U.S. Philatelic Classics Society Cup and Award Winners

May 3, 2013…The 2012 Annual Meeting held by the U.S. Philatelic Classics Society at the St. Louis Stamp Expo from March 22^nd-24^th was a great success with a wonderful showing of exhibits and visitors.

The USPCS is proud to name the following Society Cup and Award winners for this year. Each has made a significant contribution to both the USPCS and philately as a whole. These awards are a special recognition to those who have furthered our knowledge in different fields:

– The Susan M. McDonald Plaque – David D’Alessandris for his article, Mail Between the United States and Newfoundland in Chronicle 236 (November, 2012)
– The Tracy Simpson Cup – Greg Sutherland
– The Dr. Carroll Chase Cup – James E. Kloetzel for his sustained effort in improving and modernizing the Scott Specialized Catalog of U.S. Stamps and Covers
– The Stanley B. Ashbrook Cup – Fred Gregory for his book, Hawaii Foreign Mail to 1870
– The Distinguished Philatelist Award – Dwayne O. Littauer

Description of the awards and winners of each are listed below:

The Susan M. McDonald Plaque is awarded for articles about U. S. Classic Postal History published in a given Chronicle Volume. About the winner of The Susan M. McDonald Plaque: This prize, awarded annually by the Section Editors of the Chronicle of the U.S. Classic Postal Issues, recognizes the author’s wide-ranging and richly-annotated survey article, examining letter-post correspondence between the United States and Newfoundland (in both directions) from the pre-stamp beginnings up to the Universal Postal Union. In the course of a broad and sweeping analysis, the article presents some fascinating and colorful covers, a useful map and a tabular representation of the highly complex rate components that characterized these mails, all in the process of explaining postal markings and handling practices that until now have mystified most collectors.

The Tracy Simpson Cup is awarded only to a member of The U. S. Philatelic Classics Society for outstanding service to the society. About the winner of The Tracy Simpson Cup: Greg Sutherland joined the Classics Society in 1988. He is well known to students of American postal history, who usually saw him at the bourse table of Freeman’s, of which he was the owner. Requests for Greg’s help in locating a special item always got his focused attention, a reflection of the value he placed on serving others. That value was evident in Greg’s service to the Classics Society. Greg served on the Chronicle’s editorial board since 2005. Since then he served as Section Editor of The Cover Corner, a popular gathering place for members to learn about rates, routes, postmarks and postal regulations, and to test their interpretation skills. In that role he exhibited diligence and integrity in solving philatelic problems on behalf of his readers. Since 2010 Greg chaired the society’s Cup Awards Committee, a group of five fellow members who decide the winners of the Ashbrook and Chase Cup awards. His enthusiastic, reliable support embodies what all volunteer organizations need in order to thrive. Our society has been fortunate to have the gifts of his talent and dedication, and are grateful for his service.

The Dr. Carroll Chase Cup is awarded to authors of articles, books, or other studies concerning any U. S. Stamp issued to 1894 including postmaster’s provisionals, locals, carriers, and back-of-the-book material. About the winner of The Dr. Carroll Chase Cup: Between 1994, when he joined Amos Press, and 2012, when he retired, Jim Kloetzel contributed profoundly to the improvement and modernization of the Scott Specialized Catalogue of United States Stamps and Covers. Not since John Luff and Jim Hatcher has any individual made such a substantial contribution to this key resource, on which so much of our hobby depends. Among many other achievements, Kloetzel was instrumental in making major improvements in the listings for Confederate postmaster provisional stamps (2000), the listings for Carrier and Local stamps (2001) and for the types of the 3¢ 1851-57 stamp (2008). The addition of color stamp images to the catalog, and the development of entirely new sections devoted to essays and proofs, U.S. Registry Exchange Labels 1883-1911, and a new subsection covering the use of U.S. stamps and postal stationery within the seceded independent states, all took place under his supervision.

The Stanley B. Ashbrook Cup is awarded to authors of articles, books, or other studies concerning U. S. Postal History from the Colonial Period to 1894. About the winner of The Stanley B. Ashbrook Cup: Fred began his studies of Hawaiian philately in the late 1970s, and the initial fruits of over thirty years of study are presented in the magnificent three-volume set published last year by the Philatelic Foundation. This will be the standard reference work on Hawaiian postal history for decades to come. In his work, Fred weaves the three complicated threads of Hawaiian history, changing transcontinental routes and shifting postal rates into a compelling story of Hawaiian postal evolution. Because Hawaii’s postal history was closely tied to the U.S. postal system, much insight into our transcontinental rates and routes is also contained in the work. Lavishly illustrated with cover illustrations, the book also contains many tables that clarify the sometimes bewildering array of composite postal rates. No fewer than seventeen appendices provide extensive cover censuses, postmark illustrations, rate information and, most importantly, a listing of vessel arrival and departures from 1800 to 1870. This last appendix, which fills most of Volume III, is essential in identifying which ship might have carried a cover to or from Hawaii, and represents a staggering amount of archival research. All philatelists with even a passing interest in Hawaiian postal history now have a thoroughly researched and illustrated source to consult for authoritative information.

The Distinguished Philatelist Award recognizes exceptionally meritorious service to U. S. Philately through published research, award-winning collections, active participation in the organization & promotion of philatelic exhibitions, & sustained administrative service to the national or international organizations which furthered United States Philately. About the winner of The Distinguished Philatelist Award: Dwayne O. Littauer has been active in all areas of organized philately for over twenty-five years. His interest in philately began forty years ago as a youth when he made his own album pages for United States stamps and grocery store trading stamps. He soon learned about printed stamp albums and the proper way to mount stamps. By then, he had become interested in both United States and German mint stamps. The cost of classic mint stamps forced Dwayne to consider used stamps and, fortunately for philately, he reasoned that the original covers would be more interesting to him than the stamps. He decided to combine his interest in United States and German stamps by collecting covers between the two countries. Eventually he expanded his collecting interests to include all foreign mail to and from the United States before the U.P.U./G.P.U. began, focusing on transatlantic steamship mails 1838 – 1875. Dwayne began exhibiting his United States – German transatlantic mail first, winning international gold and large gold medals in 2001 and 2006 and the Grand Award at Texpex 2006. His United States – France transatlantic mail exhibit was begun later, but it won a Grand Award earlier, also at Texpex, in 2002. As before, this exhibit also won a gold and a large gold internationally in 2005 and 2007. In 2009, Littauer began winning gold medals with his United States – United Kingdom transatlantic mail exhibit. As with his two earlier exhibits, this newest exhibit has also won an international gold medal, this time at Indipex 2011 in New Dehli. It is only a matter of time before it also wins a Grand Award domestically. Not surprisingly, Dwayne has been an American Philatelic Society (APS) accredited philatelic judge since 1991. While doing thorough research for his transatlantic mail exhibits, Littauer has shared his knowledge in articles and other print media. His topics have included the Anglo-Prussian convention, part-paid Prussian closed mail, and the twelve cent Bremen-Hamburg rate to Oldenburg. The Chronicle of the U.S. Classic Postal Issues has been his favored journal. He is currently the section editor of the Foreign Mail section, after having been the assistant editor for many years. Littauer has held important positions in philatelic organizations over the last three decades, particularly the U.S Philatelic Classics Society (USPCS). In 1988 he founded the very popular exhibition photocopy service for the USPCS and operated it until 1990 when he became a society director and treasurer. Dwayne served as treasurer for twenty-two years. Other treasurers have served the classics society with distinction, but it is safe to say Littauer was one of the best, converting many of the financial records to electronic documents, publishing and monitoring annual budgets, as well as a host of other meaningful metrics. He is currently vice-president of the society. Littauer received the society’s Susan M. McDonald Award in 2007 and the Tracy Simpson Award in 2005. Also on the national level, Dwayne chaired the election ethics committee for the APS in 2007-2008. He is currently a member of their finance committee. On the local level, Dwayne has held positions in the Crescent City Stamp Club of New Orleans, including president and director. He has been chairman of their Special Events Committee since 2005, which is responsible for organizing and holding the annual event in New Orleans fondly known as The Happening. Dwayne has given numerous talks at APS shows and local stamp clubs on various foreign mail topics. When he is not speaking, judging, or analyzing a cover, Dwayne is probably practicing law at The Kullman Firm in New Orleans, which specializes in employment law.

About the U.S. Philatelic Classics Society, Inc.
The U. S. Philatelic Classics Society (USPCS) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) association of people interested in the pre-1894 stamps and postal history of the United States. Our goal is to promote interest and knowledge of philately through the encouragement of philatelic research, and through exchange of information among our members as well with other philatelic organizations. We do this in part by preparing and distributing philatelic literature and periodicals, particularly The Chronicle of the U. S. Classic Postal Issues and the Chairman’s Chatter. We are operated entirely by volunteers, and welcome anyone interested in the “classic era” of American philately.
For media inquiries, please contact:
John Barwis
President, USPCS
jbarwis@charter.net
or
Andrew Titley
Publicist, USPCS
andrew@siegelauctions.com

Collectors Club of Chicago Pratt Award to David D’Alessandris

March 15, 2013…The U.S. Philatelic Classics Society is proud to congratulate Route Agent David D. D’Alessandris on winning the prestigious CCC Pratt Award. Here is the Press Release from the Collectors Club of Chicago (CCC):

The Collectors Club of Chicago (CCC) has announced the year 2013 recipient of the Pratt Award, which is given for the best-judged Newfoundland philatelic article published during 2012.

Initiated in 1997, the CCC Pratt Award is named for Col. Robert H. Pratt, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the pre-eminent Newfoundland stamp and postal history collector, researcher, and author.

This year’s award has been bestowed upon David D. D’Alessandris, of Virginia, for his very comprehensive article published in the November 2012 Issue of The Chronicle of the U.S. Classics Postal Issues (Vol. 64 No. 4, Whole No. 236): “Mail Between the United States and Newfoundland”.

The award consists of a $US1,000 honorarium. As determined by the CCC Pratt Award Committee, it is awarded annually for the best-judged article or other publication related to the philately of Newfoundland.

The CCC actively solicits published original research related to Newfoundland philately for consideration of the annual Pratt Award. All submissions to be considered for the CCC Pratt Award, as well as other award communications, are to be submitted to George P. Fabian, CCC Pratt Awards Chairman, ‘The Cabeen House’, Collectors Club of Chicago, 1029 N. Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60610-2803, U.S.A.

About the U.S. Philatelic Classics Society, Inc.
The U. S. Philatelic Classics Society (USPCS) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) association of people interested in the pre-1894 stamps and postal history of the United States. Our goal is to promote interest and knowledge of philately through the encouragement of philatelic research, and through exchange of information among our members as well with other philatelic organizations. We do this in part by preparing and distributing philatelic literature and periodicals, particularly The Chronicle of the U. S. Classic Postal Issues and the Chairman’s Chatter. We are operated entirely by volunteers, and welcome anyone interested in the “classic era” of American philately.
For media inquiries, please contact:
John Barwis
President, USPCS
jbarwis@charter.net
or
Andrew Titley
Publicist, USPCS
andrew@siegelauctions.com

Meet the USPCS at the St. Louis Stamp Expo

February 11, 2013…The U.S. Philatelic Classics Society is pleased to announce its 2013 annual meeting in conjunction with the St. Louis Stamp Expo on March 22-24. The show will be held at the Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel. General information about the show, hotel and travel arrangements, events, exhibits, etc. can be found on the show website at www.stlouisstampexpo.org.

We invite both members and those with an interest in classic philately to attend the St. Louis Stamp Expo.  This will be a well attended show along with some of the premier dealers and exhibitors in the United States attending. The U.S. Philatelic Classics Society will be hosting a number of exciting events, including the annual meeting dinner and seminars dedicated to U.S. classic stamps and postal history. We encourage all to visit our table for more information on the U.S. Philatelic Classics Society and how to join.

Some key USPCS events planned:

March 22nd:
8:00-10:30 AM, Board of Directors Meeting which will take place in Lambert B.

11:30-12:30 PM, Seminar presentation given by James Allen on “U.S. 1851 3c Stamp, Color, Chemistry, and Changes” in Lambert B.

1:30-2:30 PM, Seminar presentation given by Cliff Alexander on “The Postal Monopoly Express Exemption 1775 to 1845 – A Legal Analysis” in Lambert B.

6:30 PM, Annual Meeting Dinner at Lombardo’s at 10488 Natural Bridge Rd., St. Louis, which nearby the airport, beginning with cocktails and then dinner at 7:00 PM.  Shuttle service will be provided.  Be sure to contact Dorothy Youngblood at dyoungblood@regencysuperior.com or at (314) 361-5699 to confirm your attendance and for more information.  Reservations will only be accepted until the day before the show.

March 23rd:
12:00-1:00 PM, Seminar presentation given by Dr. James W. Milgram on “Forward and Missent Usages Before 1860″ in Heathrow.

1:00-2:00 PM, U.S. Philatelic Classics Society Annual Meeting which will take place in Heathrow.

2:00-3:00 PM, Seminar presentation given by Lester Lanphear on “United States Penalty Clause Mail 1877-1909″ in Lambert B.

About the U.S. Philatelic Classics Society, Inc.

The U. S. Philatelic Classics Society (USPCS) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) association of people interested in the pre-1894 stamps and postal history of the United States. Our goal is to promote interest and knowledge of philately through the encouragement of philatelic research, and through exchange of information among our members as well with other philatelic organizations. We do this in part by preparing and distributing philatelic literature and periodicals, particularly The Chronicle of the U. S. Classic Postal Issues and the Chairman’s Chatter. We are operated entirely by volunteers, and welcome anyone interested in the “classic era” of American philately.

For media inquiries, please contact:

John Barwis
President, USPCS
jbarwis@charter.net

or

Andrew Titley
Publicist, USPCS
andrew@siegelauctions.com

USPCS Releases Newly-Designed Website

November 1, 2012…The U.S. Philatelic Classics Society is pleased to announce the release of its brand new website at www.USPCS.org. With its stylish new design, the aim is to promote the collecting of U.S. Classics while providing up-to-date and essential information right from the home page. This easy-to-navigate website allows the user to go from page to page in a seamless manner. Members will continue to have full access to pages such as the Web Chronicle, SCRAP program among other files. The website also allows easy access to exhibits, monographs, store for purchasing books, membership directories, among much more.

One major benefit of this new website is the easy access to the Web Chronicle. Any member can search on ANY WORD, in all articles, editorials, book reviews, obituaries, classified and regular advertisements used in The Chronicle. Over 14,000 pages of The Chronicle are readable and fully searchable on our web site, as a benefit of membership. The U.S. Philatelic Classics Society has paved the way of the future in digitizing philatelic content and integrating it onto a web site for viewing.

About the U.S. Philatelic Classics Society, Inc.

The U. S. Philatelic Classics Society (USPCS) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) association of people interested in the pre-1894 stamps and postal history of the United States. Our goal is to promote interest and knowledge of philately through the encouragement of philatelic research, and through exchange of information among our members as well with other philatelic organizations. We do this by preparing and distributing philatelic literature and periodicals, particularly The Chronicle of the U. S. Classic Postal Issues and the Chairman’s Chatter. We are operated entirely by volunteers, and welcome anyone interested in the “classic era” of American philately.

For downloadable pdf of press release Click Here

For media inquiries, please contact:

John Barwis
President, USPCS
jbarwis@charter.net

or

Andrew Titley
Publicist, USPCS
matitley@spink.com