About Stamp Memories

When I was a kid in the 1970s my parents bought me mission mixture bags from time to time. Never anything but definitives but one time there was the USA 1974 Horse Racing stamp (Sc. 1528) in the bag.

I've no idea what happened to that stamp but when I saw the cover below I bought it without any hesitation




It even had a postcard of the ship in the envelope!

My grandmother never collected stamps but saved them for me and this really got me started about 50 years ago. She always put the stamps (used) in an envelope on the frig for me when I visited. When she passed I kept the envelope and the stamps that were in it. I still have it that way and will keep it that way until I can pass on to someone else in the family.

The one that holds the best memories for me is the 1967 Space Twin stamp. A local stamp store I used to go to as a kid in the 70's had it on a price list but never had one in stock. I didn't know about the shows or other dealers outside my little world so never looked for it beyond my neighborhood. It took about a year or more and the guy finally had some. I thought it was the rarest of rare stamps at the time. Still have it! I love the simple design and the fact that two stamps make up the full design. One of my favorites to this day. I really like all the stamps from that 1960's/early 70's that used multi color engraved designs (Giori Press?)

I remember this stamp "Gemini Twins' was in big demand in the years after it was issued. Like the orbiting capsule these stamps have come back to Earth. Still an attractive set!

Christmas 1991, this brand new stamp collector asked for 1,000 worldwide stamps that were in the Sears Wishbook. So much joy was brought for $11.99. I remember closing my eyes and still seeing stamps.

The mixture had a bunch of Maluku Selatan stamps. I thought they were utterly amazing. Now knowing what they really are, I still have them in my collection to this day. I often look at them with kind fondness.

I recall as a kid stamping Christmas cards with 5c Washington 1213 and wondering why we didn't have any of the Christmas stamps I saw on incoming mail.