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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.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Apocryphal or Not?
Many years ago, around 1840 or so, a learned and stout gentleman was walking in the morning air outside of London. As usual he was lost in his thoughts, preoccupied with his troubles. He was headmaster of his own public school in the country, a known up-and-comer. He turned the bend and saw a young woman standing at her front door awaiting the morning mail.The postman turned onto her path, while the gentleman drew closer. The postman held out a letter to her, and the young woman reached to take it. But the postman did not let her have it. "I'll need your postage payment first, 'mam," he said. The woman stared at the envelope in the postman's hand. The headmaster stopped and listened.
"The letter's from my husband Dan, a corporal in Egypt, but I haven't a penny. Please, I haven't heard from him in half a year." The postman shook his head and sadly put the letter into his pouch. "Sorry, m'am, the postage has to be paid by someone. It'll be returned to the army otherwise. G'day."
The postman left, and the woman cried. This chance encounter bothered the headmaster. He was something of a reformer. His school was progressive and new, but his thoughts soon turned to ensuring accessible communication for all people.
Do you know who this headmaster was or what he pushed the British government to do in 1840?
Do you see the similarity to him and Sir Berners Lee?
St. Rowlands School of Hinge Sticking
The answer to last Friday's question
Q: What are 'palm stamps'?
Where do they come from?
When were they used?
A: A common design type used in France's colonies in West Africa from 1906 to 1913. The middle denominations of each colony's series featured a palm tree design. The lower values showed Capt. Faidherbe, the upper values showed Dr. Ballay, and all had blank cartouches for the colony's name.Q: What are 'palm stamps'?
Where do they come from?
When were they used?
Today's New Stamp Question
Q: What's the US' "Poor Man's" commemorative?
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the lanai guy | 10:35 AM | 0 comments |
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