Collection of First Day Covers

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: MSS 31

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Spanning the years 1938-1971, this collection contains First Day of Issue envelopes and stamps which were sent to primarily Purdue Presidents and staff. Some also contain additional supporting material like letters and pamphlets. Arranged by date, the collection includes 34 distinct stamps and envelopes, almost all of which include cachets, which is the elaborate artwork depicted on the envelope, with various scenes and portraits of notable figures. The Collection First Day Covers have a variety of subjects ranging from early collegiate aviation to various commemorations of historical events and finally includes Apollo mission specific first day covers. This collection might be useful to researchers interested in the history of postage services in the United States or the subject matter of the First Day Covers.

Dates

Creation: 1938 - 1971

Access Information

Collection is open for research.

Copyright and Use Information

Materials in this collection are either in the public domain or the copyright is retained by the original creator. Consult with Purdue University Archives and Special Collections prior to reproduction of materials.

Biographical Information

First day covers are used to signify important dates and their respective anniversaries and to commemorate important things like specific people, places, and events. What makes First Day Covers unique is their cancellation date being the same day as its creation date, making it the first day the stamp was used and the last as well.

Extent

0.182 Cubic Feet (One half-width manuscript box.)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Arrangement

This collection is arranged in chronological order.

Acquisition Information

One of the First US Airmail Flight by Helicopter first day covers was donated to the archives by Tom Adler in August 2024. One of the First Flight from Purdue University Airport first day covers was transferred to the archives by Adam Baxmeyer of the Purdue University Airport in December 2017. The July 20th Apollo 11 commemorative first day cover was donated to the archives by Karen Yehle in 2015. The remainder of the first day covers have been transferred to the Purdue Libraries or Archives and Special Collections from President Hovde or other Purdue University departments from the 1950s to the 1970s.