H1801

Vermont Statehood 

Bicentennial

Collins Cover Announcement 

VERMONT STATEHOOD

Old Gray pulls the heavy wooden sled along a snowy Vermont lane as buckets of sap are collected from a grove of sugar maples. Wisps of smoke from a near-by farmhouse rise into the brisk chilly morning air and hint of the warm comfort that awaits. This hand-painted cachet captures the essence of a traditional New England scene.

I had driven up to Putney, just across the river from New Hampshire, the day before the stamp was due. It is one of the several small Vermont towns that I love and whenever possible I bring back some syrup from a farm stand just to the north about half-way to Bellows Falls.

At dawn the next morning I was on the road south a few miles on 91 to 9 West. (It was at this intersection that I discovered a bakery shop with everything made before your eyes. Try it if you're ever in Brattleboro.) Fortified with some still hot breakfast rolls and freshly brewed coffee, I headed west into the Green Mountains. Most notable was the early morning drive up and over Hogback Mountain with its 100 mile view. Inspiring and exhilarating! Soon I was descending downward on the winding road over numerous mountain streams toward the historic city of Bennington. It was past opening time so I quickly secured the stamps and found a quiet place to lick and stick. Then I retraced my route back to Putney.

The postmaster there was very cooperative and the First Day cancels are nice ones -- solid and strong -- perfect for the Vermont and New England image. As I headed home, the familiar feeling of contentment had replaced the nervous anticipation that always comes before a stamp trip. COLLINS collectors would be getting an excellent philatelic tribute to the Bicentennial of Vermont Statehood. A realistic hand-painted cachet of "sugaring time". An actual Day of Issue cancel. And, a cover that on Day of Issue traveled over the Green Mountains not once but twice. A marvelous FDC. Item #H1801. $9.25.