I started collecting stamps in 1974 at age 8. I was a Wolf Cub (and later a Boy Scout) and that's how I got going. I earned the Queen's Proficiency Collector Badge. My father and an uncle encouraged me. I had a Scott w/w album. later I would just collect Canada, then branch out from there.
I always loved the stamps from the French Community of the 1960's and 1970's. They were engraved, colourful, and CTO's. They were colourful and from exotic places, and they had interesting birds on them.
What "hooked" me? Two sets of stamps. My Mum worked for
Canada Post for 27 years. She brought home a FDC and a plate block each of the 1973 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting stamps. They were the largest sized stamps Canada had ever issued, to that point,eh? They show a beautiful portrait (engraved) of HM The Queen; the 8¢ was silver and the 15¢ was gold. Wow!
The other stamp was an American stamp. My father had served in the RCAF in the 1950's and 1960's. He was posted to the U.S. as part of the NORAD agreement; and had many friends in the U.S. They would exchange Christmas cards. My Mum opened a card and handed me the envelope. On the corner of the envelope was the big 8¢ (I think) stamp with a BigHorn Sheep on it. Wow!
I guess that's why I like the moder stamps... big and colourful.
David
Posted 08/30/2008 5:11 pm
