What is HUNTSPEX? If you're an Alabama stamp collector, you know the answer, and if you're into all things stamp, HUNTSPEX was the place to be.
On June 4-5, the 44th annual Huntsville Philatelic Exposition was held at the University of Alabama at Huntsville's Beville Center.
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First day of issue: May 4, 2011 This year's theme honored the 50th anniversary of America's first manned space flight, which was perfect for the Rocket City. On May 5, 1961, Alan B. Shepard, Jr. flew the Mercury-Freedom 7 for 15 minutes and 28 seconds. Billed as North Alabama's Biggest Stamp Collector's Marketplace, the show, which was sponsored by the Huntsville Philatelic Club, was two days of stamp-filled fun for enthusiasts of all ages.  The expo featured stamp exhibits, 11 stamp dealers who made appraisals and bought and sold stamps, and, of course, a United States Postal Service Station that was staffed by employee volunteers and USPS Diversity Team members. Pictured above are USPS employees Sharon Shew and Linda Smith working hard to keep up with the demand for stamps. "Both Sharon and Linda have staffed our show in prior years, and they always bring all of the new issues from the past year for collectors to catch up with. We love them!" wrote Huntsville Philatelic Club Secretary Arthur Cole.  For the event, the Huntsville Philatelic Club also created a commemorative envelope, a pictorial postmark for each day of the show (pictured below), and a special commemorative sheet that was free to the lucky first 100 participants.  Postmarks would like to thank Huntville Philatelic Club President Heinrich Hahn and Secretary Arthur Cole for sending us the pictures and information about the fabulous event. If you would to join the club or learn more about it, click here to visit their website. |
