It
was late in 1983 that Ronald J. Traino, a former Federation of New
York Philatelic Societies president, indicated a desire to form a
chapter of the American First Day Cover Society.However, he did not
feel the time was right to do so. John A. Cali wrote Monte Eiserman
in July1985 mentioning the desire to start a chapter and how it could
be best accomplished. Advice and encouragement from her and then newly
elected President Bill Simpson aided in attempts at chapter formation.
Inquiries were made with area stamp clubs as to whether they would
like to see a chapter formed in the area. A listing of those interested
resulted in the formation of the chapter. We were welcomed as Chapter
No. 53 in November 1985.
The
individuals submitted to AFDCS as those interested in forming the
chapter were Edward Bailey, John A. Cali, John Finn, Vincent Gandino,
Raymond Stummer, Ronald Traino, Rev. Raymond Wood, and Glen Woodford.
Other members were Robert Grier, Gary and Sharolyn Chicoine, Richard
Kase, Joe Doles, L. Kelly Armstrong, and Brad Sterling.
Our
first officers were Glen Woodford, President; John Davis, Vice President;
Raymond Stummer, Secretary; and John Davis, Treasurer. The AFDCS Chapter
Representative that year was John A. Cali.
The
location for our annual meetings currently is in conjunction with
ROPEX.
We
have attempted to staff a table at local shows to promote AFDCS and
the chapter. Other times we have staffed tables at commercial shows.
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Our
first cachet was for the 10-cent Canal Boat coil issued April
11, 1987 in Buffalo. Other achievements have been chapter awards
for our efforts in recruiting.
Notables in our chapter are cachet makers Gary and Sharolyn Chicoine
(d/b/a GeeSee) Cachets for their award winning cachets, RJG Cachets
of Robert Grier, Weightlifter cachets produced by Richard Kase,
JKD by Joe Doles, Armstrong cachets by member Kelly Armstrong
and others. |
