When the announcement of the issuing of a commemorative stamp for the US Virgin Islands was published, many island citizens were eager to purchase a small part of their heritage! 🇻🇮
On December 15, 1937, my grandfather attempted to be one of the first to purchase his set but was deprived of the privilege.
That honor went to Enrique Vazquez, a collector from Puerto Rico who arrived at the Post Office before 6:00 am.
Mr. Vazquez purchased the first 24 covers.
Leon Mawson did not leave disappointed. He had the fortunate opportunity of purchasing the last stamp sold that evening at 9:15 pm.
As a special courtesy, Postmaster de Lugo autographed it for him.
Who Took the Original Photograph?
According to a newspaper article, over thirty beautiful photos were submitted for consideration.
The winning photograph was taken from the road just below Blackbeard’s Castle with a view looking west, towards Frenchtown.
A Navy Department employee was credited with taking the winning photograph. 📷
President Roosevelt himself chose the color purple for its design.
Interestingly, in 1958, Leon Mawson became Postmaster General of this very same Post Office branch.
Its unfortunate, that today, no one in the family knows what became of his stamp collection. 🔎📩
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