Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1957-07-28
PHILATELIc NEWS
Stomp Policy Shifted
To Public Relations
By BELMONT FAIRIES

Philatelic activities OF the
Post ONCE Department have
been reorganized with re-
sponsibility for the stamp
program assigned to L.
Robe Walter, Postmaster
General Surnmerfield's spe-
cial assistant for public re-
lations.
Effective July II. admin
istrative functions connected
with the selection, promotion
and exhibition Of commence
rative stamps and new issues
of postage stamps" were
transferred from the Division
Of Philately, Bureau Of FL
nance. to the once Of the
Special Assistant to the Post
master General.
The Division Of Philately
was renamed the Philatelic
Sales Agency. 1t remains q
part Of the Bureau Of FL
nance and will continue to
be responsible for over-the-
counter and mail order sales
Of philatelic material.
Mr.. Walter said the change
was made as the result Of q
realization In the department
of the Importance of the phi
latelic program as a ptblic
relations function.
With this reorganization
the Division Of Philately, di-
rected since its formation in
1858 by Robert E. Fellers,
ceases to exist as a separate
unit. Mr.. Fellers and his
star, with the exception Of
those operating the Philatelic
agency, are now a part OF
Mr.. Walters office.
Affected by the change are
Stanley J. Hodziewich, cura-
tor Of the Philatilic Exhibi-
ton room; Ralph Davis, who
superviseS handling Of first
day covers. and Mr.. Fellers'
Office staff, Mrs. Virginia Bri-
zendine. Mrs. Louise Lee and
Miss Virginia Wiman.
Harry A. Cowger, acting
philatelic agent, heads the
newly named Philatelic
Sales Agency. There is no
indication of any change in
present Philatelic Agency
policies.
Mr.. Walter stressed that
aside from the formal re-
organization there was no
change in Mr.. Fellers' duties
and responsibilities.
Actually the order makes
official a transfer of au-
thority which has been in eff
feet informally since early
this year.
Creation of the Stamp Ad-
visory Committee was Mr..
Walters first move to meet
recurring criticism of United
States stamp designs. As
signed by the Postmaster
General to provide liaison be-
tween the committee and the
department, he has been &C
tive in its deliberations since
its formation.
First stamp to be produced
completely under the new
setup will be the Magsaysay
commemorative to be re-
leased here August 81.
\ y
Air Force First Day
First-day ceremonies for
the Scent blue air mail
stamp marking the 50th an
niversary Of the Air Force
will be held at 10 am. Thurs
day In the Armory. At the
same time Airpower PIANO.
rama. an extensive exhibit Of
aviation equipment and
weapons arranged by the Air
Force Association. will be
opened to the public.
- %k
Lafayette Stamp
Place Of first day sale has
not been announced for the
Scent stamp to be issued
September 6 for the 200th
anniversary OF the birth Of
Lafayette, but it is understood
that Easton. Pa, home Of
Lafayette College, is a strong
contender.
\
Deep Freeze III Covers
The Navy will again han
die covers for collectors as q
part Of its Antarctic Opera
ton Deep Freeze III starting
this fall. but this year the
rules are somewhat different.
Stamped and self addressed
are to be sent not to Nor
folk but to: Deep Freeze
Philatelic Mail, Construction
Battalion Center. Davisville,
r. I.
Cancellations will be APP
piled as requested at each Of
ARnG ANvr --w~y-