L1101s

Great Americans

Father Flanagan Boys Town Founder

Signature

Collins Cover Announcement 

FATHER EDWARD J. FLANAGAN 

A pane of six provides a fine representation for this founder of world famous Boys Town, Nebraska. Father Flanagan envisioned a home where wayward boys could begin to establish roots and become an asset to society. He not only provided shelter and a place to live but also befriended them personally to aid in their development. This was the theme that I used in both the First Day cancel and the hand-painted cachet.

After picking up the stamps at Boys Town on the Day of Issue, the covers continued west to the small town of Friend, Nebraska. I felt that this was a wonderful First Day cancel that summed up nicely what Father Flanagan succeeded in accomplishing. The pane is tied to the cover with two "Friend" cancels.

The hand-painted cachet depicts the priest and a boy walking together on the green lawn. The boy is obviously expressing some concern and Father Flanagan, arm around his young companion's shoulder, listens intently. Being a "friend". Behind them, tall trees grace the grounds and dormitory buildings, and a church can be seen in the background.

This is not a flashy or eye-catching FDC. Instead I've tried to capture the quiet determination of a man who had a dream and made it come true. Item #L1101 - $7.50