February 2005
DR. ROBIN McGRATH IS AWARDED THE GELDERT MEDAL FOR 2004

Harry Sutherland, QC, RDP, FRPSC, chairman of The Royal Philatelic Society of Canada committee for the Geldert Medal has announced that Dr. Robin McGrath of Portugal Cove, Newfoundland has been awarded the Geldert Medal for 2004. The Geldert Medal is given annually for the best article of the year published in The Canadian Philatelist, journal of the society.

Dr. McGrath’s in-depth article on “Simon Solomon: Newfoundland Postmaster” (The Canadian Philatelist - January-February 2004) earned the medal for exceptional research on a singular individual who served as the first postmaster of the colony of Newfoundland.

One of the legacies of Simon Solomon is a much-coveted hand stamp that he fashioned in 1810 “to denote postage was paid.” Since Solomon was a watch maker by trade, his skills in that industry enabled him to craft a very distinctive hand stamp. Described as the ‘Solomon’s seal’, it is a choice item for collectors, especially on cover.

McGrath reports that Solomon was very involved in St. John’s life, and it was his entrepreneurial spirit that brought the first mails to the colony. This article, prepared from primary research sources, reveals much about the early history of St. John’s and illustrates how important it is to preserve these chapters of history, not only for stamp collectors, but all historians.

The Geldert Medal was established by Phyllis Geldert in memory of her husband Dr. George M. “Mac” Geldert, FRPSC, a long-serving president (1958-1967) of the RPSC. Mrs. Geldert put up the medal in 1967 shortly after Dr. Geldert’s death. A notable stamp collector herself, Mrs. Geldert was prominent in many facets of RPSC work, including a directorship from 1967 to 1978. She also served as executive director for three years. She was elected as a Fellow (FRPSC) of the Royal in 1968. Mrs. Geldert died on August 23, 2000.

The Geldert Medal is a significant reward for outstanding writing and research in the society’s journal. Harry Sutherland singled out the Robin McGrath article for “its thoroughness, research, and clear writing.” Charles J.G. Verge, President of The Royal Philatelic Society of Canada said Dr. McGrath is “a very deserving winner of the Geldert Medal because her investigative research and writing is first class.”

Verge is encouraged that The Canadian Philatelist is “enjoying good competition among its writers” for the medal. “Each issue,” he said, “has articles worthy of praise and competition.”

The Geldert Medal selection committee is made up of Harry Sutherland, James E. Kraemer and Cimon Morin.

Information on The RPSC can be had by e-mail at info@rpsc.org or by visiting the Society's website at www.rpsc.org, or by calling 416-979-8874, toll free 1-888-285-4143.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Michael O. Nowlan 506-357-2698
Daryl Oliver 416-979-8874