1961 Senator George W. Norris 100th Anniversary of Birth – First Day Cover | Washington, D.C.
This dignified 1961 United States First Day Cover honors Senator George W. Norris of Nebraska on the 100th anniversary of his birth. Featuring a formal portrait cachet with the U.S. Capitol and Norris Dam, plus the official 4¢ stamp, it is a meaningful collectible for American political history and progressive reform enthusiasts.
🧾 Key Points:
- Country: United States of America
- Date of Issue: July 11, 1961
- City of Cancellation: Washington, D.C.
- Stamp Value: 4¢
- Theme: 100th Anniversary of the Birth of Senator George W. Norris | 1861–1961
- Historical or Cultural Relevance: Commemorates George William Norris (1861–1944), a leading progressive Senator from Nebraska who championed public power, rural electrification, and democratic reforms over four decades in Congress
- Estimated Market Value: $6–$14 USD, depending on condition and demand
🖼️ Product Overview:
The 1961 George W. Norris 100th Anniversary First Day Cover displays a seated portrait of Senator Norris alongside an illustration of the U.S. Capitol and Norris Dam. The matching 4¢ stamp shows Norris with the inscription “Gentle Knight of Progressive Ideals,” canceled by the Washington, D.C. first day postmark and a special pictorial cancel featuring the dam.
Design Elements:
- Portrait cachet of Senator George W. Norris with Capitol and Norris Dam illustrations
- Official 4¢ “George W. Norris” commemorative stamp
- Circular Washington, D.C. postmark dated Jul 11, 9 A.M., 1961
- Special pictorial cancel with dam and landscape motifs
- Art Craft cachet imprint
Appeal to Collectors: Ideal for collectors of U.S. Senate history, progressive reformers, Nebraska political figures, or 1961 commemorative First Day Covers.
📚 Historical Context:
Issued on July 11, 1961, in Washington, D.C., this First Day Cover marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Senator George W. Norris. A staunch progressive, Norris served in Congress from 1903 to 1943 and was instrumental in creating the Tennessee Valley Authority and other public power projects while fighting for labor rights and against conservative policies.
💎 Collectible Value:
Typical Market Value or Rarity: Art Craft covers from the 1961 Norris issue are popular among political history collectors. Clean examples typically sell in the $6–$14 range.
Who Would Be Interested:
- Collectors of U.S. Senate and progressive political history
- Nebraska and Midwestern political history enthusiasts
- Fans of public power and reform-themed philately
- General First Day Cover collectors focusing on 1961 issues
✨ Unexpected or Notable Details:
The cachet includes Norris Dam, one of the major public power projects Norris helped champion. The 100th anniversary timing adds centennial significance. The stamp’s nickname “Gentle Knight of Progressive Ideals” reflects the respect Norris earned across party lines.
Add this rare Senator George W. Norris 100th Anniversary First Day Cover to your collection today!