First US International Philatelic Exhibition
On October 27, 1913, the US hosted its first International Philatelic Exhibition (IPEX). Dubbed the “Great Exhibition,” it received significant praise and was considered a major success.
This Day in History
Opening of the Erie Canal
On October 26, 1825, the Erie Canal opened, offering a quicker shipping route through New York’s waterways. The canal opened the West to settlement and New York City became the largest port city in the United States.
Birth of Richard Byrd
Richard Evelyn Byrd was born on October 25, 1888, in Winchester, Virginia. Byrd led three Antarctic expeditions and was the US Navy’s youngest admiral at the time.
UN Issues Its First Stamps
On October 24, 1951, the United Nations issued its first postage stamps. The UN is the only organization that’s neither a country or territory to issue its own postage stamps.
Dag Hammarskjöld Invert Controversy
On October 23, 1962, the US Post Office Department unknowingly issued an unknown number of inverted Dag Hammarskjöld error stamps. The fallout from this issue became known as Day’s Folly (after Postmaster General J. Edward Day).
Birth of Czeslaw Slania
One of the world’s most famous stamp engravers, Czeslaw Slania was born on October 22, 1921, in Czeladź near Katowice, Poland. He engraved more than 1,000 stamps during his lifetime for more than two dozen countries.
The Guggenheim Opens to the Public
On October 21, 1959, one of the world’s most renowned museums, the Guggenheim, opened in New York City.
Birth of Charles Ives
Composer Charles Edward Ives was born on October 20, 1874, in Danbury, Connecticut. Though his music was largely unknown during his lifetime, he was later regarded as the leading composer of 20th-century art music.
NYC’s Lost Washington Monument
On October 19, 1847, a grand celebration proceeded the laying of the cornerstone of New York City’s planned 425-foot Washington Monument. The monument was never completed and the cornerstone was lost to time.