As I write this, we are still seeing the terrible destruction from Hurricane Ian.
I hope that our members in the southeastern United States, especially Florida, have managed to survive the storm and preserve their collections. I have very pleasant memories of times on Sanibel and Captiva Islands, which took a direct hit. There are sad reports of loss of life, and property losses will run into many billions of dollars.
As collectors of valuable, but fragile, small pieces of paper, we are forcefully reminded that we are subject to the occasional violence of nature and do what we can to avoid damage to our property. Even then, I know of instances where advanced and cautious collectors have sustained losses.
I recall one instance where an experienced collector put a lot of his collection in a large safe deposit box in a bank vault. A violent thunderstorm took place in the city, and that vault was flooded. Some material could be salvaged, but much could not. Litigation ensued.
So, we do what seems reasonable. Usually that is enough. But as in everything, there are exceptions.
I welcome anyone who has experiences and advice to share about philatelic disaster preparedness to write in to [email protected], or send a letter to the editor at 100 Match Factory Place, Bellefonte, PA 16823. With any luck, your advice will help another collector in the future.
Great time at GASS
In August I was fortunate to attend the American Philatelic Society’s Great American Stamp Show in Sacramento. There, the weather was quite nice (though a bad heat wave ensued shortly thereafter). Those who attended saw a wonderful assortment of exhibits, as well as a remarkably diverse group of lectures and presentations.
One of the greatest benefits of participation in organized philately is the opportunity to meet and engage with some of the world’s most knowledgeable collectors and experts in their fields, often at the sort of large stamp shows like the Great American Stamp Show.
You have probably read books and articles by these experts and specialists. In these large gatherings, you may have a chance to meet them in person, and have your questions answered, or at least considered, by experts who may have a lot of experience in the field. The next GASS will be held August 10 to 13 in Cleveland, Ohio. Please mark your calendars. Midwesterners who could not afford a trip to California, next year is your chance!