Americana

American Schools

Autumn 2022 Mail Sale Commentary 

Lot 6 D201 — American Schools (8-27-79)

Appearing for the first time in one of my sales, I'm anxious to share with you how this Collins came to exist. But first, for the cachet frame I chose an old-fashioned writing slate. On it is a hand painted iconic one-room schoolhouse. A most pleasing visual.

At 1 AM on the day of issue I arrived at my Fargo, North Dakota motel. At 5 AM I was making the long drive to the town of Devils Lake past countless sunflower fields. Securing the new stamp, a plate number single has the official "first day of issue" postmark. Racing back to the Fargo Airport it was a quick flight to Chicago. Then a long drive up to Schoolcraft, Michigan where I had pre-arranged for the covers to be cancelled. I got them there on time, and a beautiful, large postmark with killer bars was the crowning touch. What a Collins for this American Schools stamp! And I will never forget those sunflowers.