Sociable Stamp Society

This is our blog for current stamp news and views of interest to the philatelist and beginner. Daily updates provide items on shows, new issues, events, what's selling, and timely facts.

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Saturday, April 02, 2005

What this country needs is a good 5 cent stamp

Monument Commemorates America’s Air Mail Pioneers
The American Philatelic Society will dedicate a monument honoring America’s early air mail pioneers and the role played by Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, in air mail history on Sunday, May 15. The dedication, to be held in conjunction with Bellefonte’s annual Spring Festival, will include music, a special event “Pioneer Air Mail” dedication postal station, tours of the American Philatelic Center, and an open house featuring philatelic exhibits and the Nittany Valley Model Railroad Club.

The monument itself is located across from the front entrance to the American Philatelic Center. The inscribed tribute, which includes a replica of the Curtiss Jenny biplane, recalls the first decade of transcontinental air mail, 1918–1927, when pilots had to fly by dead reckoning — timing the distance flown by watch and estimated speed, using compass bearings, and estimating wind drift. Other issues, like Centre County’s unpredictable weather, fog, and high winds, made flying across the Allegheny Mountains treacherous — factors that led air mail pilots of the 1920s to call the region “Hell’s Stretch.” More fatal accidents occurred in this area than along any other part of the transcontinental route. The monument pays tribute to the thirty-four valiant pilots who lost their lives along this
dangerous leg of the journey.

The American Philatelic Center Open House hours are from noon to 5 p.m., with the ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony of the 2,800-pound monument beginning at 3 p.m. For more information about the dedication and open house, contact APS Program Coordinator Janet Houser at 814-933-3820, ext. 238; jehouser@stamps.org, 100 Match Factory Place, Bellefonte, PA 16823.

the lanai guy | 10:48 AM | 0 comments |  

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