March 21, 2025 - March 23, 2025

History of the Saint Louis Stamp Expo

In 1993, David M. Kols had an idea that St. Louis needed to bring back a premier annual philatelic stamp show that was worthy of Saint Louis’ place in philatelic history. Having been the home of the 1st American Philatelic Society President, John K. Tiffany, St. Louis collectors have played important roles in the growth and success of the hobby, and the APS. St. Louis was the host city for the APS National Convention in 1889, 1919, 1927, 1956, and 1995.

To build a premier stamp show in St. Louis, Kols knew that he would need the support of many volunteers from the vast St. Louis area stamp clubs. He solicited help from his business, Regency-Superior Auctions, the Belleville Scott Air Force Base Stamp Club, Greater Saint Louis Stamp Club (now the Greater Mound City Stamp Club), McDonnell Douglas Stamp Club, Monsanto Stamp Club, Mound City Stamp Club, Southern Illinois Stamp Club, Webster Groves Stamp Club, and other individuals. With the success Kols had in obtaining support for the show, he became the show’s Executive director, which he held for 25 years. The first St. Louis Stamp Expo was held on Oct. 1-3, 1993 at the Frontenac Hilton Hotel, 1335 South Lindbergh Blvd., Saint Louis, MO 63131.

Each year the show has been the host to Philatelist from around the world, offering; the regions only APS World Series of Philately show since 1998, Exhibitions, stamp bourse, hosts to other philatelic societies meetings, youth education programs, and an awards banquet.

Thanks to the following individuals for contributing artifacts, information, and their memories of the Saint Louis Stamp Expo:

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Saint Louis Stamp Expo

Programs
Event Covers
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Palmares
Elizabeth C. Pope Award
Committee
First Day Events

Larry Weisz

Larry Weisz was a member of the Mound City Stamp Club in 1993 and answered David Kols’ call for volunteers.  Larry has been in charge of Expo security ever since.  David insisted on having uniformed off-duty officers at all shows, and Larry has handled that.  If you know Larry, you know that he is a very nice person and dedicated philatelist, but you might not know about his love of cars and his sense of humor.  This story requires a bit of 1980s trivia knowledge:  After buying a Rolls-Royce, Larry went by Regency for some reason and offered to take Penney Kols for a ride in his new vehicle.  After Penney got in and before taking off, Larry asked her to open the glove compartment, where she found a jar of Grey Poupon. Larry claimed it came with the car, but that is questionable.

Robert “Bob” Stahl

September 26, 1941 ~ April 1, 2022

Bob Stahl was a USPS official in St. Louis and knew David Kols from working together as part of the shows’ support by the USPS.  After retiring from a 42-year career at the USPS, Bob worked and supported the youth programs at Expo.  He does not show up as having been on any Expo committee because he never wanted any appearance of a conflict of interest with his former USPS position.  Bob’s efforts are still worthy of mentioning.