During my time at college, there was one day when I was in the campus library that I ran across a copy of The American Philatelist. Although I had been collecting stamps since I was a preteen, I wasn’t familiar with the American Philatelic Society, but I was intrigued by the idea of being part of a big club of stamp collectors, and I promptly applied to join.
Many moons have passed since that time, and the APS staff recently mailed me a certificate recognizing my 25 consecutive years of membership. (I understand 25-year members who were able to attend Boston 2026 received their certificates at the show.)
American Philatelic Society 25 Year Member certificate
Some might question the value of being a member of the APS, and it’s probably a fair question to ask. Here’s how I look at it: the APS is the biggest organization promoting stamp collecting in the United States. I’ve benefitted a great deal from philately over the years—not financially, but educationally, from what the various things the hobby has taught me, and if the APS’s efforts to promote stamp collecting result in someone else getting the same enjoyment from the hobby, then my modest annual membership dues are money well spent.
I don’t remember exactly when it arrived in my mailbox—probably last week I’m guessing—but this business reply envelope has been sitting in my mail tray waiting for me to write about it…so here it is!
Arriving in a mailing from the nonprofit Breathrough T1D, the front of this lavender-colored BRE (and yes, I did consult my wife to confirm what color to call this) has three preprinted stamp-sized designs picturing various flowers on it.
Breakthrough T1D business reply envelope with preprinted flower designs
Not the most exciting of philatelic items, but the use of that particular shade of paper does stand out a little bit from most of the business reply envelopes I receive.
This update has spaces for all the United States postage stamps issued in March, April, and May of this year including the various stamps issued at Boston 2026.
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Philosateleian Post issuing stamp celebrating USA’s 250th birthday
The United States of America turns 250 years old this year, and to celebrate the nation’s semiquincentennial, Texas-based Philosateleian Post is releasing a commemorative local post stamp. The stamp is scheduled to be issued July 1, 2026.
Philosateleian Post United States of America 250th Birthday stamp
The 1-stamp stamp pictures the United States flag waving in the breeze along with the text “USA 1776–2026.” It will be the first Philosateleian Post stamp to depict a flag since the local post’s very first stamp, which was released in 2004.
“We are privileged to live in a nation that has freedom of speech and religion,” says Philosateleian Post proprietor Kevin Blackston. “I’m pleased to have Philosateleian Post join the celebration of the country’s 250th birthday.”
Technical Specifications
Format: sheets of 45 (9×5). Plate number: P260519. Design size: 23×33 mm. Overall size: 26×36 mm. Separation method: perforated 12. Adhesive: water-activated dry gum. Printing method: laser.
Philatelic Services
To receive a mint single of Philosateleian Post’s USA 250th Birthday stamp, or for first day cover service, send either $2 or a self-addressed stamped envelope and your request to:
Kevin Blackston
Philosateleian Post
PO Box 217
Floresville TX 78114-0217
United States of America
Purgatory Post celebrates centennial of first liquid-fueled rocket flight
Following a bit of a quiet spell, New Hampshire-based Purgatory Post has released a new 16-sola local post stamp honoring Robert Goddard and the 100th anniversary of the launch of his first successful liquid-fueled rocket. The stamp was issued May 1.
Purgatory Post Robert Goddard stamp
According to a note included with this stamp, Goddard’s experiments proved liquid-fueled rockets could fire continuously; prior to that time, rockets only used solid fuel. Goddard’s work led to further development in Germany, and some of that work later contributed to the success of the USA’s space program.
This was the other piece of interesting mail to which I alluded in yesterday’s blog post, and it’s the last item I have to share with you this week.
