The Shadow
CLIFTON FORGE — The Clifton Forge Public Library is currently showcasing a display titled “It’s All About U.S. Stamps.”
The display features United States commemorative and regular issue stamps on loan from the private collection of Steve Evans.
Evans has been collecting stamps for about 40 years. He attributes his love of philately (stamp collecting) to his parents and to a special friend, the late Franklin R. Bruns, Jr.
His father was a stamp collector who would save some of his stamps for his son. Bruns was a curator, columnist, and stamp collector for the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C.
Included in the display is a special first-day issue stamp of the moon landing, along with Apollo, Gemini, and Space Shuttle stamps. “I kind of favor the space stamps,” Evans says.
“I also like the Peter Max stamp, and I’ve always liked the National Parks issues,” he continued, noting the Old Faithful stamp. “There were eight to ten of them on a sheet. I always tried to get sets. The U.S. Postal Service always issues new stamps honoring a recently deceased president. If you cut up a sheet of stamps, their value decreases.”
Noting that stamps have been issued in various sizes and even in circular and triangular shapes, Evans said, “It always amazed me how intricately they could print things on such a small stamp.”
Among others, the exhibit also includes stamps reflecting Cowboys of the Silver Screen, Bugs Bunny, Disney characters, Gulf Coast Lighthouses, and Muscle Cars.
Of special interest is a 1000-piece puzzle that Evans finished in two days. It features various stamps, such as a one-cent Yosemite stamp, a two-cent Ben Franklin stamp, a three-cent Century of the Telegraph stamp, a four-cent Soil Conservation stamp, and a five-cent American Music stamp.
Other stamps in the puzzle reflect various historic events and famous people along with the changing postal rates up to the twenty-cent stamp.
“Stamps are a wonderful way to learn about people, places, and events throughout history,” said Evans in summing up the exhibit. “Enjoy the display.”
The display showcases only a sampling of Evan’s extensive collection.
Evans served his country in the Navy for 20 years, four of those years as active duty, and the remainder in the Naval Reserves. He is a retired special education teacher with the Alleghany County School System.
“It’s All About U.S. Stamps” will be on display at the Clifton Forge Public Library throughout April.
The Library is located at 535 Church Street.
For information on any library programs or activities, phone 863-2519.
