Toronto’s postal past will take centre stage during a special evening Aug. 19 featuring veteran philatelist Garfield Portch at the Vincent Graves Greene Philatelic Research Foundation.
The event will explore Toronto’s philatelic and postal history, with material dating as far back as 1803. Portch will lead an extensive presentation examining the development of the post office in Toronto and some of the postal history associated with the city’s earliest years.
Among the highlights will be mail processed through Toronto’s First Post Office, which is described by organizers as Canada’s oldest purpose-built post office still in operation. Portch will also discuss postal history connected with James Scott Howard, Toronto’s first postmaster.
The event is being presented with the support of the Vincent Graves Greene Philatelic Research Foundation and Toronto’s First Post Office and the Town of York Historical Society.
In addition to Portch’s presentation, visitors will have an opportunity to learn more about the Greene Foundation, its philatelic research library and the resources it makes available to collectors and researchers.
ORIGINAL POSTAL HISTORY OFFERED
Two pieces of original postal history will also be offered as raffle prizes during the evening.
Donated by Portch, both pieces travelled through Toronto’s First Post Office during its original period of operation. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase at the event.
Proceeds from admission ticket sales will support the operations of Toronto’s First Post Office. Separate donations can also be made directly to the Greene Foundation to support its philatelic research activities.
Doors will open at 6:45 p.m., with complimentary coffee, tea and cookies available to attendees. Pre-registration is required, and organizers say space is strictly limited.
Organizers have expressed appreciation to both Portch and the Greene Foundation for their support and partnership in making the event possible.
VETERAN TORONTO PHILATELIST
Garfield Portch, executive director of the Vincent Graves Greene Philatelic Research Foundation, will explore Toronto’s rich postal and philatelic history during an Aug. 19 fundraising presentation supporting Toronto’s First Post Office. (File photo)
Portch is a longtime member of the Canadian philatelic community and serves as executive director on the board of directors of the Vincent Graves Greene Philatelic Research Foundation.
He is also auction chair of the West Toronto Stamp Club and is regarded as one of Toronto’s veteran philatelists.
The Greene Foundation is an important Canadian centre for philatelic research, providing collectors and researchers with access to specialized resources through its library and other activities.
Tickets for the Toronto philatelic history presentation are available through Eventbrite, with proceeds supporting Toronto’s First Post Office. Below is a link to the ticket sales:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/philatelic-history-of-toronto-tickets-1993555494148?aff=oddtdtcreator