A First-Class Organization: Houston Philatelic Society

Do you know what the word philately (fɪˈlat(ə)li) means? Perhaps you studied it for the vocabulary section of the SAT? Maybe a challenging word you heard attempted at a spelling bee? Or is it the couple “name-fusion phrase” for Phil and Natalie?

If West University neighbors sneaked into a dark back parking lot on Monday nights and peeked into a hidden building, they might be shocked to discover a little-known gathering of shadowy figures practicing philately . . . the study of postage stamps, postal routes and postal history.

The Houston Philatelic Society, also known as the Houston Stamp Club, was organized back in 1945 when 23 charter members gathered at the Houston Central YMCA at 1600 Louisiana and drafted a constitution. The first president was Bradford Beard, In 1999, the meetings moved to West University Methodist Church.  

Current members of The Houston Stamp Club pose for a picture at a Monday night meeting.

Longtime member John Germann shares, “It’s a very friendly group that’s passionate about their hobby and who loves to share the joy of collecting stamps with each other and the community at large.”

If you have an interest in stamp collecting, postal history or just want to find out more about this exciting hobby, the Houston Stamp Club invites you to attend their next meeting. Visitors of all ages are always welcome, whether beginner hobbyist or expert. Clayton Finney, a Houston Stamp Club member and dad, often brings his 6-year-old son Liam.

The group meets most first and third Mondays of the month from 7:30-9 p.m. Yearly dues are $7. The Houston Philatelic Society also sponsors The Greater Houston Stamp Show every year in September; this year, the show takes place Sept. 23-23.