1959 Dental Health

This is a First Day of Issue envelope commemorating the 100th anniversary of the American Dental Association (ADA), featuring a U.S. postage stamp issued in 1959. The envelope is a collectible item for philatelists and those interested in the history of dentistry, celebrating the ADA's century of contributions to dental health and education since its founding in 1859.

**Product Description:**

- **Title:** 100th Anniversary of the American Dental Association First Day of Issue Envelope
- **Issue Date:** September 14, 1959
- **Location of Issue:** New York, New York (postmarked with the date and time: 9:00 AM, Sep 14, 1959)
- **Stamp Included:** 
  - A single 4-cent U.S. postage stamp titled "American Dental Association 1859-1959, Dental Health."
  - The stamp features an illustration of a smiling child on the right, with three children holding hands on the left, symbolizing the importance of dental health for children. The design is in blue, with the text "United States Postage 4¢" printed on it.
- **Cachet (Design on Envelope):**
  - The left side of the envelope features a black-and-white photograph of a smiling young girl with a bow in her hair, emphasizing the theme of dental health and its impact on children.
  - Below the photograph, the text "DENTAL HEALTH CENTENNIAL OF THE AMERICAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION 1859-1959" is prominently displayed in a decorative font, marking the occasion.
  - The ADA logo, featuring a triangle with a snake and staff (a symbol often associated with medicine and healing), is included in the center of the text.
  - The text "First Day of Issue" is printed at the top left, within a decorative border, indicating the envelope's collectible status.
  - A small logo, likely from the cachet designer (possibly ArtCraft, a common producer of such envelopes), is visible in the bottom left corner.
- **Postmark:** 
  - A circular postmark reads "New York, N.Y., Sep 14, 9:00 AM, 1959," marking the official first day of issue for this stamp.
- **Additional Markings:** 
  - The text "FIRST DAY OF ISSUE" is printed to the right of the stamp, reinforcing the envelope's significance as a philatelic item.
  - The envelope is addressed to "Alvin B. Flavell, 457 Devon St., Kearny, N.J.," indicating it was mailed as part of the commemorative event.
- **Condition:** The envelope appears to be in good condition, typical of a well-preserved collectible from the late 1950s, with some minor signs of aging such as slight discoloration around the edges (based on the image provided).

This First Day of Issue envelope is a piece of postal and medical history, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the American Dental Association and its efforts to promote dental health, particularly for children. It serves as a meaningful addition to any stamp collection, dental history memorabilia, or a historical keepsake for those interested in the evolution of healthcare and professional organizations in the United States.