Q3401

American Treasures - Amish Quilts

Diamond in the Square Pattern

Cover Announcement 

This issue of four stamps begins a new Postal Service series entitled "American Treasures." The first subjects are Amish quilts, which feature bold, solid colors with strong geometric shapes. I must confess that I am very partial to this subject since my first cachet was for the Quihmaking issue of 1978.

The Amish are a religious group that believes in a simple way of life based on the Bible. They began emigrating to the United States in the early 1700s to escape religious persecution establishing their first permanent settlement in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Their quilts reflect both the strong Amish work ethics and the influence of the religious and social values of their daily life.

My hand painted cachets show scenes that reflect the Amish lifestyle that embraces humility, simplicity, and modesty. Two children ride in the family horse-drawn carriage in one of my cachets. You will note that the doll held by the little girl has a head with no features. This is because the Amish believe that only God can create a face. In the other cachet, a group of Amish school children sit on a bench waiting for class to begin. A friendly cat rubs up against the leg of one of the boys. The final two covers in this set will feature a young farmer tending his field behind a team of sturdy work horses and a group of women making a beautiful Amish quilt. Both are excellent designs, and I'm sure that you will enjoy them as much as the two being offered today.

Americana at its finest is represented in this Collins set of four. You will not want to miss adding them to your collection as the individually watercolored renditions of Amish life are in themselves American Treasures. Once gone from my stock, they will be actively sought on the open market. I'm very pleased to offer the first two - Amish Buggy (Q3401) and Amish Schoolchildren (Q3404) at 12.25