On
November 8, 1947, George Gwilliam, Fred Wright, Ford Babcock, and
Harold Baxter met at the Gwilliam home to organize the Oswego Stamp
Club. Formal organization took place February 8, 1948 when Ford Babcock
was elected president. In September 1948 our group generated enough
interest to plan its first stamp exhibit open to the general public.
This was followed by a second similar exhibition in October of 1949
drawing an even larger attendance. It was between 1948 and 1950 respectively
that we joined the Federation of Central New York Philatelic Societies
and the National Federation of Stamp Clubs.
We
held our third annual exhibition at the Oswego City Savings Bank in
October 1950 with more viewers than previous shows due to the strategic
location. Oswego Stamp Club prospered under the 16 plus year leadership
of Charles VanWie. He personally produced 28 six-page frames for use
at the various exhibitions held. The annual stamp exhibits ceased
because there was no place to hold them that possessed sufficient
space and adequate lighting. An invitation came from the Sandy Creek
Stamp Club to join with their club and the Jefferson County Stamp
Club of Watertown in holding a Tri-Club Exhibit in Pulaski. On May
25, 1963 this was held, the first of many to follow. We affiliated
with the American Philatelic Society on April 22, 1969.
Meetings
have been held regularly during the years at various places in Oswego,
membership fluctuating between the original four members to a one-time
count of 38. Programs consist of philatelic speakers, auctions, swap
sessions, instruction in the different phases of collecting and exhibiting,
and open discussions on subjects suggested by the members. It also
participates in area exhibitions and visits neighboring clubs whenever
possible.
