Lanarkshire Philatelic Society

"Our President presents....."

Mr. Alex Magowan

The Lanarkshire Philatelic Society enjoyed viewing a wonderful series of displays on Friday evening when new President, Mr Alex Magowan, presented his "President’s Display".

He began with the information that he had joined the LPS during Session 1975-76 and he chose to display the stamps that were issued through these 2 years by - Australia; Malawi; Canada; New Zealand; USA and also the UK (considerably less issues in those years). The USA issued special illustrated sheets containing 5 stamps each commemorating the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

Some sheets of "Philatelic Illusions" illustrated on stamps baffled members!

Alex has a superb collection of philatelic material relating to "Hamilton" – and is continuously updating it – this especially during the "Covid Pandemic". He presented philatelic items - stamps, covers, postmarks - from each state that has a town named "Hamilton" within it. There are many!  The list includes Arkansas; California; Connecticut; Georgia; Michigan; Nebraska; Ohio; Texas – amongst others.

This was followed by a most informative display about Alexander Hamilton – the "Founding Father" of the American Government. He was a Captain at the beginning of the Revolution – and later became "First Secretary of the Treasury" during George Washington’s administration. The display of many stamps, covers, postmarks and postcards illustrated the different aspects of his life – with Banking; he established the Mint and changed the currency to the Dollar; shipping and submarines; his strong involvement with forming the American Constitution - and also postcards shared many of his "Quotes". His life was even celebrated in a Musical – "Hamilton, An American Musical" – and a poster and programme of this was displayed.

Alexander Hamilton died on the 12^th July, 1804 after being fatally wounded in a duel with Vice-President Aaron Burr – postcards illustrated this event – and also showed "The Grange" – Hamilton’s home which is now a museum to his life.

Former President, Maureen Mathieson, expressed warm thanks to the Alex for presenting members with such an interesting and varied display – and also a wonderfully informative display of Alexander Hamilton.

Our next meeting in the Hamilton Caledonian Bowling Club, Motherwell Road, Hamilton, is on Friday, 11^th October 2024, at 1:30pm when Mr. Alan Rushworth will present "Places I have lived"

Anyone with an interest in stamps, postal history, postcards etc is very welcome to attend.