The history of the Arizona Federation of Stamp Clubs dates back prior to 1941. In the first year of World War II, the federation disbanded due to travel restrictions and gasoline rationing and was not heard from again until 1969. During a meeting of the American Philatelic Society in Tucson, in April, 1969 an ad hoc committee was formed by interested collector's from Phoenix, Casa Grande and Tucson. The head of the committee was Robert D. Corless. The committee held a meeting on December 18, 1969 and elected the first post-war President, Albert Evans. After months of planning, the state federation was reactivated and in 1970 the stage was set for the revival of annual stamp shows in Arizona. The first annual open stamp show was set for January 16-17, 1971 at Casa Grande's San Francisco Grande Hotel. It was the first philatelic event held by the Federation since pre-war days. During the first show, it was hailed as truly a major event as all of the 8 stamp clubs in Arizona held membership in the federation. Please note that prior to the reformation of the federation, the Phoenix Philatelic Association (PPA) put on and sponsored ARIPEX. The PPA has been a major philatelic organization since 1934. In 1959, the publication of the Arizona Philatelist began. From 1959-1999, this great newsletter was published. It is the hope of the membership, that this once important piece of philatelic history can be started once again. Some Excerpts taken from the Arizona Philatelist (Jan, 1971).
