As publicity for the 1933 National convention, a set of 80 different poster stamps was produced, depicting various landmarks around the Milwaukee area. The stamps were printed in panes of 20 stamps each. The B.P.O.E. convention was held in Wisconsin in 1933, as shown at the bottom of each stamp.
We haven’t found all 80 yet, but perhaps a benevolent creature who owns a pane or two will send us a nice scan for our trophy room. Here are 24 of the set, their coloration seems to be all of one variety: bright violet markings over a yellow background.
MAY EDIT: Back from another Elks hunt, we are able to add illustrations of 22 additional singles from this set, bringing the total illustrated here to 42 different designs.
Also illustrated is an intact pane of 20 that was recently sold on eBay. Because there are duplicates here and there in our scans, the total is now 52 different.
The Elks began in 1868 as a social club for minstrel show performers, called the “Jolly Corks”. It was established as a private club to elude New York City laws governing the opening hours of public taverns, and then evolved into a national fraternal order, officially the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (B.P.O.E.).
