K3503

U.S. Military Academy - Bicentennial

West Point Watering Hole

Benny Havens

Subscriber-Only Edition

BICENTENNIAL OF

 WEST POINT

For this issue, I'm giving my subscribers a different look at the cachetmaking process. Each new issue begins with researching the subject matter. When a basic cachet design is decided upon, rough pencil sketches and placement composition are begun. From this preliminary work, a final pencil sketch is completed. For my first two cover varieties, I'm enclosing the close-to-final pencil sketches for the "Famous Graduates" and "Cadets in Parade Dress." As you can see, we always work in a larger scale than cover size and then reduce it accordingly.

For my subscribers-only limited edition, I'm enclosing an "inked" illustration of the cachet. This is the final step before a mechanical is made from which the design will be put on the covers. Then they will be ready for hand painting.

This year marks the 200th Anniversary of the United States Military Academy. It was created by Thomas Jefferson in 1802. My Bicentennial cachet shows four cadets in full parade dress uniforms. One holds the colors while three fellow cadets march by with rifles on their shoulders. The final hand painted version of this cachet turned out great, and I'm pleased to announce it. Collins #K3501 $12.25.

My research provided a wealth of cachet-deserving material, so I decided on a second cachet variety that I would offer to all of my collectors. It features three cadets who would go on to become distinguished generals. The three men honored are John J. Pershing, class of 1886; Douglas MacArthur, class of 1903; and George S. Patton, class of 1909. It is an honor to present my West Point cachet for these famous graduates. Collins #K3502 - $12.25.

It's very possible that the above two covers may sell out quickly, so if you want any extras, do consider ordering them at this time.

The final West Point cachet is one I'm doing just for my subscribers. No extras are available, and by being done in such a limited edition will make them a very scarce and desirable Collins FDC. For over 50 years an Irishman named Benjamin Havens operated a tavern about a mile and a half from West Point. Although "off limits" to cadets, class after class made its way to its favorite watering hole located under the rocky cliffs near Buttermilk Falls. There, Benny would serve up the drinks with his Irish hospitality, and Mrs. Havens would serve up her delicious home cooking to the cadets.

Over the years, a song emerged about Benny Havens Tavern, and over 70 verses are still sung by the cadets — even though the tavern ceased operating in the late 1800s. This subject matter is one that I would wager you won't find on any other cachetmaker's covers — only on Collins. Combine that with the fact that this will be such a limited edition cover, and I'm sure it will immediately become a very desirable and actively sought West Point collectible.

I'll include a brief history of and commentary on the saga of Benny Havens with each cover. This variety is #K3503 and is dedicated to the memory of Benny, Mrs. Havens, and each of the cadets who made his way down the slippery rock steps next to Buttermilk Falls. No extra covers are available.

West Point Bicentennial

Benny Havens Limited Edition

In 1824, an Irishman named Benny Havens opened a taveren in Buttermilk Falls, about a mile from West Point. After dark, a generation of cadets would  secretly beat a path to Benney's door for a home cooked meal  and liguid refreshments. For over 50 years Havens was a friendly adversary to West Point superintendents and a most welcome atmoshere of relaxation for countless students.

In 1825, Cadet Jefferson Davis was caught there and his defense stated he was "only drinking beer". Cadet Egar Allen Poe was a regular customer and later wrote that Benney was "the most congenial soul" he knew while at the Academy. The fun-loving cadet George Armstrong Custer never past up the opportunity to lead a late night foray to Havens' hospitable tavern. The escapades of various cadets that spanned the half centurary of the tavern's operation have become legend at the Academy. A song entitled Benny Havens Oh! (sung to the tune "Wearin' the Green") has emerged as a tribute to his memory with many verses added over the years. The Corps of Cadets have adopted  the song as its unoffical anthem. For old times remembered, they will "sing our reminiscenences of Benny Havens Oh!"

Autumn 2022 Mail Sale Commentary 

Lot 27 K3503 — U.S. Military Academy Bicentennial — West Point (3-16-02)

This is the "Subscriber-Only" edition for this issue, and it rarely comes on the open market. The stamp is a striking eagle and shield set against West Point gray. It has the first day of issue bullseye day of issue postmark from West Point. As I often do, my cachet thoughts were "outside the box" and this one takes you right into the Corps of Cadets. In 1824 a personable Irishman opened a tavern close to the campus. After nightfall, generations of cadets would secretly beat a path to Benny Havens' door for the home cooked meals and liquid refreshment. Cadet Jefferson Davis was caught there in 1825. Cadet Edgar Allen Poe was a regular customer and later wrote that Benny was the "most congenial soul" he knew at the Academy. George Armstrong Custer was a regular. The escapades of half a century remain legends at the Academy. A song entitled "Benny Havens, Oh" remains today as a tribute to his memory and many verses have been added over the years. The Corps has adopted the song as its unofficial anthem. My hand painted cachet features Benny, a meal being served, and a verse from the song. I'm sure Collins was the only cachetmaker to honor the legendary tavern keeper. Benny Havens, Oh.