Evening star., 1954-10-17
Phiioteiic News

Hal from ms poSlLlon as Dl-
rector Of the Bureau Of En-
craving and Printing means
the closing Of an important
chapter in the history of stamps
and stamp collecting. From De-
cember az, 1924. to October 8,
1854, he was the worlds prir-
cipal manufacturer Of postal
and revenue adhesives. His
name is known wherever phila-
telists gather. Every organiza-
tion Of stamp collectors worthy
Of the title has paid him honor.
His popularity has been as
widespread as the philatelic
hobby itself.
Born at Harleigh, Pa. Au-
gust %, 1883, Mr.. Hall was
educated at the Halle Town
ship High School and at Ma
tional University. He began
his business career as an ac-
countant and auditor for Par
doe Brothers & Co. of Phila-
delphia. Later he was en-
ployed by the Harwood Elec-
trio Co., now the Pennsylva-
mia Power & Light Co. He
entered Government service
as an accountant in the Ord
nance Bureau of the War De-
partment, June 10, 1918. and
held that post until July /,
1920, when he was made an in
vestigator in the United States
Bureau of Efficiency.
Probed Plant in Scandal
Mr.. Hall was called to the
Bureau Of Engraving and
Printing following the dis
missal of the incumbent di-
rector and % other chiefs by
President Harding on March
81, 1922. following charges Of
alleged bond duplication. He
was assigned to aid the So
called Long Committee, ap-
pointed by Secretary Of the
Treasury Andrew w. Mellon
to make "a sweeping investiga-
tion of the entire plant and
the system employed there"
This work led to his being
named head of the planning
unit of the Bureau with in
struction to improve the serv-
ice wherever possible.
Thus he became the first
man ever to be thoroughly
conversant with every opera
ton of the Governments big
money and stamp factory
the largest intaglio printing
establishment on earth.
Recognized as U. S. Source
As director, Mr.. Halls talents
grew with his experience. So
far as philately was concerned,
he may never have heard the
word as late as 1928; but, dur
ing the next three decades, he
won recognition as the top
source of the materials Of the
stamp hobby, the stamp trade
and stamp journalism.
From the issuance OF the
l1a-cent Harding stamp,
March 10, 1925, until that Of
the 1-cent George Washington
coil stamp, october 8. 1854. he
presided over the production
of every scrap of United States
postal and revenue paper. as
well as all United States cur
rency and bonds.
None of his predecessors ap-
preached his production rec
ord, and it may be doubted
that any successor will sur
pass it.
Friend Of Mony Collectors
The personal qualities Of
Mr.. Hall were responsible for
his success. He was a busi-
ness engineer, an economist
In the conservative sense OF
the term, an industrial philos-
opher seeking "the best re-
suits from the most careful
use of labor" But he was not
an efficiency expert" or
"slave-driver." On the con-
trary, he carried out in his
management of the bureau
the highest traditional ideals
of American industrialism. He
was a friend and truly a fell
low-worker of every employe
on his staff.
The same kindliness, cour-
tesy and good manners were
evident in his contacts with
stamp and currency collec-
tors-whom he knew by the
thousands. He is an honor
ary member of the Washing
ton Philatelic Society. the
Washington Numismatic So
ciety and the Baltimore
Philatelic Society as well as
an honorary patron of the
American Philatelic Society.
In 1897 he took an active part
In the National Stamp Con-
ference here and in 1910 was
one of the sponsors Of the
Postage Stamp Centenary
Celebration.
Retirement Dote Nov.
Mr.. Halls last day ION the
lob" was Friday. October g.
but he will return to the
bureau on or about October
81 for a last official tour OF
the plant and a final official
meeting with the Bureau per-
sonnel. The official date oi
his retirement is November /
After that he will be at home
at 1919 Kalmia road NV
His wife, the former Ruth A.
Benner, has shared many
philatelic occasions with him
Their son, Alvin William, jr.
and their daughter. Ruth
(Mrs. James w. Neighbours
were portrayed on the 2-cen'
carmine Arbor Day commem