WHO WE ARE

Welcome To The Official Website of the

Philatelic Specialists Society of Canada

 The PSSC is a Society of students of philately specializing in a large spectrum of subjects.

OUR HISTORY

THE EARLY YEARS

In the early 1950's, stamp clubs in Toronto were mainly concerned with the philately of British North America. Some prominent local philatelists felt the need for a club which would cater to a broader range of interests.

This prompted Herbert Dubé and a few keen philatelic friends, to take action. A first meeting to discuss the formation of a "serious philatelic study society" was held in Room 221 at the King Edward Hotel, on Wednesday, October 20th 1954.

Those present were:

Herbert Dubé, Jules Reissman, Robert Lyman, George Wegg, Russell Waines, Douglas Patrick & James Law.

It was decided, at this inaugural meeting, "to create a group of matured and advanced philatelists with diverse specialized interests" and that the group would be known as the "PHILATELIC SPECIALISTS SOCIETY OF CANADA." A Constitution was to be written, if possible by the next meeting, but from the outset, certain rules were established. Membership would be by invitation only, with no more than two members specializing in any one country. This regulation was subject to suspension, in special cases, by the unanimous vote of the members.

It was stipulated that "stock books, etc. must not be displayed during, or before, any meeting, nor must there be any blatant trading."

The founding members were assessed $10.00 for membership fees. Annual Membership Fees would be $10.00 for resident members and $5.00 for non-residents, with an additional levy of $1.00 for each meeting attended .

The first elected officers were:

Herbert Dubé              President

Jules Reissman            Treasurer

Russell Waines            Secretary

Russell Waines resigned after the first meeting. (He rejoined in 1955 and remained a member, with another short interval, until 1970). At the second meeting, George Wegg, was elected Vice-President and Secretary.

A list of 43 prospective members had been prepared and it was agreed to approach 23 of them at once. New members at the second meeting were Arthur Blakeley, Dr. Richard Maresch, Frank Seger and Hans Reiche of Ottawa, who "happened to be in the hotel."

After several drafts, the Constitution was approved and confirmed at the March 1955 meeting. It was subsequently amended in June 1964 and again in May 1976. Further minor revisions have been made in subsequent years to meet the needs of current conditions.