Woody Wagon First Day Ceremony at AMERICOVER ‘01
Jay Bigalke
AMERICOVER ’01 in Denver, Colorado hosted the first day of issue ceremony for the Woody Wagon postage stamp on Friday, August 3, 2001. Hosted by the American First Day Covers society, AMERICOVER is a three-day stamp show for cover enthusiasts.
Lloyd Wilkinson, Postmaster of Denver and Master of Ceremonies, started the ceremony by leading everyone to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Following the pledge, Sue Svano sang "America the Beautiful."
AFDCS president, Tom Foust was unable to make it to the show, so Michael Litvak, president of the American Ceremony Program Society took his place in the ceremony. "Surf’s up Woody lovers! Surf’s up cover lovers!" said Mr. Litvak as he welcomed everyone to the event.
Next speaker was John Blachowski, President of the Hi-Country Chapter of the National Woodie Club in Denver. Mr. Blachowski spoke on the history of the Woody Wagon and described how fitting it was that Ford manufactured the most Woody Wagon’s and that a Ford wagon is featured on the stamp. In addition to Mr. Blachowski, others from the Hi-Country Chapter of National Woodie Club drove to the ceremony in their Woody Wagons. On main show floor, a Woody Wagon similar to the stamp design was on display.
District Manager for the Colorado/Wyoming District, George A Boettger was the Postal Service official who dedicated the stamp. He explained that the Woody Wagon postage stamp was a part of the American Culture series and stated that it looked like today’s modern Sports Utility Vehicle. Mr. Boettger then joined the other ceremony participants in unveiling the stamp design.
Honored guest Steve Ripley attended the ceremony and is the national chairman for AMERICOVER. Following the ceremony participants stayed around and autographed programs.
The Woody Wagon postage stamp is a presorted standard stamp valued at 15¢ and is primarily used by bulk mailers. The stamps went on sale nationwide on August 4th.
Program image compliments of Norman Sacks