For children, this is a dicey period. It’s back-to-school time so there’s natural trepidation. Kids returning wonder how hard new classes may be; if former friendships will rekindle; what to expect in sports or how to earn possible scholarships. If a child is just starting school there is the huge element of the unknown including teachers, classes, friends, homework or school life.
Simplistic as it may seem, for over a century, one of the best aspects of a new school year was a fresh box of crayons. The 64-count box was ideal because it had a built-in sharpener. In 1998, the USPS even released a 32-cent stamp featuring an original box of eight crayons sold in 1903. Even 120-years ago, crayons were a staple for kids starting school. They meant fall was here....
Judging from what’s found in stores, autumn is fleeting. Halloween costumes now fill shelves in late-August. Those are quickly supplanted with Christmas decorations as early as September.
While autumnal colors may be evident on trees throughout the US, New England can justifiably boast the most about their vibrant abundance. Those lucky and wealthy enough (hotel rates can triple in the fall) to be able to take east coast color tours know Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine showcase the best colors thanks to the abundance of native maples.
Rokach clearly understood that because so many of his photos have concentrated on New England’s maples and their bright red, orange and yellow colors. Of course, others were not overlooked. The ten new stamps prove he also captured autumn leaves along the Blue Ridge Parkway; Maryland’s Eastern Shore; golden aspens of Aspen, CO; desert trees near Taos, NM; the Great Smoky Mountains; and the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon.
In addition to being alluring, the new stamps can be a catalyst for students of all ages to see how photography, artistically applied, can capture images others might never imagine.
Also, postally speaking, with this being a pivotal election year, there’s literally no escaping the political messaging found most everywhere. Another new stamp being released just this week fits that category. Refreshingly, it avoids the overt visceral sniping and doesn’t take sides.
The stamp is a bold, graphic word message first intended for King George III. It was from the First Continental Congress on behalf of American colonists wishing self-rule and independence. The wording is, “We ask but for Peace, Liberty and Safety.” It was sent in 1774 in protest to the king. A red stripe with 12 white stars representing the number of Colonies at that time adorn the left side.
Invariably, either side in this year’s election could selfishly claim the message on the stamp for their own. In fairness, it’s surely a coincidence the stamp is debuting on September 5, exactly two months prior to the presidential election. Most fittingly, it is being released at Carpenter’s Hall in Philadelphia – also known as Independence Hall where the first congress met in 1774.
Whichever side may or may not claim the stamp as part of their political agenda, it’s an impressive reminder of what was wanted, needed and proposed/demanded exactly 250 years ago. The First Class “Forever’ stamp will be for sale in post offices nationwide beginning next week.
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A quick update…two weeks ago I mentioned the sale of a jersey worn by Babe Ruth in the 1932 World Series when he pointed to the outfield before hitting a home run. It’s long been one of the most famous gestures in baseball.
The auction for the jersey took place this past week with a pre-sale estimate of $30 million. It was close. When the hammer finally fell, the unknown buyer paid a hefty $24.12 million – for a 90-year-old shirt.
Considering the average home in Beverly Hills sells for just under $2 million and the Kanye West/Kim Kardashian mansion in Bel Air recently sold for $21.5 million, you have to hope the new owner of the jersey is very comfortable in the historic purchase. Batter up.
For more collecting information and advice, log on to: http://prexford.com/.