N2101

Cherokee Strip Land Run

Centennial

Collins Cover Announcement

THE CHEROKEE STRIP

A Historic Moment in Westward Settlement

It is a given that I always strive to produce the best cachet that I can for each issue. A consistency for excellence is a reputation that I dearly relish and one that has been earned over the years. A few times a year as an afterthought I think I might have done better and a few times a year the final outcome exceeds my expectations foi the new Issue. This hand-painted cachet is one that came to life for me during the watercolor process and it has absolutely become one of my personal favorites. It is a perfect example as to how quality hand painting can bring life and excitement to a First Day Cover.

The Cherokee Strip was an eight million acre parcel of land in the northwest area of Oklahoma. In 1892 Congress paid the Cherokee Indians for this area. On September 16, 1893 by presidential order the "strip" was opened for settlement in a great land run. On that day, more than 100,000 pioneers and settlers gathered and raced from the Kansas border upon the starting signal. By day's end, 40,000 parcels of land at 160 acres each were all claimed and the lucky winners of the greatest race in American history began their new lives on the American frontier.

Two mounted cowboys urge their horses to a full gallop at the start of the race. Along-side of them, a covered wagon picks up speed as its team surges toward the promised new lands.

Dust from these and the other thousands of patrticipants begins to rise from the prairie floor. The "design" of this cachet captures the speed and single focus of the moment.

Beyond the design, what really brings this cachet to life is using the morning sun to create a fine dramatic effect. A golden glow on the rising dust and the familiar pink reflections of a western sunrise combine to make this COLLINS a wonderful example of cachet art. It is the hand painting that brings this scene to a remarkable conclusion. Each time I look at the completed covers, I like them more.

A final observation is how the stamp and cachet work together in theme and color. Although the larger and more intricate hand-painted cachet dominates, note how they combine to give a pleasing balance to this fine philatelic collectible. Western art brought to life. The golden dawn of a new day in American history as the beginning of the great race is captured forever on this COLLINS FDC. Item #N2101. $10.75.