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APS STAMPSHOW 2001 E-mail Bulletin
Number 4, July 10, 2001
The fourth of six issues, this bulletin is sent to subscribers and key
individuals assisting with our Aug. 23-26, 2001 STAMPSHOW in Hall G of the
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois (near Chicago's
O'Hare International Airport). If for any reason you do not wish to receive
future issues please e-mail us at stampshow@stamps.org.
Items in this issue
1. Three First Days
2. Where is the Show
3. STAMPSHOW will include rarest, most valuable, and most famous US stamps
4. Auctions Sessions Finalized
5. Meetings/Seminars and Functions
6. Introduce a Friend to the Hobby
7. Book Signings
8. Lodging
9. Attractions
*****
1. Three First Days
In addition to the USPS first day for four 34-cent Carnivorous Plant stamps,
Uganda and the Marshall Islands have also announced first days at STAMPSHOW.
Uganda will issue a "Canine Friends" sheetlet consisting of six different
horizontal 1300 shillings stamps that depict the English Sheepdog, the
German Shepherd, the Great Dane, the Boston Terrier, the Bull Terrier and
the Australian Terrier. The Uganda Canine Friends sheetlet with a face
value of about US $4.50 includes the show logo in the upper-left-hand corner
and the APS logo in the upper-right-hand corner. The first day ceremony
will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday, August 23 in Room A on the show floor.
The U.S. First Day ceremony will held at noon on Thursday, August 23, also
on the show floor. Four carnivorous plant species and their prey are
portrayed on these 34 -cent commemorative stamps. A small butterfly is
caught in a leaf of a Venus flytrap; a fly perches on the lip of a yellow
trumpet; an unwary wasp is drawn toward the mouth of a cobra lilly; and an
English sundew has trapped an unlucky syrphid fly. Steve Buchanan, an artist
who specializes in botanical and entomological subjects, designed the stamps
and plans to attend the first day ceremony. Also expected to be present is
Illinois resident Einar V. Dyhrkopp, current member and past chair of the
Postal Service Board of Governors.
The third set of stamps will be issued at 10:30 am on Friday, August 24.
The Marshall Islands will honor Raymond A. Spruance, Arleigh A. Burke,
Ernest J. King, Richmond K. Turner, Marc A. Mitacher, Chester W. Nimitz,
Edward Henry O'Hare, William F. Halsey, and the Sullivan Brothers.
Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, just a few miles from the show site,
was named for Lieutenant Edward "Butch" O'Hare, the first Navy flying ace of
World War II. O'Hare singlehandedly defended the carrier Lexington from a
wave of Japanese bombers. The Marshall Islands special first day cancel
includes an anchor.
Images of the US and Uganda stamps are currently available on the STAMPSHOW
introductory web page,
http://www.stamps.org/directories/dir_StampShow_intro.htm. Free souvenirs
will be given to the attendees at all three first day ceremonies.
*****
2. Where is the show?
Are you confused about the location of the show? It is in the same building
as AMERIPEX was held in 1986. Most maps still show the name as the Rosemont
Convention Center, although the name has now been changed to honor the mayor
of the town, Donald E. Stephens. It is just a couple miles from the O'Hare
International Airport in the village of Rosemont. However, the U.S. first
day cancel for the show will read "Des Plaines, Il." And the Marshall
Islands show cancel reflects the view of most individuals outside the
immediate area in considering it part of Chicago!
Driving directions are available at
http://www.stamps.org/directories/dir_stampshow_travel.htm. If you are
flying into O'Hare Airport, both show hotels offer free shuttle service.
Once you reach the Convention Center finding the hall should be a breeze.
>From the main entrance take the escalator to your right up one floor and
walk straight off the escalator into Hall G.
*****
3. STAMPSHOW will include rarest, most valuable, and most famous US stamps
In addition to the 1-cent Z grill, Scott 85A, purchased for $935,000 in
1998; and the C3a, the Inverted Jenny; the only existing certified example
of Scott 164, the 24-cent Continental Banknote of 1875 will also be on
display. Although there is no identifiable secret mark or consistent shade
that distinguishes the 24-cent Continental from the National Printing, this
stamp is on ribbed paper which was used only by Continental. These special
single stamp exhibits will be supplemented by 150 competitive exhibits. In
total the show will include 875 frames (14,000 pages of material) with
representation of all exhibit classes. This includes the new
charity/promotion/cinderella and illustrated mail divisions and 41
competitive single frame exhibits. Unfortunately you probably won't have
sufficient time to view all the exhibits so we suggest you plan ahead by
consulting the list at
http://www.stamps.org/directories/dir_stampshow_exhibits.htm. An index by
exhibitor is also available on the website.
*****
4. Auction Sessions Announced
Most collectors attend STAMPSHOW for the unparalleled buying opportunities.
How many shows offer more than 150 dealers from 30 different states, several
Canadian provinces, and Europe? How many shows have dime or dollar booths,
where no cover may be sold for more than $1 and no stamp for more than 10
cents and a cachetmakers bourse where boothholders are limited to selling
their own creations. However, in addition to this smorgasboard of offerings
add two auctions which will be conducted in five sessions. Jacques Schiff,
Inc. kicks off the auction sessions on Friday at 1:00 pm. Regency Stamps
first session is 6:30 pm Friday. Regency resumes its auction with a 10:15
am session Saturday which should end in time for the second Schiff session
beginning at 2:00 pm. The Regency auction will conclude with a 10:15 am
session on Sunday. The total realization from these two firm's auctions is
expected to approach $2 million. For a copy of the Schiff catalog send $2
to help defray postage costs to Jacques C. Schiff, Jr., Inc., 195 Main St.,
Ridgefield Park , NJ 07660. A complimentary auction catalog is available
from Regency through their website at www.regencystamps.com or by calling
800-782-0066.
*****
5. Meetings/Seminars and Functions
While not practical, you could look at every exhibit if you spend an average
of less than eight seconds per page or you could allocate 24 minutes to
review each dealer's stock (assuming no rest or bathroom breaks), but
attending every meeting and seminar would require being in as many as 16
places at once on Saturday morning. To help you plan your schedule, indexes
of the meetings and seminars are available by society/topic and presenter as
well as the chronological listing of events. Check out
http://www.stamps.org/directories/dir_stampshow_schedule.htm.
Don't plan every second. You might want to keep some time free in case you
meet Ron Robinson, head of the Subject Subcommittee of the Citizens Stamp
Advisory Committee or fellow CSAC member John Hotchner. USPS Executive
Director of Stamp Services Cathy Caggiano and Stamp Design Coordinator Terry
McCaffrey will be at the show. It' s probably unlikely that Presidential
adviser Karl Rove will make it to Chicago, but former Illinois governor Jim
Edgar is frequently spotted at area stamp shows. One of the show dealers is
a former U.S. Amateur golf champion. Best of all, attending seminars
virtually insures that you will meet collectors with similar interests.
*****
6. Introduce a Friend to the Hobby
Along with the seminars and Society meetings, STAMPSHOW provides an
opportunity to introduce spouses, children, grandchildren, and friends to
the hobby. Special adult and youth beginner courses offered on Saturday and
Sunday are limited to 20 students per session so don't delay in reserving
space. Visit http://www.stamps.org/Education/edu_StampSaturday.htm or
register using the front wrapper of the July American Philatelist. A free
youth area (geared for ages 8-12) will be staffed for the entire show and we
will even help defray transportation costs for groups of 10 or more kids.
Contact StampShow@stamps.org for details.
Early registration for other ticketed functions such as the Awards Banquet
and Writers Unit breakfast is also recommended. Advance discounts for these
events expire August 1. Tickets may be reserved from the preregistration
page at http://www.stamps.org/directories/dir_stampshow_tickets.htm. Note
that we have to provide final numbers for these events before the show opens
and thus can not guarantee sufficient tickets at the show to meet demand.
*****
7. Book Signings
Many shows with first day ceremonies offer the opportunity to get programs
autographed but STAMPSHOW will also offer multiple opportunities to obtain
autographs of book authors. Author Karen Cartier will be present to sign
copies of her Tales by Mail book on Friday and Saturday. This is a
fantastic introduction to stamp collecting for children, grandchildren, and
friends interested in other cultures. Tony Wawrukiewicz plans to be
available to sign his new work on Forwarding Mails and could probably be
convinced to sign copies of his US and International Rate Study books. Also
scheduled is an American Philatelic Congress authors forum. Only 31 of the
64 authors and editors of the literature entries will be at the show, but
many other authors will also be present.
*****
8. Lodging
A small quantity of rooms with one king bed remain at the Rosemont Suites
(in the process of being reflagged as an Embassy Suites). This hotel is
directly across the street from the Convention Center. The $121 single and
$141 double show rate includes a daily complimentary full breakfast and an
evening beverage reception. This show rate is valid only until July 21.
The Rosemont/Embassy Suites toll free reservation number is 888-476-7366.
Looking for something less expensive? A new Microtel Inn has opened in Elk
Grove Village about eight miles from the Convention Center and has a limited
number of rooms available for as low as $48 per night. Contact them at
847-472-7000 or at www.microtelinn.com. A real economy-minded member
suggests the Harris Family Hostel in downtown Chicago. Rooms there are $24
per night. Vist http://www.chicagohostel.com/ for more information.
*****
9. Attractions
With so many events competing for attendee's time, and the diversity of
interests, the APS will not be sponsoring any official tours. However, many
attendees won't even have to leave the Convention Center as the O'Hare
Antique Show and Book Fair will be just down the escalator on Friday,
Saturday and Sunday. Unlike STAMPSHOW, admission is not free, but a $2
discount can be obtained by visiting
http://www.antiqnet.com/dolphin/2001/summerohare/index.html. The article on
page 590 of the July 2001 issue of the American Philatelist suggests many
other local attractions. In addition to the article's ideas, a Society
member from Missouri recommends visiting "I of the Storm." The Civil War
exhibit at the Chicago Historical Society features 97 watercolors augmented
with artifacts. According to Virginia Historical Society director Charles
Bryan the collection is "unrivaled in every respect." Call 312-642-4600 for
more information.
*****
APS STAMPSHOW 2001 E-mail Bulletin
Number 5, July 31, 2001
The fifth of six issues, this bulletin is sent to subscribers and key
individuals assisting with our Aug. 23-26, 2001 STAMPSHOW in Hall G of the
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois (near Chicago's
O'Hare International Airport). If for any reason you do not wish to receive
the last issue which will be sent approximately one week before the show
please e-mail us at stampshow@stamps.org.
Items in this issue
1. Additional Events/Exhibit
2. Plan Ahead
3. Cachetmakers Bourse
4. Food Functions Discount Extended
5. Third Hotel Obtained
6. Introduce a Friend to the Hobby
7. Correction
8. Preview
*****
1. Additional Events/Exhibit
For the most part the schedule has stabilized but a few events are still
being added. Among the latest additions:
*At 4:00 pm on Thursday, Lawrence L. Lum from USPS Headquarters will speak
about the U.S. Stamp Coil Program
*Larry Goldberg, will be available at the Subway Stamp Shop booth on Friday
from 1:30-2:30 pm to sign any of his six books on subjects such as the
Falkland Islands Map Issue and cancellations of Kenya, Uganda, Tanganyika,
and Basutoland.
*German Philatelic Society Chicagoland Chapter #5 will meet at 1 pm on
Saturday.
*In addition to the Z Grill, the Inverted Jenny, the original Hammarskjold
sheet, and the 24 cent Continental Banknote of 1875, a copy of the CIA
Invert will also be on display at the show.
*****
2. Plan Ahead
Have you planned out your time at the show?. With twice as many dealers as
the most recent international show in Brussels, STAMPSHOW is the size of a
small international show compressed into only four days. (Attendance is
also international as preregistered attendees (excluding boothworkers)
already represent five continents, 14 countries, 6 Canadian provinces, 43
states, the District of Colombia and other U.S. territories.) Unless you
are superman or superwoman you will not be able to attend all the meetings
and seminars, review all the exhibits, or check out every dealers stock.
By reviewing the information on our website, in the latest issue of the
American Philatelist, and in the show editions of the other philatelic
media, you should be able to accomplish more at the show. Don't be shy
about contacting dealers in advance of the show. Most will not be able to
bring their entire stock, however, if you let them know the type of material
you are looking for, it's a lot more likely that they will bring items of
interest to you. While both auction firms will have copies of their
catalogs at the show, you can save some time by obtaining them now. The
STAMPSHOW Regency catalog is also now available on their website,
http://www.regencystamps.com/public_auction.shtml.
*****
3. Cachetmakers Bourse
If you want to meet a group of talented artists, we suggest you attend the
third annual cachetmakers bourse on Friday from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm. Thus
far 10 individuals/firms have signed up and will offer their work for sale.
You may be amazed by the creativity exhibited, and where else will you be
able to purchase original artwork, usually for no more than $10 and often
for less. Some of the cachetmakers will also undoubtedly have covers ready
for the U.S. Carnivorous Plants, the Ugandan Canine Friends, and the
Marshall Islands Naval Heroes (including Lt. O'Hare) stamps to be issued at
the show on Thursday and Friday.
*****
4. Food Function Discounts
As of midnight tonight the cost of tickets for the Awards Banquet and
Wrtiers Unit breakfast were scheduled to increase. In celebration of the
record advance purchases we are extending the discounted period through
Sunday, August 4 for anyone signing up on-line via our website. 82
individuals have already purchased tickets for the Writers Unit breakfast,
one-third more than were purchased as of the start of last year's show and
15% more than the total attendance at last year's breakfast. The 215 awards
banquet ticket sold have not yet surpassed last year's total, but we may
still reach the maximum capacity of 300 that can be accommodated. Only a
limited number of tickets will be available for sale at the show.
*****
5. Third Hotel
No further rooms are available in our block at the Embassy (formerly
Rosemont) Suites and the Hyatt, our headquarters hotel, is completely sold
out. The Doubletree, which opened just over a year ago and is directly
across the street from the Convention Center, has agreed to provide a
limited number of hotel rooms to APS STAMPSHOW attendees for $109/night
single or double ($119 triple or quad). Reservations may be made by calling
847-292-9100.
*****
6. Introduce a Friend to the Hobby
Have you invited a friend to accompany you to the show? Along with the
seminars and Society meetings, STAMPSHOW provides an opportunity to
introduce spouses, children, grandchildren, and friends to the hobby.
Special adult and youth beginner courses offered on Saturday and Sunday are
limited to 20 students per session so don't delay in reserving space. Visit
http://www.stamps.org/Education/edu_StampSaturday.htm or register using the
front wrapper of the July American Philatelist. A free youth area (geared
for ages 8-12) will be staffed for the entire show and we will even help
defray transportation costs for groups of 10 or more kids. Contact
StampShow@stamps.org for details. If you are traveling from a long
distance, think about what you might find at the show that you could
purchase and take back to a kid or a friend to introduce them to stamp
collecting.
*****
7. Correction
The title given for Terry McCaffrey in the last e-mail bulletin was
incorrect. He is Stamp Development Manager for the USPS (and will be at the
show).
*****
8. Preview
Among other items, the final STAMPSHOW 2001 e-mail bulletin will include
parking information, a reminder on obtaining your badges for the show, and
the planned agenda for the APS Board meetings.
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