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in 1953, he began publishing a completely new catalogof the postage stamps of the world, a project completedin 1957. In so doing he broke the bonds that had held thehobby to a single mentor in guiding its steps. The Minkus albums and catalogs became an almostovernight success and lead to his opening stamp depart-ments in many of the leading department stores fromcoast to coast, with more to come just as fast as he canstaff them with competent help. Perhaps my reader will wonder why I have devoted somuch space to the story of Jacques Minkus. It is becausethat he, through his many stamp departments in the fineststores of the major cities of our nation, has brought stampcollecting back to "Main Street." In the most importantstores of almost any great city of our nation the personwho is "just a collector"—who desires only to ask a fewquestions and remain anonymous — may find a placeexactly suited to his needs. He may inspect, without fearof being asked to buy something, the thousands of stampson display. He may ask questions and receive courteousanswers, may inspect at first hand the various stamp al-bums, catalogs and accessories that are available. And,if he desires, may make a purchase in complete anonymityfree to go his way and never return if he wishes. Mostlythey do return and mostly they appreciate their anonymity.Some, of course, became great friends and favored clientsbut this takes place only when the buyer wishes it to be so. |
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