Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
1939 New York World's Fair Commemorative Cover
Artifact IDMO 1953.409
Object Type
Cover, First Day
Maker
Fulton Stamp Company
(American philatelic dealer and cachet maker)
Date1939
Mediumpaper, ink
Dimensionsoverall H 3 5/8 in x W 6 1/2 in (9.2 cm x 16.5 cm )
Physical DescriptionA First Day of Issue stamp cover commemorating the 1939 New York World’s Fair. On the left side of the white envelope is a red, black, and white stamped cachet featuring a graphic illustration of the Trylon and Perisphere and the words “NEW YORK WORLD’S FAIR 1939.” Additional text, “FIRST DAY COVER,” is to the right of the cachet. A purple stamped triple-line horizontal border runs along the top and bottom of the envelope with the maker’s initials (“fsc”) at the center of the bottom border.
The envelope is addressed to (handwritten in red and blue ink): "The President of the United States / Hon. Franklin D. Roosevelt / Washington / D.C." Adhered in the upper right corner of the envelope is a U.S. 1939 deep purple 3¢ Trylon and Perisphere New York World’s Fair stamp (Scott 853). The envelope is postmarked New York, New York, April 1, 1939 with a “FIRST DAY OF ISSUE” cancellation.
The return address is stamped on the reverse of the envelope: “S. E. HUTNICK, M. D. / 5933 LANSDOWNE AVENUE / WEST PHILADELPHIA, PA.”
Historical NoteThe 1939 New York World's Fair, located in Flushing Meadows, New York, opened on April 30, 1939 and closed on October 27, 1940. President Franklin D. Roosevelt gave the opening speech in person which was televised throughout the Fair. His address was the first time that a president appeared on television.The envelope is addressed to (handwritten in red and blue ink): "The President of the United States / Hon. Franklin D. Roosevelt / Washington / D.C." Adhered in the upper right corner of the envelope is a U.S. 1939 deep purple 3¢ Trylon and Perisphere New York World’s Fair stamp (Scott 853). The envelope is postmarked New York, New York, April 1, 1939 with a “FIRST DAY OF ISSUE” cancellation.
The return address is stamped on the reverse of the envelope: “S. E. HUTNICK, M. D. / 5933 LANSDOWNE AVENUE / WEST PHILADELPHIA, PA.”
This stamp cover is an example of the commemorative items created for the 1939 New York World's Fair.Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDonated as a bequest of Franklin D. Roosevelt to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in 1947.
Credit LineEstate of Franklin D. Roosevelt
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesStamp Collecting Materials (National Archives Identifier 749938)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
Not on view