Trip to Boston and meeting the Canal Zone Study Group (CZSG) group in May 2026 (PART 2)

PART 2 : Trip to Boston and meeting the Canal Zone Study Group (CZSG) group in May 2026

Firstly, the latest copy of the Canal Zone Philatelist dripped through my letterbox this week. It contained a great article on the World Stamp Show by Mike Drabik, (reproduced below).

After meeting the Canal Zone guys, I went back for day 2 (May 24th) of the weeks show. I was taken by the high-profile United States Postal Service events held every day.  On this day it was the winner of the USPS’s most popular issued stamp chosen by public poll from 25 candidates. The winner highlighted the iconic American TV personality Fred Rogers. Famous for the children’s show Mr Rogers Neighbourhood. The Fred Rogers stamp was re-issued again to coincide with its award. They even had a special postal cancelation to apply that day

A large auditorium was full for this event, and people connected with design + issue were lined up on the stage. A special speaker was one of cast of the show David Alexander Newell who played Mr. McFeely, the delivery man. David gave a kind and moving tribute to the late Fred Rogers, which succinctly summed up both Fred, and the shows classic status. For those non-Americans not aware of Fred Rogers check out the film with Tom Hanks (A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood).

The USPS handed out first day covers (free of charge !)  to those attending the event. To top it off people connected with the stamps release (including David Newell/Mr McFeely), lined up to sign them. David Newell was very kind and a true gentleman signing two pictures for my granddaughters

For the Boston experience itself, a lovely city and smaller than we expected. We managed to explore and pack a lot in including trips to the Cheers Bar, Prudential Tower, Boston Navy Yard (containing the USS Constitution and USS Cassin Young), City Parks, Quincy Market and the incredible Boston Library in Copley Square. I recommend the library. The architecture and décor inside the building is sublime, the I even managed to find a few Panama Canal related books inside as well !

On top of our whistle stop tour, I took a train down to Fall River for the day to check out the mighty Battleship USS Massachusetts at the Battleship Cove fleet museum. By accident I discovered a Lizzie Borden museum is also in Fall River if you want to learn about her dark secrets.... (https://lizzie-borden.com)