C2901

Great Americans

 Lila & DeWitt Wallace - Magazine Publisher and Philanthropist

Collins Cover Announcement 

Lila and DeWitt Wallace

Great American Series

This new issue honors the founders of The Reader's Digest. The Wallaces' legacy of kindness and generous contributions to the arts made them two of our country's foremost philanthropists. Their charitable work plus the clean-cut, positive content of their magazine played a significant role in strengthening the moral fabric of the nation.

For my hand painted cachet, I decided to do a composite, all-American theme that encompassed many components and aspects of The Reader's Digest. First of all, the magazine was very popular during World War II, so I decided to do a cachet set in the 1940's during the war. Roller skating was very popular during that era, and I based the scene on a soldier who was a B-17/B-24 machine gun instructor stationed in Nevada. During his off-duty hours, he awed audiences with his skate dancing and spin lifting routines. He eventually married his skating partner.

For the background, I decided to use a stylized Main Street showing a church, a farm, and houses. It is meant to represent Anytown, U.S.A. In the text, I mention two of the most popular features in the magazine - "Life in These United States" and "Humor in Uniform." My cachet, with the skating serviceman and his partner, could fit in with either of them.

An unusual Collins FDC to honor - the founders of The Reader's Digest. One that goes back to the war years of the 1940's. One that pulls together the crazy antics of youth and the American home town. One that pulls out an isolated example of life in these United States and thanks the couple who put our country in a magazine format - Lila and DeWitt Wallace. Item #C2901. $12.25.