A recent thread on the Currier & Ives Christmas Issue of 1976 prompted me to take out my stockbook and sort the examples I have.
Anyway, a few rows down in my stockbook was Scott #1705 (Centennial of Sound Recording) and came upon this rather interesting looking partial slogan cancel on one stamp:
A simple internet search explained Fort Stanwix:
http://www.nps.gov/fost/historycult...nwix-nys.htmHowever, included in the text on their website was this paragraph suggesting that "Fort Stanwix Day" had a large celebration in 1976 and 1977, but was later changed to "Honor America Day":
Quote:
The community was also known for an important celebration that was held in the city every year. For over one hundred years the community held this celebration each August, a celebration during which the community celebrated its heritage and history with parades, concerts, pageants, picnics and more. The celebration was known as Fort Stanwix Days. The largest Fort Stanwix Days celebration took place in 1927, with other large celebrations in 1976 and 1977. These events celebrated the 150th and 200th anniversaries of the fort's siege in 1777, and the nation's bicentennial in 1976. These celebrations continue to this day, but by a different name: Honor America Days. Besides the parade, the Honor America Days concert has become the largest event of the celebration and takes place on the grounds of Fort Stanwix National Monument. Rooted in history and a sense of civic pride, the celebration has come full circle.
The slogan cancel would seem to read:
FORT STANWIX DAY
AUGUST 3RD
ROME, NEW YORK
Given that the stamp was issued on March 23, 1977, I imagine the slogan cancel saw limited use and was retired on or after August 3rd of that year.
Does anyone have information on the dates of use of this slogan cancellation? Was it limited to Rome, NY or did other area communities use the same slogan cancellation?
While it may not be a major find, the history lesson learned about Fort Stanwix through the promotion noted on this slogan cancel, having only been found out by accident when looking up some unrelated Christmas Stamps, only goes to show what one can learn by collecting stamps (even modern, seemingly worthless ones)!
Posted 11/18/2011 2:16 pm
