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American Philatelic Research Library P. 0. Box 8000

91Bte College, PA 18803

NEWSLETTER OF THE WISCONSIN FEDERATION OF STAMP CLUBS

By WFSC Pres. Greg Schmidt

Call for Convention '98 The 1998 Convention and Exhibition of the Wisconsin Federation of Stamp Clubs, WISCOPEX, will be held on April 25-26 at Fox Valley Lutheran High School, Appleton, WI. This year's show is .. hosted by the Outagamie Philatelic Society and is co-chaired

. by Al Marcus and Darwin Hintz.

Delegates All WFSC member clubs are reminded to

send a delegate and/or an alternate to the Annual Business Meeting, which will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday , April 25. Delegates should be prepared to check in at 12:45 p.m. or preregister at the WFSC society table with written credentials (a simple statement signed by your club president designating you as the official representative of your home club). Members-at-large are also encouraged to attend, but have no voting privileges .

Annual Business Meeting The meeting will include officer, commit­

tee , and special project reports. This is the time for comments and suggestions that you or your club might have concerning the WFSC and its operations. Elections of officers will be voted upon by the delegates . Several appoint­ments will also be made.

0 WFSC society table activities

All are encouraged to check in at the WFSC society table

· upon arriving at the show. Light up your home club on the display map and register for door prizes . Show your WFSC logo button and receive a free gift. While at the society table, offer to relieve the staff now and then or to help out in some other manner.

Awards banquet The WISCOPEX '98 banquet is scheduled for Saturday evening, April 25, at the Midway Motor Lodge's Green Mill Restaurant . The 1998 WFSC Dealer Recognition Award and individual exhibit awards will be presented at this event.

Show activities WISCOPEX offers many interesting and

diverse adult and youth exhibits in the open competition. Single-frame and display class exhibits will also be shown this year . In addition, the Best of Show exhibits from the various WFSC clubs will be competing for the title of Champion of Champions . This year's exhibits will be judged by Claude Giralte, Jim Maher and Frank Moertl.

The bourse will offer something for everyone. The U.S . Postal Service will have all the recent issues on hand. The stamp and cover dealers will have a wide and varied stock of material for all budgets. Remember to patronize the dealers, as they are the backbone of every stamp show.

The youth will have a special table with stamps and material oriented toward youth interests and lighter budgets. Of special interest this year will be a GeoSafari game, stamp bingo and a contest to guess the number of stamps in a jar.

Innovations at this year's show will be the appearance of former Green Bay Packers and an auction by Bill Robinson, which is sched­uled for Sunday afternoon, April 26 .

Finally, I look forward to seeing all of you and hope that you and your families have an enjoyable stay in Appleton . ■

See more about WISCOPEX '98 on pp. 5-6.

Convention Delegate Check-in Procedure Delegates/alternates for the 1998 Annual Business Meeting are urged to preregister at the WFSC society table at any time prior to 1 p .m. on Saturday, April 25 . Just present your written credentials to WFSC Secretary Karen Weigt. She will get you signed in and give you your meeting papers.

Delegates are also advised that the WFSC is classified as an IRC 50l(c)(3) organization , thereby making your out-of-pocket expenses to attend the Annual Business Meeting deductible on your IRS income tax returns .

By A TFP Editor Karen Weigl

Editor's Comments

A bit more patience , please. As related last month , I'm in the midst of producing the camera-ready copy for the WFSC's 2nd edition of Wisconsin on Stamps. This means I cannot devote the time necessary to provide a full -fledged issue of ATFP. We will be back to normal editions with our special May-June Wisconsin Sesquicentennial issue.

As WFSC Secretary , I'm particularly concerned about the lack of "The Club Co­op" column. I appreciate your continuing to send me club newsletters and hope to catch up on the reporting of your activi ties as soon as possible . ■

CLOSED ALBUM -Herbert E. Burgett

Herbert E . Burgett, of the Oshkosh Phila­telic Society, died on February 23, 1998 . He was 89 years old . Herb was a charter member of the OPS when it was formed in 1930 and held all offices in the club at one time or another.

Herb specialized in Christmas seals and charity stamps and was also an officer of the now disbanded Wisconsin Chapter, Christmas Seal and Charity Stamp Society.

He was inducted into the WFSC Hall of Fame in 1986 .

I

I

WFSC Announcements

ALL-PURPOSE WISCONSIN STATEHOOD ANNIVERSARY CACHET

Sesquicentennial

~--18_4_8_0 The WFSC is offering cacheted envelopes to

all WFSC member clubs and individuals on

either standard No. 10 or collectible 6 ¼ size

25 percent cotton envelope stock. The cachet

is printed in dark blue ink. Use of the enve­

lopes is unlimited: for Wisconsin Statehood first- or second-day cancels, multiple or

unofficial postmarks in this sesquicentennial

year , club mailings or fund raising with added

club name/logo if desired , or to dress up

individual correspondence.

The cacheted envelopes will be available at

the WFSC table at WISCOPEX '98 for

purchase of small quantities by individuals and

pickup of club bulk orders . Price of covers is at cost, plus postage charges if needed.

PRICES

WFSC member dubs: 5¢ ea. No. 10 size; 8¢ ea. for 6 ¼ size

Individuals : 5¢ ea. No. 10 size; 10¢ ea.

for 6 ¼ size

See the bulk order form published in the

March issue of ATFP.

RECOGNITIONS -

David Smith, of the Sheboygan Stamp Club Thank you for providing the cachet artwork

used on the all-purpose Wisconsin Statehood

anniversary envelopes.

Roland Essig, of the Kettle Moraine Coin and Stamp Club Thank you for the very reasonable quote on

printing costs for the all-purpose Wisconsin

Statehood anniversary envelopes.

Sheboygan Stamp Club The WFSC appreciates your monetary dona­tion to help cover expenses for Across the

Fence Post.

WISCONSIN ON STAMPS PROGRESSING

Expect to see 80 pages in this 2nd edition

specially designed to serve as an album. For

those who prefer not to add the actual stamps,

it 's a good read, too! Preview sample pages at

WISCOPEX '98, where we'll be taking orders .

Improved! Updated! Modernized!

WISCONSIN ON

STAMPS (Second Edition)

Wisconsin Federation of Stamp Clubs

1997

Author-Editor Dreux Watermolen Release date - May 29, 1998

Advance orders taken soon.

ACROSS THE FENCE POST is the official publication of the Wisconsin Federa­

tion of Stamp Clubs, Inc ., a 50l(c)3 non-profit organization and life member of the APS since 1953. For WFSC membership information, contact the Central Office.

ATFP is published monthly Sept.-Apr.; bimonthly May-Aug. News of Wis-

consin collectors, club news and gratis original articles related to philately are welcomed. The editor accepts submissions in any format, but reserves the right to make minor

editing changes to conform with our style sheet. Material not carrying an individual copyright notice may be reproduced only by not-for-profit organizations, provided the author(s) and

publication receive credit for any reprinted material. Unless explicitly stated by an officer in

conjunction with official WFSC business, opinions expressed by individual authors are not neces­

sarily endorsed by the WFSC .

Submission deadlines are for the month preceding month of publication as follows: adver­tising-1st of the month; editorial matter-5th of the month. Send editorial matter and stamp

show calendar and cover listings to: Karen Weigl, Editor, ATFP, 4184 Rose Ct., Middleton, WI

53562 - phone (608) 836-1509 [karenweigt@compuserve.com) . Send ads to: Jim and Renee Seiler,

Advertising Managers , ATFP, P.O. Box 247 , Reedsville, WI 54230 - phone (920) 772-4297. For a complete list of advertising rates and policies (display, classified and listings), see the July-August '97 issue of ATFP, or request a copy from the advertising managers.

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Club News

RALPH WEST HONORED BY MILWAUKEE-AREA CLUBS

Milwaukee-area clubs held their 12th annual Distinguished Philat­elist Appreciation Dinner on March 15, 1998. This year ' s honoree was Ralph West. He was selected

for the honor because of his repeated demonstration of interest in the hobby of stamp collecting .

The 1998 event was hosted by the Milwau­kee Philatelic Society , with Dona Fagan serving as chairman of the Advisory Committee.

FREE EXHIBIT FRAMES

The Outagamie Philatelic Society (Appleton) is disposing of their 81 12-page wood and Plexiglas exhibit frames . The frames were formerly owned by the Milwaukee Philatelic Society and are free to anyone who is willing to pick them up immediately following WISCOPEX '98 . Deadline for pickup is Tuesday, April 28 .

For further information, contact Verna Shackleton at (920) 734-2417 .

Bv Steve Langl<aU. former WFSC Historian

On Wisconsin

M The Badger State celebrates its

150th anniversary of statehood this year. In conjunction with the

, s column regularly features a stamp

(or other postal item) and story penaining to the state of Wisconsin .

In 1853, the state Legislature passed an

act that divided the old

county of St. Croix into three smaller units . The southern­most of the new counties was named Pierce in honor of U.S. Scott #819

Franklin Pierce, the 14th president of the United States .

The land now covers about 600 square

miles or 364,483 acres . The county is roughly

triangular with the baseline following the

Mississippi River and Lake Pepin.

Pierce County throughout its history has

been noted for its agricultural products. In

1858, it was awarded a silk banner for making

the best display of agricultural products at the

State Fair. ■

It's important that you patronize our ATFP advertisers!

PLAINEX STAMPS

(Carl & Phyllis) Handling-

• Germany & Colonies • Great Britain & Colonies • Japan • Switzerland • Most other major European countries

See us at these Wisconsin shows: HSDA Bourse, Apr. 18, Madison

WISCOPEX '98, Apr. 25-26, Appleton

Hay Stamp Show, Hay 16-17, West Allis

TRI-PEX '98, June 27-28, West Allis

P.O. Box #6 Des Plaines, IL 60016

(847) 827-3589

Anatomy of a pecial Stamp:

The Weekly Newspaper -For People Who Love Philately-

To order call now toll-free: 1-800-258-0929 Dept. ABAP74

From the World's largest Hobby Publisher Forward: Our Motto & Goal - Constantly move forward to better serve stamp collectors and dealers.

Iola, Wisconsin, Hobby Publishing Capital of the World.

1997 is our 45th anniversary of bringing collectors the best and most timely hobby information.

Serving all aspects of the stamp collecting hobby.

Your cost per issue under this special subscription offer, making your dollar count for more!

krause publications 700 E. State St., Iola, WI 54990-0001

"The World's Largest Hobby Publisher"

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Show Calendar and Registry List your show, bourse, auction or event

a:a FREE for WFSC member-club shows - classified rates for non-members and all other events

April 25-26 WISCOPEX '98

hosted by Outagamie Philatelic Society Fox Valley Lutheran High School

2626 N. Oneida St., Appleton (Contact: Al Harcus, P.O. Box 11,

Appleton, WI 54912-0111)

September 12-13 WALCOPEX '98

Walworth County Stamp Club YMCA Building, Wells St., Lake Geneva (Contact WCSC. P.O. Box 272, Williams

Bay, WI 53191)

June 20-21 17th ANNUAL SHOW AND BOURSE Northwoods Stamp and Coin Club

Nicolet College, LRC Building County G, Rhinelander

(Contact: Larry Harten, 3295 Hancock Lake Rd., Harshaw, WI 54529 - phone

(715) 282-5636)

September 18-20 HILCOPEX '98

Milwaukee Philatelic Society Wisconsin State Fair Park, Milwaukee/

West Allis, 1-94 & 84th St. (Gate 5) (Contact: MPS, P.O. Box 2980, Milwaukee, WI 53201-1980)

Details to be listed next month -October 4

SHEPEX '98, Sheboygan October 10

DANEPEX '98, Madison

October 24-2S TOSAPEX '98, West Allis November 14-1 S

Fall Coin & Stamp Show, West Bend

June 27-28 TRI-PEX STAMP FAIR '98

Italian Amer. Stamp Club, North Shore Phil. Soc., Polish Amer. Stamp Club

St. Aloysius Gonzaga Hall 1435 So. 92nd St., West Allis

(Contact Rob Henak, 80 IO N. Mohawk Ave., Fox Point, WI 53217) (5/98)

September 26-27 WaUSApex '98

Wisconsin Valley Philatelic Society VFW Hall, 388 River Dr., Wausau

(Contact WYPS, P.O. Box 71, Wausau, WI 54402-0071)

The summer ATFP publication schedule is

bimonthly with a May-June and a

July-August issue.

August 29 FONDYPEX '98

Fond du Lac Stamp Club American Legion Memorial Clubhouse 500 Fond du Lac Av., Fond du Lac

(Contact Fred Ericksen, P.O. Box 821, Fond du Lac, WI 54936-0821)

WISCOPEX '98 Show Cover (Wisconsin Sesquicentennial) April 25-26, Appleton, WI Colored cachet depicts 1934 Wisconsin Tercentenary issue (SC 739). Franked with 1997 Lombardi red-bar version stamp. $2 each. Include #IO SASE. WISCOPEX '98, P.O. Box 11, Appleton, WI 54912 (Outagamie Phtl foe)

WANTED: • U .S. and World­

wide Collections

• Singles , Sheets , Plate Blocks

Spring into action - plan a road trip down to the Stamp King shop.

• Mint and Used

• Accumulations It's not too late to submit material for the COMPEX Memorial Day auction.

1998 Drews Auction Schedule

COMPEX May 22-24 O'Hare Holiday Inn, Rosemont, IL

APS STAMPSHOW WES1 MAO /SON T August 27-30 Santa Clara Conv . Center, Santa Clara, CA

EISfNHQWER fXPWY

I CHICAGO I CHICAGOPEX November 6-8 O'Hare Expo Center, Rosemont, IL

Richard E. Drews r-----------------, ID I want to consign material to an upcoming auction I Philatelic Auctions IOP!easesendmeanauctioncatalog I ½:¢( STAMP KJNQ :Name: _____________ : ~ I Address : ________________ I 7139 West Higgins Road

Chicago, IL 60656-1972 I City: ________ State: ZIP: ___ I 1-800-919-BIDS (2437) I . . I (773) 775-2100 • FAX (773) 792-9116 LFor Consignments - Phone. _________ .J Store Hours: Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

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More About WISCOPEX '98

Schedule of Events I

Saturday, April 25

10 a.m. - Show opens 12:45 p.m. - Final check-in and seating for

Annual Business Meeting 1 p.m. - Wisconsin Federation of Stamp

Clubs Annual Business Meeting 3:30 p.m. - Judges' critique of exhibits 5 p.m. - Show closes 7 p.m. - Awards banquet at Green Mill Restaurant, Midway Motor Lodge, 3025 W. College Ave., Appleton (social hour at restaurant bar at 6:30 p.m.)

Sunday, April 26

10 a.m. - Show opens

- Wisconsin Postal History

Society meeting 1 to 3 p.m. - Auction 4 p.m. - Show closes

Light food sold at the show at noon each day.

Auction Details

Enjoy a Bill Robinson auction on Sunday afternoon from 1 to 3 p .m. The auction features United States and foreign stamps, covers, collections and large lots . Also included is a special offering of Wisconsin postal history: Part 3 of the West collection.

Commemorative Cover

Look for the

WISCOPEX '98

show cover

featuring a

colored cachet

focused on the

1934 Wisconsin Tercentenary issue depicting Nicolet's landing on the shores of Green Bay. The covers are franked with the 1997 Lombardi red-bar issue, and a special cancel is available for both days of the show.

Cover purchases can be made at the show or by mail order for $2 each. For mail orders,

send a No . 10 SASE to: WISCOPEX '98,

P.O. Box 11, Appleton, WI 54912.

BB

t :z:

Exhibits

APPLETON Hwy. 41

N -~· I

Getting to WISCOPEX '98 Take the 139 or 142 exit from Hwy. 41. From Northland Ave. (00), turn south into the Fox Valley Lutheran High School parking lot, where entry into the building is located.

Special Guests View a variety of exhibits, including several in Visit with former Green Bay Packers players conjunction with the Wisconsin Sesquicenten- Tom Brown and teammates.

nial theme that feature postal history of

various Wisconsin counties. Exhibits of the Banquet and Lodging history of the city of Appleton and the

Appleton Post Office will be on display, too. See your March issue of ATFP for hotel /motel listings and awards banquet ticket reservations.

BOOKS ENTERPRISES

STAMPS U.S. & Foreign Mint & Used

Supplies

Linda J. Books Kenosha, WI

( 414) 654-5494

RENEE'S STAMPS Jim & Renee Seiler

P.O. Box 247 Reedsville , WI 54230-0247

See you at

WISCOPEX '98

APS ATA BIA

5

FOX VALLEY LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASIUM

2626 NORTH ONEIDA ST., APPLETON (Southeast Comer of Oneida St. and Northland Ave.)

APRIL 25th and 26th, 1998 10:00 a.m. to 5 :00 p.m ... Sat. 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m ... Sun.

FREE ADMISSION* DOOR PRIZES * DEALER BOURSE FREE PARKING*JUNIOR TABLE*SOCIETY MEETINGS AWARDS BANQUET* ADULT AND JUNIOR EXHIBITS

COMMEMORATIVE SHOW COVER* WHEELCHAIR ACCESS U.S.P.S. BOOTH* SHOW AUCTION

FORMER GREEN BAY PACKERS - TOM BROWN AND TEAMMATES Sponsored by the Outagamie Philatelic Society

P.O. Box 11, Appleton, WI 54912