GREAT AMERICAN STAMP SHOW

I enjoyed seeing ESPER members and attending the 2021 Great American Stamp Show (GASS). We just missed the mask mandate, but I wore mines the majority of the time. I was able to purchase several items although I heard that many dealers had limited or no black heritage items. Don't judge me, but I still have not catalogued or put my items up yet. It takes a minute to recoup from the excitement of even getting back out and meeting in person.

 

The ESPER meeting was insightful and the show and tell portion was informative and entertaining. We dined at Giordano's for the deep dish pizza experience but being from the St Louis area, I got the thin crust. I did snag a bag of Garrett's popcorn at the airport though.

 

I appeared in the American Philatelic Society (APS) Day 2 and recap videos about the show. I also submitted a one-page exhibit on W. C. Handy as part of the American Topical Association's online initiative.

 

I attended the APS banquet where Mrs. Esper Hayes was inducted into the Hall of Fame with 2 other recipients. I may be biased but I expected a little more fanfare. A video or bios in the program perhaps. Nonetheless, history was made.

 

One of the highlights for me was finding out that the World of Money conference was going on at the same time. I wasn't aware of the event although I've been in the financial industry over 13 years. They had some awesome exhibits. My favorite was the one on Coca Cola. 

 

Upon my return, I learned that I have the opportunity to share the hobby of stamp collecting in the local University's Continuing Education program. Attending GASS was encouraging that the hobby is still thriving and there is still an interest in its survival. Representation matters and it's important that we keep our voice and presence in the space.   (Great American Stamp Show provided by Charlene Blair)