has been a common image people in the past. The

in governmental iconography in the United States and appears mutineers on the Bounty

behind the podium in the House of Representatives and on (Figures 9a and 9b)

committed themselves

to a risky life, but also

found themselves a niche

in history and literature.

The stamp featuring

the Pitcairn Bible lacks

the drama of the rough

seas and the mutiny, but

it records a sustaining

artifact of the mutineers

and their families. The

designers of the Liberian

and Pitcairn stamps were

Figure 5 — 1903 Figure 6 — 1932 attuned to the stories as Figures 9a and 9b —
Daniel Webster Daniel Webster well as the images. Pitcairn Bounty

10 Across the Fence Post January-February-March 2022

Figure 10 — France 50th Anniversary of Figure 11 — U.S. Nicolet arriving at Figure 11a — Two kids playing
the Formation of the Colonial Armies Green Bay for Packers Game by the rock

I also enjoy finding connections that the stamp design- rediscovering things that I have forgotten and learning things I
ers never intended. For example, do you see the connection never knew.
between the 1951 French stamp commemorating the 50th
Anniversary of the Colonial Armies (Figure 10) and the history As a youngster, I had a magnifying glass and the Encyclo-
of Wisconsin? One of those rays lit the way of Jean Nicolet pedia Britannica. The Britannica is now online along with so
(Figure 11) on his memorable trip to the first Packers game in many other resources, and I can find high-resolution stamp im-
what is now Wisconsin. Look for the two children playing by ages online that can be enlarged beyond the power of my lens,
the rock (Figure 11a). Knowledge is there just waiting to be but I still enjoy bending over an album page and experiencing
found. And perhaps waiting to be confirmed. a stamp and listening to the story it tells. I confess to being a
geezer with a tweezer, but I’m having fun being one.
Those of you who have chatted with me across the fence
Take an old album off a shelf and look again at what a
post in the past know that I believe stamp collecting is and younger you collected. See what you can find by the light of
one of Ben Franklin’s light bulbs.
must be fun. One lesson I learned as a youth is that boredom
(Editor’s note: Here’s a great big thank-you to Jim for all the
was my fault. That is especially true of stamp collecting. By informative and entertaining articles contributed to ATFP for
the past several years. Please keep ‘em coming!)
looking again at old friends in my Master Global Album from

the 1950s and changing the way I looked at the stamps, I’m

January-February-March 2022 Across the Fence Post 11

by Peter Hamon, Badger Stamp Club

Notes From A Magpie

— Introduction

The magpie is a member of the married. My wife, Ann, turned out to be mounts purchased from a company that
Corvus family, thought in pop- a stamp collector too. Was the world big
ular lore to be attracted to shiny enough for both of us? After some ne-
gotiation, my participation was limited then promptly went out of business. Last
objects which it steals to decorate its to Germany and in fact, all things postal but not least, I had to transfer my entire

nest. In philatelic terms, magpie often even vaguely Germanic. She got the rest collection from Minkus to Scott albums

refers to a collector who flits from one when Minkus unfortunately stopped

interest to another, ultimately learning a of the world. And so it began. publishing catalogs in the late 1970’s.

little about many things and a lot about At this time my spouse advises That’s a few months of my life I’ll never

nothing at all. Some may think this ap- me that she wishes to add a couple of
pellation to be pejorative. I do not. I am comments concerning some advantages get back again! Anyway, I learned that
adhering to industry standards is gener-
a magpie, and proud of it. of our philatelic partnership. So here
ally best in the long run.
In my case, it all began in 1935, 10 they are:
I received the specialized MICHEL
years before I was born. My father went First, Ann notes that she always has
Germany catalog (in German of course)
to Germany for a summer vacation that someone with whom to go to stamp
for Christmas from Ann a few decades
year and decided to stay somewhat lon- shows. Second, as long as the bills are
back and have spent countless trying
ger. If family stories are to be believed, paid, she never complains about how
he also fell in love with a young count- much money I spend on stamps. Anyone hours since, attempting to puzzle out the
specialized German philatelic terms with
ess, which may explain the extended envious?
which that indispensable
duration of his trip. He had no
catalog abounds. Of course,
use for the Nazis and along with “Some absolutely beautiful stamps are worthless now there is even an abbre-
his young love and her circle because they are fake. Some were created to cheat viated version in English,
of friends joined a proscribed postal services out of their just due, but even more and there are many com-
anti-Nazi political party. This were made to fool collectors.” puter translation programs,
got him into difficulties.
some of which even work
As Hitler was passing on
automatically with an iPad
his way to a speech, my father
In return I often urge her to buy nice camera. I cannot praise these electronic
yelled something at the motorcade items with prices somewhat outside her efforts enough. It has been said that a

comparing Nazi philosophy to a sub- German speaker can start a sentence,

stance normally found in barnyards and own comfort zone. Additionally, I am
responsible for identifying early stamps swim the Atlantic, and come out of the
outhouses. He was promptly arrested water with a verb still in his mouth. I

by the Gestapo and, as he later related and sorting out the fakes and forgeries believe it. Translation programs are life

it, he spent a very uncomfortable two as best I can. Since my health makes it
difficult for me to perform small motor savers. (No pun intended!)
days in their tender care before they Ann and I supplemented visiting

admitted that he was an American and tasks, she also mounts items that I iden- stamp stores and shows, by joining

let him go (but only as far as a ship back tify into my collection, a service much
to the United States). Among his meager appreciated and well beyond price. Best the American Philatelic Society (2020
was our 50th year of membership) and
possessions, however, was a small stock of all, we always have a ready topic of
discussion, be it morning, afternoon, or always eagerly awaited the various sales
book containing a few German stamps circuits (some for each of us) that regu-

of the day. This he gave to me when I the middle of the night. But I digress.
I began my quest for all things Ger- larly arrived in the mail.
was 10 years old, and that sparked my Over the years I built up a reason-

interest in philately. man by purchasing the largest packet of
German stamps that I could afford, and able collection of Germany, but one area
Those particular stamps are long I generally avoided was old German

gone. Purloined, I suspect, by a rotten an album in which to mount them. In
kid from down the block. Nevertheless, those early days, I made many mistakes. states. Many of their issues were well
out of my price range, and I also lacked
my interest in philately was kindled and Among these were mounting never-
the expertise to tell the fakes and the
the flame has never gone out. My major hinged stamps with hinges, and then
forgeries from the genuine. Then we met
philatelic breakthrough came when I got having to remount them years later in

12 Across the Fence Post January-February-March 2022

a certain dealer from a nearby city, and Figure 1 — Thurn and Taxis Cover
my inner magpie was born.
one state (Bergedorf) and as many as quite reasonable prices. Third, when I
Unlike most stamp dealers who several hundred in two others (Bavar- bought this, the appended writeup by
know their material and set fair prices ia and Wurttemberg). Many of these a previous owner was hidden away in
generally based on the catalog value of stamps may be obtained at bargain the envelope itself. I was impressed,
the stamps in question, this gentleman prices, largely due to the high number and always hoped that someday I would
would have cheerfully sold his mother of forgeries and the like. come across more examples from what
to a passing stranger if he thought he must have been a very nice collection
could turn a profit. In fact, the last time To cope with this problem it is indeed. Fourth, and best of all, I simply
we saw him he was trying to unload a necessary to consult with recognized like the piece.
semi-truck load of detergent that he had resources. I suggest three in particular.
salvaged from a highway accident onto First is Distinguishing Characteristics Figure 2: This is a page from the
anyone who might buy it. We demurred, of Classic Stamps: Old German States, Schloss guide showing the six character-
but he did have something else that by Hermann Schloss, 1948 (see Figure istics required to determine if the stamp
excited my avian curiosity. 2). Second is the Germany Philatelic indicated is genuine. This number of
Society Reference Manual of Forger- key characteristics varies widely from
He showed me two stock sheets ies, by Werner M. Bohne, 1975. Third, stamp to stamp, topping out at 30 for
of old German states. Since they were aside from the brief but helpful notes Saxony No. 1 (the rarest of all the old
offered at $10 each, I couldn’t resist, so that sometimes appear in Scott, is the states stamps). Bohne provides addi-
I bought them both. Now in those days, internet. Many advanced collectors are tional detail (for the terminally obses-
$20 was a whole week’s grocery budget, more than eager to share their knowl- sive) by identifying 34 known forgeries
so this was a serious commitment. edge online, and if you look around a of this item.
bit, really excellent resources are fairly
When I got home and checked my easy to find. Of course, there is no substitute for
purchases against a catalog, I felt vindi- real experts in the field. The resources
cated! Although pretty raggedy, some of Figure 1: I have chosen this item to noted above deal primarily with stamp
these items were listed in the $100-plus illustrate my article for several reasons. design, secret marks, and the like. Ac-
range. I only learned later, when I tried First, according to Schloss, the stamp cessing most of this information requires
to sell some of them, that condition in and cover appear to be genuine. Second, only a strong magnifying glass, and
philately is critical. Although of great although they are almost 170 years old,
theoretical value, thins, tears, stains and either or both may still be obtained at (cont’d. on p. 14)
the like had turned my proud purchases
into rather unattractive wallpaper.

Luckily enough, I don’t have to
dwell on the folly of that particular
purchase. I’ve made far worse ones
since. Besides, for good or ill, I was now
hooked on collecting old German states.

Of course there are even worse
minefields than condition. Some abso-
lutely beautiful stamps are worthless be-
cause they are fake. Some were created
to cheat postal services out of their just
due, but even more were made to fool
collectors. Now some fakes (especially
those created by famous forgers) are
collectible in their own right – but that is
a topic for another time.

For anyone who doesn’t already
know, the old German states (at least as
listed by Scott) consist of 15 kingdoms,
duchies, and free cities. Following their
victory in the Franco-Prussian War
of 1870-71, these entities ultimately
joined together to form the German
empire, which endured until the end of
World War I.

All of these states issued stamps
(see Figure 1), but as few as five in

January-February-March 2022 Across the Fence Post 13

Notes From A Magpie
(cont’d. from p. 13)

Figure 2 — Page from Schloss guide Janesville February 12
Rockford February 19-20
ideally a German-to-English translation program. The evaluation of ink, paper, STAMPFEST March 12-13
and especially postmarks more than 100 years old requires a degree of expertise
well beyond my own amateur status. Luckily enough, however, the print and CLASSIFIED AD OFFER
electronic resources previously listed should be sufficient for most purposes.
All WFSC members are entitled to two
Besides, even fakes have their uses. The American Philatelic Society free 25-word classified ads per year. In-
welcomes them with open arms for their reference collection, and by the way, clude your club membership (not counted
owns accessible copies both of Schloss and Bohne. as words). Send to Brian Liedtke, Adver-
tising Manager, ATFP, 4625 So. Scot Dr.,
My use of fakes is a bit more personal. The Scott value of Saxony No. 1 New Berlin, WI 53131, 414-731-9794, or
starts at $8,000, far beyond both our family means and even Ann’s tolerance for [email protected].
my profligate spending on all things philatelic. Of course, if you look under-
neath the mount holding my rather fine fake specimen, you will find a small
penciled zero. This means fake. Plus means real, and a question mark means
how the heck should I know? I have more zeros and question marks than I
might like, but they still keep me in the hunt for those elusive missing treasures.

I initially worked diligently on the stamps I had amassed over the years for
about six months solid in an attempt to bring order out of chaos. I’m still not
quite done, some decades later. Then a very persuasive dealer introduced me
to something else that made my resident magpie take wing in a new direction.
But that’s another story… q

(Editor’s note: Thank you, Peter, for taking on the writing of this new
column. We look forward to the next magpie adventure.)

14 Across the Fence Post January-February-March 2022

WFSC SHOW CALENDAR

Shows within and surrounding Wisconsin are quickly coming back.
Keep checking at www.wfscstamps.org for updates.
Send your show listing information to Karen Weigt, 4184 Rose Ct., Middleton, WI
53562 —­ 608-609-6173 or [email protected].

WFSC CLUB SHOWS March 19, 2022 September 16-18, 2022 February 19-20, 2022

February 12, 2022 BAYPEX ’22 MILCOPEX 2022 ROCKFORD 1-2-4 Stamp Expo
Green Bay Philatelic Society Milwaukee Philatelic Socity Rockford Stamp Club
Janesville Annual Exhibition St. Matthew Catholic Church,
and Bourse Multipurpose Rm., 2575 S. NEW LOCATION Forest Hills Lodge, 1601 W.
Webster Ave. (parking in rear), Brookfield Convention Center, Lane Rd. (Hwy. 173),
Janesville Stamp Club Green Bay, WI — hours 9-4
Holiday Inn Express, 3100 (Contact: Mark Schroeder, 325 S. Moorland Rd., Rockford/Loves Park, IL
Wellington Pl, Janesville, WI 920-337-9616, markthetuba@ Brookfield, WI Sat. 10-5; Sun. 10-4
hours 9:30-4 (Contact: Aimée
gmail.com) Fri. and Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-3 bourse, judged exhibits, auction
Devine 608-758-1354, bourse, exhibits www.Milwaukeephilatelic.org
[email protected] bourse, judged exhibits, seminars March 11-13, 2022
April 9-10, 2022
bourse, exhibits OTHER ASDA Stamp Show
WISCOPEX ’22 MAJOR SHOWS
March 12-13, 2022 Wisconsin Federation of Stamp AHmoleiCdriacyA1a7nIWnNSnt3CaC5mh0Epi2caD2LgneodaElOSeDrta.sk, Abrsosookc,.
January 29-30, 2022
STAMPFEST ’22 Clubs 90th Convention and Oakbrook, IL
Milwaukee Philatelic Society Exhibition MSDA Chicagoland Stamp Show
Midwest Stamp Dealers Assoc. June 4-5, 2022
Crowne Plaza Milwaukee (hosted by the Fond du Lac Kane County Fairgrounds, Rob-
Airport, 6301 S. 13th St., Stamp Club) inson Hall, 525 S. Randall Rd., Madison Stamp Show
Midwest Stamp Dealers Assoc.
Milwaukee, WI Hotel Retlaw, One North Main St. Charles, IL DoubleTree by Hilton Madison
Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-3 (Contact: St., Fond du Lac, WI (Clarence Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-3 East, 4402 E. Washington Ave.,
Keith Trischan, 262-419-6310,
Davis, 920-929-9194, bourse only Madison, WI
[email protected]) [email protected]) Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-3
bourse only bourse, judged exhibits, seminars
bourse only

March 12-13
Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-3
free parking — free admission

STAMPFEST 2022
10-DEALER BOURSE NEW LOCATION

sponsored by the Crowne Plaza Hotel Airport
Milwaukee Philatelic Society 6301 S. 13th St.

Milwaukee, Wis.

Contact Keith Trischan Easy access from I-94 College Rd. / Exit 319
[email protected], 262-419-6310

January-February-March 2022 Across the Fence Post 15

16 Across the Fence Post January-February-March 2022


Click to View FlipBook Version