Author
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Topic: Space cover servicer Bob Whitney (1915-2014)
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Eddie Bizub Member Posts: 81 From: Kissimmee, FL USA Registered: Aug 2010
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posted 03-22-2014 09:17 PM
For the old-time space cover collector who might have used his cover service, Bob Whitney passed away March 15, 2014. He was 98 years old. Bob serviced covers for all events from the Eastern Test Range from roughly 1967 through the early 90's. Collectors would send him stamped envelopes and Bob would have them cancelled and would apply an appropriate cachet. He predominately used Cape Canaveral and Patrick AFB for cancels but also used Kennedy Space Center, Satellite Beach and Astronaut Trail in Titusville. Bob's cachets in the early days tended to be somewhat generic but later on became event specific. They were single color and were done very well. He serviced covers for any and all events related to the space program from Apollo and Shuttle flights, satellite launches, missile tests and historic anniversaries. My dad used his service for many years and Bob is the reason that I have a cover in my collection for every day of every Apollo flight. I spoke to Bob a few months ago and learned a bit about how he ran his service. I had always thought his cachets were rubber stamps but he informed me that they were printed. In looking closely at them you see that they are all straight ans all fully inked which is typical of printing and not rubber stamps. Bob was in the US Air Force and probably used their print shop to print the cachets. He told me his artist was Bob Mackay who has done many space paintings. I have learned that Bob Whitney was somewhat connected to another cover servicer named Robert Boudwin though I was never able to ask him about the connection. I was planning on writing an article about Bob for the Space Unit's Astrophile but still have many questions. If any one out there used Bob's service or know something about him please contact me. Bob did a great service to space cover collectors and should be recognized. |
GACspaceguy Member Posts: 2474 From: Guyton, GA Registered: Jan 2006
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posted 03-23-2014 06:45 AM
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David Carey Member Posts: 782 From: Registered: Mar 2009
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posted 03-23-2014 11:01 AM
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LM1 Member Posts: 667 From: New York, NY Registered: Oct 2010
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posted 03-23-2014 02:06 PM
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Apollo-Soyuz Member Posts: 1205 From: Shady Side, Md Registered: Sep 2004
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posted 03-23-2014 03:05 PM
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Joel Katzowitz Member Posts: 808 From: Marietta GA USA Registered: Dec 1999
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posted 03-23-2014 07:15 PM
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Bob M Member Posts: 1744 From: Atlanta-area, GA USA Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 03-25-2014 02:13 PM
Here's an example of one of Bob Whitney's cacheted covers. Typically, they were well-done and accurate. He was one of many cachet/cover servicers of the early days and surely one of the best. |
LM1 Member Posts: 667 From: New York, NY Registered: Oct 2010
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posted 03-27-2014 12:34 PM
Bob Whitney was devoted to the hobby of Space Philately. He should be among the first group of people inducted into the Hall of Fame for Space Philatelists when it is begun. |
Kite Member Posts: 831 From: Northampton UK Registered: Nov 2009
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posted 03-27-2014 03:54 PM
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Joe Frasketi Member Posts: 191 From: Florida USA Registered: Aug 2003
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posted 04-17-2014 08:11 PM
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