The APS Summer Seminar in Philately first began in 1980. Contrary to the belief of some, it never was actually named Stamp Camp. However, in 1990 the term Stamp Camp first appeared in The American Philatelists. This lasted until 1994 after which the named just stopped being used. The name still lingers today as many still refer to Summer Seminar as Stamp Camp.
The first governmental issued airmail stamp was issued by Italy in May 1917. It was an Italian Express issue over printed for experimental service between Rome and Turin.
The 3-cent 1869 pictorial wood burning locomotive stamp, Scott #114, which was the workhorse for the mail at the time due to the 3-cent letter rate, was chosen in the advance to commemorate the transcontinental railroad. The stamp was issued 6 weeks before the completion.
The first non-denominated US stamps were Christmas stamps. Scott #1579 and 1580 were issued on October 14th, 1975.
Many of Nicaragua’s stamps were issued depicting volcanos. Backers of the Panama route used these stamps on mail to the U.S. Congress to dissuade them from building the canal through Nicaragua due to the dangers of the volcanos.
Postage rates are going up again on January 23rd, 2023. A first-class letter up to 1 ounce rises 3 cents to 63 cents, the postcard rate goes up 4 cents to 48 cents, but hey, the additional ounce rate stays the same at 24 cents. At least something didn’t increase!
