Stamp Collecting 75 years

Photo by Victoria Gray, Brant News
Bob Anderson, past president of the Brantford Stamp Club, with a selection of his stamp collection.
Brant News
By Victoria Gray
The stamp world doesn’t stick to tradition.

Bob Anderson, past president of the Brantford Stamp Club, says stamp collecting has evolved to cover more than just the lickable, stickable, historical favourites.

“These days you can collect anything you’re interested in,” he said. “Anything you can think of like flowers, bees, historical figures – anything really.”

This year marks the club’s 75th anniversary. The club was formed in 1938 after two men sitting on a city bus sparked up a conversation about stamps. One thing led to another, and three quarters of a century later, the club is still going strong.

Club members attended a banquet to mark the occasion in October, and will continue to celebrate during the annual stamp show at Woodman Community Centre on Jan. 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

During the show, club members will feature pages of their favourite pieces alongside various exhibits and there will be numerous dealers selling their wares.

Anderson’s favourites include a four-cent Canadian stamp issued in March 1947 to commemorate the 100th birthday of Alexander Graham Bell and a one-page envelope with postmarks from Brantford, Paris, Burford, Scotland and Oakland.

“I really like the local postmarks because they tell a story,” Anderson said.

A postcard commemorating the club’s anniversary will be given out at the show.

About five exhibitors will show on different subjects and will have their collections judged to move on to the regional show. Exhibits will be judged on philatelic knowledge, condition of material, information on the title page and more.

The show is meant to help generate interest in the hobby, bring collectors together and help novice collectors gain more information about collecting.

“It’s a great hobby for youth, they can get excited about any subject and learn a lot about history,” Anderson said.

There is no charge to get into the show. There will also be draws and free stamps for children. Refreshments will be available.

For more information about the club or the upcoming show visit www.brantfordstamp.org.