News

The Award’s Are In!

2023-11-09… We are honored to report that our Empire State Postal History Society website (esphs.org); developed, designed and managed by President Charles J. DiComo, PhD; has been awarded a Large Vermeil in the 2023 American Philatelic Society (APS) Star Route competition. Recently relaunched, this competition judges the various newsletters and websites of APS Chapters.

Since the mid-1800s, the Star Routes were the most challenging routes in the country to deliver U.S. mail. Congress called for contractors to deliver the mail with “celerity, certainty, and security,” soon replaced with three stars. Our chapters serve and grow the hobby in those same tough terrains with that same mission.

The Society website (esphs.org) is our virtual presence; where all can access current and past issues of our award-winning NYS postal history journal The Excelsior!; The Bulletin Newsletter; in addition to useful philatelic links, exhibits, presentations, useful resources, affiliates, etc.

We are also commend Dr. DiComo for being awarded two Large Golds and the Grand Champion Award for his Philatelic Society of Lancaster County (PA) and U.S. Philatelic Classics Society (USPCS) websites. Congratulations Charles!

The full results can be viewed on the APS website: https://stamps.org/community/star-route.

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The Award’s Are In!

2023-10-04… The Society is pleased to announce that the Excelsior! – The Journal of the Empire State Postal History Society and newsletter The Bulletin, have been awarded a Large Vermeil Award at the American Philatelic Society Great American Stamp Show’s 54th Annual Literature Exhibition.

We wholeheartedly thank our Editors-in-Chief, Jeff Stage and Larry Laliberte, respectively, for their fresh approach and modern look and feel to our publications – as well as our authors and contributors – who are committed to sharing their love of New York State postal history with our constituents. Congratulations!

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The Award’s Are In!

2023-07-15… The Empire State Postal History Society (ESPHS) is proud to announce that Society President Dr. Charles J DiComo, Ph.D. and Terry Shaw, PhD were awarded Best Article 2022 in the NYS postal history journal “The Excelsior!’ as voted by their peers.

Their winning article appeared in The Excelsior!, October 2022, Whole No. 36, New Series, pp. 3-6, and is entitled A One-Day Wonder: Name of Post Office on Long Island became Jones Beach for a Single Day in 1932. Brief: Jones Beach, NY today is a popular NYS Park in Nassau Co. that receives some 6 million visitors a year to its sandy beaches and other attractions. It’s location makes Jones Beach the busiest beach on the East Coast. Over 90 years ago this area was known as High Hill Beach.

In the May 5, 1932 edition of the Postal Bulletin, notice was given that the name of the “High Hill Beach” Post Office would be changed to “Jones Beach” effective June 1, 1932. But not so fast, as again for reasons unknown the June 1, 1932 edition of The Postal Bulletin rescinded this action, reverting the name of the post office back to “High Hill Beach.” Thus, “Jones Beach” was the name of the Post Office for one day only June 1, 1932. The cover shown is the only known survivor from that First and Last Day, signed by then Postmaster John Alder Haff, better known as “Jiggie.”

Other presentation & articles authored by Dr. Charles J. DiComo can be found on the Member Spotlight page.

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Dr. DiComo takes home two Awards at 2023 Sarasota National Stamp Expo & Writers Unit 30

2023-02-04… The Society is pleased to announce that ESPHS President Dr. Charles J. DiComo has been honored with two Vermeil at the 2023 Sarasota National Stamp Expo & Writers Unit 30 for articles published in philatelic journals in 2022.

The winning articles are:
1. A One-Day Wonder: Name of Post Office on Long Island became Jones Beach for a Single Day in 1932. This appeared in The Excelsior!, October 2022, Whole No. 36, New Series, pp. 3-6.
AND
2. H. H. Warner & Co. ‘Safe Remedies’ Major Double Transfer of Central Vignette on 6¢ Medicine Stamp, RS258dt, which appeared in The American Revenuer, Second Quarter 2022 (Vol. 75, No. 2), pg. 59-61.

Congratulations Charles! To view all the Awardees, click, 2023 Sarasota Literature Palmares. To enjoy more of Charles’ philatelic research articles and presentations, you can find them on the: President Spotlight page at the PSLC website.

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The Award’s Are In!

2022-11-11… Our own BULLETIN, edited by Larry Laliberte, and Society Website (esphs.org), developed, designed and managed by President Charles J. DiComo, PhD, have won a Vermeil and a Large Gold Medal, respectively, in the APS Star Route competition. Recently relaunched, this competition judges the various newsletters and websites of APS Chapters.

Since the mid-1800s, the Star Routes were the most challenging routes in the country to deliver U.S. mail. Congress called for contractors to deliver the mail with “celerity, certainty, and security,” soon replaced with three stars. Our chapters serve and grow the hobby in those same tough terrains with that same mission.

Two times yearly, Larry edits a BULLETIN containing the activities of the Society. It contains such columns as a letter from the President; member articles; various reports; members who have won awards at shows; regional shows details; research requests, want ads, etc.

The Society website (esphs.org) is our virtual presence; where all can access current and past issues of our award-winning NYS postal history journal The Excelsior!; the Bulletin Newsletter; in addition to useful philatelic links, exhibits, presentations, useful resources, affiliates, etc.

Congratulations, Larry and Charles!

The full results can be seen at:
https://stamps.org/community/star-route

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Dr. DiComo takes home two Awards at 3rd Annual SESCAL Literature Exhibition

2022-10-29… The Society is pleased to announce that ESPHS President Dr. Charles J. DiComo has been honored with a Large Vermeil at the 3rd Annual SESCAL Virtual Literature Exhibit of Philatelic Articles for his brief history and examination of the H.H. Warner & Co. “Safe Remedies” major double transfer of the central vignette on their U.S. Private Die Proprietary Six-Cents Medicine Revenue Stamp RS258dt, which was published in “The American Revenuer,” Volume 75, No. 2, 2Q2022 Issue, pp. 59-61.

He was also awarded a Bronze for his article entitled “The History of the Ill-Fated Dirigible Akron and the Discovery of a Scarce ‘Souvenir of Balloon Akron’ Fabric Postcard from 1912” which appeared in the Philatelic Society of Lancaster County PSLC Newsletter and the Lancaster County Postcard Club’s The Card.

To read the H.H. Warner article, visit: H.H. Warner & Co. “Safe Remedies” Major Double Transfer of Central Vignette on 6¢ Medicine Stamp, RS258dt
To read the Akron article, visit: The History of the Ill-Fated Dirigible Akron and the Discovery of a Scarce ‘Souvenir of Balloon Akron’ Fabric Postcard from 1912

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Members Turn out for the Eleventh Northeast Ephemera & Postal History Show

2022-07-19… On July 16 & 17, 2022, many members and friends attended the Eleventh Annual Northeast Ephemera and Postal History Show in Albany, New York. The show was organized eleven years ago by four ESPHS members: Tom Auletta; Anne and Elwyn Doubleday; Robert Dalton Harris and Diane DuBlose; and George McGowan. The venue (The Polish Community Center) presented a variety of Postal History, Stamps, Ephemera, Postcards and other collectibles.

Over the years, the show has made a table available to our Society for members to gather and also to handout copies of our NYS postal history journal The Excelsior! and our newsletter The Bulletin in hopes of attracting new members. Last year the show attracted over 200 collectors over the two days, and this year approached that number, missing by only a dozen. Please put the show on your calendar. For future shows, block the third weekend in July.

Photo Credit: George McGowan.

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The Award’s Are In!

2022-07-01… And the winner is… Mark Fonda. His terrific article, Stampless Covers Gush with Potential took the “Best Article of 2021” prize as voted by his peers, besting the nearest contender by just three votes. As slim as that margin may appear, compared to last year’s contest, this year’s voting was remarkably evenly spread out over the entire field. Clearly, the diversity in the topics brought to you by our authors was appreciated by the diversity of our members’ collecting interests and corresponding votes. Congratulations Mark!

Now would be a good time for many of you to consider writing an article for our journals. Not just to get into the next “Best Article” contest, but you just might find sharing your interests and specialties with others, using the written word, to be a wholly gratifying exercise.

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2021-11-01… The Society is pleased to announce that ESPHS President Dr. Charles J DiComo has been honored with a Gold Medal at the SESCAL Second Annual Literature Exhibition of Philatelic Articles for his research article which appeared in the February 2021 issue of the American Philatelic Society’s “American Philatelist” entitled A Noteworthy Precancel on Lancaster Watch Company’s Advertising Covers.

As one person penned, “Dr. DiComo successfully presented his research by weaving the philatelic research of the pre-cancel with a social story of the watch company. The author’s presentation style allowed his research to flow as a historical story instead of a clinical dissertation… The “lesson learned” is that world class philatelic research needs to be multidimensional… not only does it need to be well researched, it must be written in a manner that captivates the reader.” Congratulations Dr. D!

To view the entire list of Award winners, visit the 2021 SESCAL Literature Palmares page.

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2021-08-27… The Society is pleased to announce that ESPHS President Dr. Charles J. DiComo, PhD has been awarded a Large Vermeil at the American Philatelic Society Great American Stamp Show’s 53rd Annual Literature Exhibition for his article which appeared in the February 2021 research issue of the American Philatelist entitled A Noteworthy Precancel on Lancaster Watch Company’s Advertising Covers.

As one person penned, “Dr. DiComo successfully presented his research by weaving the philatelic research of the pre-cancel with a social story of the watch company. The author’s presentation style allowed his research to flow as a historical story instead of a clinical dissertation… The “lesson learned” is that world class philatelic research needs to be multi-dimensional… not only does it need to be well researched, it must be written in a manner that captivates the reader.” Congratulations!

To view the entire list of Award winners, visit the APS Literature Palmares page.

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2021-08-26…. The Society is pleased to announce that the Excelsior! – The Journal of the Empire State Postal History Society has been awarded a Vermeil at the American Philatelic Society Great American Stamp Show’s 53rd Annual Literature Exhibition in its first-time submission. We wholeheartedly thank our Editor-in-Chief Jeff Stage for bringing a fresh approach and modern look and feel to the journal – as well as our authors and contributors – who are committed to sharing their love of New York State postal history with our constituents. Congratulations!

To view the entire list of Award winners, visit the APS Literature Palmares page.

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It is Annual Members and Board Meeting Time!

2021-06-06… ESPHS Members – by now the June issue of the BULLETIN should be in your hands. And while we will not be all together this summer at the many NYS Stamp Shows, I am looking forward to seeing all of you, along with our Officers and Directors at our virtual 2021 Annual Members and Board Meeting.

The Annual Members meeting shall be held on Saturday, June 26 from 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM, followed by our Board of Directors Meeting from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM. The agenda was published in the June BULLETIN available on our website.

Outlook invitations for the virtual Zoom meetings to all members has been sent and George McGowan, Society Secretary will be mailing the slate as well. Elections are due and will be decided at our Members meeting. To be elected; President, Vice President (2-year term) and up to three directors for a 1 and 3-year term. We are also seeking directors for various other terms. All incumbents are nominated, but nominations are open and welcomed to fill other terms of directors.

The present slate of candidates is: President – Charles J. DiComo, PhD (2-year term); Vice President – David Przepiora (2-year term); Directors: Brian Levy and Jeff Stage (3-year term); Steven Kennedy (1-year term). We are all looking forward to seeing you via Zoom or by dial in, whichever is easiest. Any questions, feel free to reach out to me or any of our officers.
Regards,
Charles J. DiComo, PhD | President

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In Memoriam – Drew Nicholson (Sept. 29, 1940–May 5, 2021)

Drew Nicholson, 80, passed away Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at the Candlewood Valley Care Center in New Milford, CT.

A 57-year resident of Pawling, NY, Drew was born in the Bronx on September 29, 1940 to Seymour and Audrey (Zurwella) Nicholson. Drew attended SUNY at Oneonta graduating in 1962. While there he met Linda Whiteside and they were married in Hicksville, NY on August 17, 1963; she predeceased him on March 5, 2020.

Drew was a high school teacher for the Pawling Central School District for 34 years retiring in 1996. He served as the Pawling Village Historian, a library trustee and board member, and a member of the Pawling United Methodist Church. He was a compassionate person who was always there to help in a time of need. Drew was also an avid Yankees fan.
He is survived by his two children, Dennis and Denise, both of Pawling.

Collecting Germany was his lifelong passion, serving on the APS expertizing committee for that country. He also collected Dutchess County postal history with an emphasis on its postal routes. He was also a deltiologist collecting view cards of Dutchess County and patriotic themed cards.
Drew was a member of the American Philatelic Society, New York State Postal History Society, German Philatelic Society, U.S. Philatelic Classics Society, Collectors Club of N.Y., Putnam Philatelic Society and the Taconic Post Card Club among others. He occasionally gave lectures at those societies as well as local historical societies.

Our Society has lost an active member. He was on the Board of Directors, served as editor of the EXCELSIOR! for five years and was publications committee chair. Donations in memory of Drew may be made to the Pawling United Methodist Church, 2 Dutcher Ave., Pawling, NY 12564.

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An Homage to Alan Parsons

Long-time RPA member Alan Parsons (b. March 21, 1928) passed after a relatively short bout with Covid-19 on February 3, 2021. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Joan Parsons, and by their two children and their families. Al was 92 years old. A graduate of Dartmouth College and Cornell University Law School, Al practiced commercial and personal law at Sayles & Evans in Elmira, NY. He retired from his law practice some time ago but remained active in the philatelic community until his death. Al was a well-known philatelist at the local, regional, state, and national levels. Among his major interests were Elmira and Steuben County postal history, first day covers of the 1929 Sullivan Expedition stamp, and Warren Harding philately. His leadership as a long-time chairman, and in other roles, was a major factor in the ongoing success of the STEPEX show hosted by his home club, the Elmira Stamp Club.

Al was a strong supporter and longtime member of the Rochester Philatelic Association and an ardent supporter of ROPEX. For many years he placed one or two exhibits in every ROPEX show. Al served the Empire State Postal History Society as president and in other board positions for many years. His contributions were a significant factor in the ongoing success of the ESPHS. He was a regular to the Stamp Insider regional periodical. Al was elected to the APS Board of Vice Presidents for the 2005-2007 term. He was a regular attendee at national APS shows as well as other World Series of Philately shows. He organized competitions between the Empire State Postal History Society and the other state postal history groups in the region fostering communication and friendships among collectors with similar interests The philatelic community lost a great ambassador with the passing of Al. He was a gentleman and scholar in all of his personal, professional, and philatelic pursuits. Al was quiet and understated until something needed to be done, and then he suddenly turned into Super Stampman and organized everybody to do whatever it was that was needed And when Al was involved, things not only got done, they got done right. He will be remembered as good and decent man.

Note: Reprinted from Stamps & Tongs the newsletter of the Rochester Philatelic Association.

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The Award’s Are In!

2020-09-28… The accompanying photo shows the award given to Charles J. DiComo, PhD for the Best Article 2019 as voted by his ESPHS peers in the Excelsior!. The article appearing in the September issue was entitled From the Front Lines: Lt. Col. William G. Belknap’s First Hand Account of the Battle of Monterey, 1846.

Charles is to be congratulated again for receiving the Nicholas G. Carter Volunteer Award for National Service by the American Philatelic Society. This is given for outstanding efforts of APS volunteers at the national, regional and local level, and also recognize our younger members whose contributions and abundant talents are crucial to our future. See the full write-up on page 714 of the August 2020 issue of The American Philatelist.

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Stage Named Editor for NY Society Journal

2020-07-26… Jeff Stage, of Syracuse, N.Y., has been named editor for the Empire State Postal History Society’s journal, Excelsior! The society’s goal is to advance the knowledge of the postal history of the state of New York by means of educational and historical research; to acquire and disseminate through publications, exhibitions or otherwise information relative to the organization and development of post offices and postal systems in the state of New York.

Stage’s duties begin with the journal’s Sept. 2020 edition. He replaces David E. Williams, of Indiana, journal editor for the past 13½ years. Stage was an editorial associate for the American Philatelic Society, where he worked for editors Jay Bigalke and Martin Kent Miller. He worked extensively on editing and writing for the monthly journal, The American Philatelist, and the quarterly American Philatelic Library’s quarterly, the Philatelic Literature Review.

Prior to joining the APS, Stage worked nearly 36 years as a reporter and editor for the daily newspapers in Syracuse, the Herald-Journal and The Post-Standard. In 2013, he combined his love of stamps and mysteries by writing and publishing a contemporary mystery novel, “Chasing Jenny,” based on the still unsolved theft in 1955 of a block of four Inverted Jennys. He is a member of the APS and the American Topical Society. He is currently working on several philatelic collections, including advertising covers and personalities of Central New York, the topics of baseball, food and holidays and a mini-world collection.

In addition to Excelsior!, the society publishes a quarterly bulletin with society and philatelic news, plus editorial content; maintains a website and a Facebook page; provides a growing online research catalog; takes part in the Sweeting Award competition among Northeastern states; and presents exhibiting awards.

Questions or queries about the journal can be sent to Stage at nyspostal@gmail.com. Annual dues for society membership are $20. For more information or to join the society, visit www.esphs.us online, or write to the Empire State Postal History Society, Box 482, East Schodack, NY 12063-0482.

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Empire State Postal History Society Creates Facebook Page

2020-07-12… The Empire State Postal History Society has created a new Facebook page. “Having the Society on Facebook complements our website, adds to our overall presence in the digital space, and allows us to augment awareness of our Society’s mission; which is to share our appreciation of the postal history of New York State,” said society President Charles J. DiComo, PhD. I am confident that we can expose a new group of visitors to like and share our passion, while attracting new members.

The page – which can be found at www.facebook.com/EmpireStatePostalHistorySociety – is available to society members and the public. DiComo expects society members will periodically post information and images of materials regarding New York state postal history. “This is a good place for collectors – or even non-collectors – to check in with comments or thoughts about New York postal history,” said Jeff Stage, editor of the society’s journal, Excelsior! “Because New York City is such a major player on the world stage of early postal transportation we know that collectors and historians from all over have an interest in Empire State postal history.”

A recent look at the society’s Facebook offerings include images of advertisements for an 1850s Independence Day celebration; a stampless 1839 letter sheet from Ohio to England via New York City; and a link to a resource archive list of New York state post offices by county from 1792 to 1969.
Annual dues for society membership are $20. For more information or to join the society, visit www.esphs.us online, or write to the Empire State Postal History Society, Box 482, East Schodack, NY 12063-0482.

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Dr. DiComo Recipient of Grand Award in Literature at Sarasota 2020

2020-02-10… It is with great pleasure that we announce ESPHS President Dr. Charles J. DiComo was the recipient of the Grand Award and Large Gold in Literature at the 66th Sarasota National Stamp Expo and Writers Unit 30 from February 7-9, 2020. This marked the Second Exhibition of Philatelic and Postal History articles, with a jury that examined and critiqued over 40 articles, headed by Alan Warren, with fellow jurors Nancy Clark and Hal Vogel.

This recognition was for his article entitled New Plate Flaw Discovery: “Dash and Ink Trail” on 3¢ 1851 Stamp. This original research appeared in The Chronicle of U.S. Postal Issues 259, August 2018 published by the U.S. Philatelic Classics Society. It is rewarding to see that the literature judges at Sarasota recognized that new discoveries involving our stamps (as opposed to our postal history) are nowadays very scarce and thus worth rewarding.

In addition, Charles also received a Large Vermeil for An 1845 “Ship Letter” from Port-au-Prince, Hispaniola to New York City on the Brig Hayti, which appeared in the Excelsior! 29-NS, March 2019. Congratulations are due to all those that submitted their original research to the APS Writer Unit 30 – there was keen competition this year. The Sarasota 2020 Literature Palmares recipients can be viewed HERE.

Click to Enlarge

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New York State Autumn/Winter Shows & Bourses
By Charles J. DiComo

2019-09-01… The following shows and bourses will be occurring this spring around NY State. If any members want to promote other shows or bourses, please send me an email at charlesdicomo@gmail.com and I will add to this list.

  • Syracuse Stamp, Coin & Collectibles Show, September 8 & November 10, 2019. Second Sundays. Maplewood Suites, 400 7th North St., Liverpool. Thruway Exit 36. Hours: Sunday 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM. Info: Ed Bailey, +1 (315) 452-0593.

  • Bayside Stamp Show. Bayside, Queens, New York, September 15, October 20, November 17, and December 15, 2019. The Adria Hotel, 22033 Northern Blvd., Bayside Queens, NY. Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM., Info: Marilyn Nowak, marilynjnowak@verizon.net

  • Capital District Third Sunday Stamp & Collectibles Show, Troy, New York. September 15, October 20, November 17, & December 15, 2019. Colonie Recreation Center, 3 Thunder Rd., Colonie, N.Y. Hours: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Info Paul Lyngard, (518) 424-7920, Email: Keithcards@aol.com.

  • Cheektowaga, New York, September 15, November 17, & December 15, 2019. Third Sundays. Knights of Columbus Banquet Hall, 2735 Union Rd., Cheektowaga, N.Y. Hours: Sunday 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Info: Dave Tortorice, +1 (716) 873-4280.

  • Melville Coin, Stamp and Collectibles Show. Melville, New York September 8 & 22, October 13 & 27, November 10 & 24, December 8 & 22, 2019. Catapano Engineering Hall, 585 Broadhallow Rd., Melville, NY 11747. Hours: Sun. 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Info: George Schultheis +1 (516) 557-7096.

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New Slate of Officers Elected at ESPHS Annual Meeting at ROPEX
By Dr. Charles J. DiComo

2019-05-24… The Society’s Annual Meeting was held this past week at ROPEX in Rochester, NY. We are excited to report that a new President has been elected. Dr. Charles J. DiComo shall assume this role immediately. David Przepiora will be staying on as Vice President to ensure a smooth transition. I thank him for his many years of service, along with Frank Braithwaite who served as VP. In addition, George McGowan and George DeKornfeld shall remain as Secretary and Treasurer for another year, respectively. I thank them both for their ongoing commitment to the Society. I am honored to have been entrusted with this role and will do my best to engage our membership, to share my passion for philately, New York postal history, and history in general with our constituents and beyond.

In other news, our Board of Directors have been renewed for additional terms. They are: Heather Sweeting (20), Alan Parsons (20), Brian Levy (21), Maris Tirums (21), John Cali (22), and Drew Nicholson (22). Thank you all for your dedication to the ESPHS. Finally, Dr. DeKornfeld has taken on two new important roles, APS Liaison and Awards Chair – please do thank George when you can. An updated organizational chart can be found HERE and the new Palmares Award details HERE. More details will follow in our next BULLETIN.

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New York State Spring Shows & Bourses
By Charles J. DiComo

2018-12-10… The following shows and bourses will be occurring this spring around NY State. If any members want to promote other shows or bourses, please send me an email at charlesdicomo@gmail.com and I will add to this list.

  • Cheektowaga, New York- March 10-11, 2019. BUFFPEX 2019 – The Buffalo Stamp Club, VFW Hall, 2450 Walden Avenue, Cheektowaga. For more info, contact George Gates at +1 (716) 633-8358 or gghg53@aol.com

  • Canandaigua, New York – May 17-18, 2019. ROPEX. Rochester Philatelic Association, Greater Canandaigua Civic Center, 250 N. Bloomfield Rd., Canandaigua. For more info, contact Tom Fortunato at stamptmf@frontiernet.net

  • New York, New York- May 31 to June 2, 2019. ASDA Stamp Show, The Watson Hotel, West 57th St. New York City. FOr more info, contact Dana Guyer at +1 (800) 369-8207 or dana@americanstampdealer.com

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New York State Autumn Shows & Bourses
By Charles J. DiComo

2018-09-04… The following shows and bourses will be occurring this autumn around NY State. If any members want to promote other shows or bourses this summer, please send me an email at charlesdicomo@gmail.com and I will add to this list.

  • Big Flats, New York October 5-6, 2018, Stepex 2018. Elmira Stamp Club. American Legion Post, 45 South Olcott Rd., Big Flats.

  • Olean, New York October 6, 2018, OLEPEX 2018. Olean Stamp Club. Bethany Lutheran Church, 6 Leo Moss Drive, Olean. For information, contact Ron Yeager, +1 (814) 362-4471, cry@atlanticbb.net

  • Brockport, New York October 7, 2018, Stamp & Coin Show and Sale. Western Monroe Philatelic Society, Brockport Firemen’s Exempt, 248 West Avenue, Brockport. For information, contact Dave Bombard, +1 (585) 352-6955, dbombar1@rochester.rr.com
  • Oneonta, New York October 13, 2018, Stamp and Postcard Show/Sale. Leatherstocking Stamp Club & Tri-County Stamp Club. Oneonta Holiday Inn, 5206 State Highway 23, Oneonta. For information, contact Ellen Tillapaugh, +1 (607) 547-5645, kuchtill@gmail.com
  • Cheektowaga, New York November 17, 2018, Autumn Stamp Festival. Buffalo Stamp Club, VFW Post, 2450 Walden Avenue, Cheektowaga. For information, contact George Gates, +1 (716) 633-8358, gghg53@aol.com

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ESPHS Awarded Gold in the 2018 APS Website Award Competition
By Charles J. DiComo

2018-08-21… The Empire State Postal History Society, www.esphs.us, has been awarded a Gold in the 2018 APS Website Award Competition. This award recognizes website excellence. Four experienced judges from across the country following a rigorous vetting process made the determination, along with suggestions for continually improving our web presence.

Click to Enlarge

We are grateful and honored and have proudly posted the Gold Award badge on our home page. A certificate signed by the President and Secretary of the American Philatelic Society recognizing this great work was mailed to the APS representative of our Society. This award exemplifies the very best that is happening out in the local stamp communities.

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Here Comes the Summer & Northeast Postal History Ephemera Show
By Charles J. DiComo

2018-05-25… The Society hopes that all our members and friends are well, as we transit from spring to summer. In July we hope to see you at the 7th Annual Northeast Postal History Ephemera Show to be held on July 21-22, 2018. The location is the Polish Community Center, 225 Washington Ave Ext., Albany, New York 12205 (www.albanypcc.com). The Society will have a table at this event. For more information, please contact George McGowan at geolotus2003@nycap.rr.com Also check out the website www.nphes.com

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Here Comes the Spring & ROPEX
By Charles J. DiComo

2018-03-01… The Society hopes that all our members and friends had a pleasant holiday and that the New Year is starting off on a positive note.

In May we hope to see you at ROPEX 2018, hosted by the Rochester Philatelic Association, to be held on May 18-19, 2018. The location is The Greater Canandaigua Civic Center, 250 North Bloomfield Road, Canandaigua, New York. For more information, please contact Tom Fortunato at +1 (585) 752-6178 or stamptmf@frontiernet.net Also check out the website www.rpastamps.org/ropes.html

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Happy Holidays & NYS Winter Show
By Charles J. DiComo

2017-12-06… The Society would like to wish everyone and their families a joyous holiday season and fruitful New Year.

In March we hope to see you at BUFPEX 2018, hosted by the BUFFALO STAMP CLUB, to be held on March 3-4, 2018. The location is the VFW Leonard Post, 2450 Walden Ave., Cheektowaga, New York. For more information, please contact George Gates at +1 (716) 633-8358 or gghg53@aol.com

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New York State Summer Shows & Bourses
By Charles J. DiComo

2017-09-04… The following shows and bourses will be occurring this autumn around NY State. If any members want to promote other shows or bourses this summer, please send me an email at charlesdicomo@gmail.com and I will add to this list.

  • New York, New York October 5-8, 2017, ASDA Fall Postage Stamp Show, The Hilton Midtown, 1335 Avenue of the Americas, NYC, dana@americanstampdealer.com
  • Olean, New York October 7, 2017, OLEPEX 2017, 6 Leo Moss Drive, Olean, New York, Ron Yeager, +1 (814) 362-4471, cry@atlanticbb.net
  • Oneonta, New York October 7, 2017, Leatherstocking Stamp Club & Tri-County, Holiday Inn, 5206 Hwy 23, Oneonta, NY, Ellen Tillapaugh, +1 (607) 547-5646
  • Brockport, New York October 8, 2017, Western Monroe Philatelic Society – Open House, Brockport Exempts Club, 248 West Ave., Brockport, NY, David Bombard, +1 (585) 325-6955, Dbombar1@rochester.rr.com
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New York State Summer Shows & Bourses
By Charles J. DiComo

2017-05-28… The following shows and bourses will be occurring this summer around NY State. If any members want to promote other shows or bourses this summer, please send me an email at charlesdicomo@gmail.com and I will add to this list.

  • July 22, 2017: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Comfort Inn, 110 Commerce Park Dr., Watertown, NY (3-5 Dealers), Hosted by Harry Tong, tongstamps@outlook.com

  • July 23, 2017: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Eagles Club, 1200 Buffalo Rd., Rochester , NY (~10 Dealers), Hosted by Harry Tong, tongstamps@outlook.com

  • August 19, 2017: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Geneva Stamp & Coin Show, Hessney’s Auction Center, 2741 Lyons Rd, Geneva, NY (Bourse), Hosted by John Stoltz +1 (585) 507-3533, jstoltz@rochester.rr.com
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Come See Us at the 6th Annual Northeast Postal History & Ephemera Show
By Charles J. DiComo

2017-05-25… The ESPHS will be in attendance at the 6th Annual Northeast Postal History and Ephemera Show this summer on July 29th and 30th. The show will be held at the Polish Community Center in Albany, New York (225 Washington Ave Extension, Albany, NY 12205). The Show Hours are 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Saturday and 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Sunday and is being presented by Tom Auletta, Elwyn & Anne Doubleday, Robert Dalton Harris & Diane DeBlois, and George McGowan.

For more information you can contact George McGowan at +1 (518) 573-5457 or geolotus2003@nycap.rr.com. Additional details can be found on their website at www.nphes.com.

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ESPHS Annual and Members Meeting Report
By David Przepiora, President

2017-05-24…The ESPHS held a combined Annual and Directors meeting on Saturday May 20 at ROPEX in Canandaigua, NY. There were 10 members in attendance, 2 on the telephone and 6 proxies. It was a very productive meeting with much accomplished. Here are the highlights:

  • Publications – Our publications, Excelsior! and the BULLETIN have suffered for various reasons. The big problem was that we were publishing in-house and the publishers are now unable to continue. Thus, we needed to outsource this work. After shopping for prices, Dr. Charles J. DiComo was able to obtain a very favorable rate for both our Excelsior! and BULLETIN. His proposal to use Wilcox Printing and Publishing was adopted.

  • Auctions – we were lacking material for our auctions and our auction manager Bob Bramwell recommended that we open our auctions to outside sources. This proposal was also adopted with priority given to our members.

  • Elections – all incumbents for Officers and Directors were re-elected: President – David Przepiora (19), Vice President – Frank Braithwaite (19), Secretary – George McGowan (18), Treasurer – George DeKornfeld (18); Directors: John Cali, Dr. Charles J. DiComo, Drew Nicholson (19), Alan Parsons and Heather Sweeting (20).

  • Business – Alan Parsons is working to get us non-profit incorporation status which will lead to tax exemption privilege.

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Annual Members & Board Meetings at ROPEX
By Charles J. DiComo

2017-04-20…The ESPHS will be holding its Annual Members and Directors meetings on Saturday May 20, 2017 at ROPEX in the Canandaigua Civic Center. We will have the meeting room from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM. For more details on the show, visit www.rpastamps.org/ropex

We will be holding elections, as the following incumbents are scheduled for reelection; Przepiora, Braithwaite, McGowan, DeKornfeld, Cali, DiComo, Nicholson, Parsons and Sweeting. We also have a full agenda, with Officers and Staff reporting on Membership, Finances, Publications, Awards, Auctions, the revamped ESPHS website, and new business. We are excited about the show and hope to see you there.

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Spring Shows Schedule
By Charles J. DiComo

2017-03-24…The spring 2017 shows as taken from the American Philatelist are shown below. We hope to see you there!
– NEW YORK – ASDA Stamp Show, April 13-15, 2017
The Hilton, 1335 Ave. of the Americas, NYC. Contact Dana Guyer, (800) 369-8207 (Bourse only)
– MASSACHUSETTS – Boxborough, May 5-7, 2017
NE Federation of Stamp Clubs, Holiday Inn Boxborough Woods, 242 Adams Place, Boxborough, MA
– NEW YORK – ROPEX, May 19-20 2017
Rochester National Stamp Exhibition, Greater Canandaigua Civic Center, 250 N. Bloomfield Rd., Canandaigua, NY www.rpastamps.org/ropex.
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Listing of Post Office and Postmasters Available on Website
By Charles J. DiComo

2017-01-02….The ESPHS has made available on its website under the “Resources” section a listing of all New York State post offices and postmasters, by county, plus the New York State Offices Master Index that gives the offices in alphabetical order, and locates them by county, etc. This work has been compiled by Thomas C. Mazza, who is happy to make it available for use on our website, but retains the material rights. We thank him for this excellent resource and hope you enjoy.
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Society Launches New and Improved Website
By Charles J. DiComo

2016-11-01….The society recently launched its new and improved website. The site has a clean look with a New York State theme, clearly shown in the unique header scenes taken from nineteenth century woodcuts and engravings — from a Birds Eye View of New York City to the floor of the Corning Glass Works to the Aqueduct Bridge in Rochester.

The site is easily navigable via top and bottom navigation bars and drop down menus. In addition, a “Site Map” is provided to help you quickly locate what you are searching for and location-based breadcrumb navigation is provided to let the user know where the current page stands in the website hierarchy (e.g., Home > Journals > EXCELSIOR!). A feature of the home page is a scrolling slider bar displaying New York State postal history. The concept is that over time this will be expanded to illustrate classic to modern postal history specimens representing all counties across the state.

There is a section named “Journals,” where ESPHS publications currently in print are available for purchase. These are a must-have for the postal history enthusiast and ordering details are provided. In addition, visitors have access to read past copies of the BULLETIN, the society’s quarterly newsletter for information on meetings, auctions, award winners, and goings on. There is also a section for the EXCELSIOR!, the Society’s preeminent biannual journal on New York postal history. I am in the process of adding the complete run going back to issue No. 1 — so check back often.

The “News” section is where you can find society press releases, as well as photos of meetings and members past and current. There is also a drop down for the BULLETIN auctions of postal history and ephemera, displaying current and past auctions going back to No. 1. Instructions for bidders and shipping details are also denoted.

The “Membership” section covers the benefits of membership, provides a downloadable membership application and payment information. I recommend joining today to take advantage of member pricing for EPSHS publications, as well as receipt of the BULLETIN and EXCELSIOR!.

The “Resources” section is a work in progress and affords an opportunity for philatelic sharing. It currently houses links to ESPHS postal history affiliates websites, which I will be adding to over time. Moreover, the primary resources page will house accredited research projects, presentations, monographs, exhibits, and documents. Sharing of information and advancing knowledge of the postal history of New York State by means of educational and historical research is a key tenant of the ESPHS. I am working on eliciting material now for posting.

Finally, the “Organization” section lists the current officers, directors, and support team with their contact information and emails, the history of the ESPHS, the Sweeting Award rules and scoring, Charles Sweeting’s biography, and the society’s constitution and bylaws.

I was excited to take on this project with approval by the ESPHS Board in the summer of 2016. With the assistance of Wyzaerd Consulting, Inc. and Roger Kirby Photography, the developer and designer respectively, the new site was launched within two months.

We now have the security of a new host and content management system that is easy to administer, and I am excited about adding more content over the upcoming months for our members and the philatelic community. Please feel free to use the new “Contact Us” form on the website to share your opinions and features for consideration!

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ROPEX 2015

Al Parsons manning the ESPHS table at ROPEX 2015
Al Parsons manning the ESPHS table at ROPEX 2015

ROMPEX 2013

ROMPEX 2013
John Cali, David Przepiora, George Feteke at ROMPEX 2013

ROPEX 2011

Al Parsons accepting the Sweeting Award at ROPEX 2011
Al Parsons accepting the Sweeting Award at ROPEX 2011

 

Al Parsons Outstanding Service Award
Al Parsons receiving the Outstanding Service Award by incoming President Dave Przepiora at ROPEX 2011

 

George DeKornfeld receiving the ESPHS Award from Ada Prill and Al Parsons at ROPEX 2011
George DeKornfeld receiving the ESPHS Award from Ada Prill and Al Parsons at ROPEX 2011

 

Al Parsons presiding over Board Meeting at ROPEX 2011
Al Parsons presiding over Board Meeting at ROPEX 2011

ROPEX 2008

Al Parsons, Nancy Clark (Judge), and Ray Stone (RPA President) at ROPEX 2008
Al Parsons, Nancy Clark (Judge), and Ray Stone (RPA President) at ROPEX 2008