This First Day Cover features the 1966 5¢ United States stamp honoring the General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC), issued September 12, 1966, in New York, NY. The cover displays a block of four stamps with the official "First Day of Issue" cancel and a striking black-and-white cachet by C. Stephen Anderson.
The GFWC was founded in 1890 to unite women's clubs across the nation in the causes of education, philanthropy, public welfare, moral values, civics, and the fine arts. By 1966 the organization represented more than 15,000 clubs and eleven million members, making it one of the largest women's volunteer service networks in the world.
A notable detail is the cachet's clever visual contrast between the 1890 Victorian figure and the 1966 modern woman, symbolizing 75 years of progress. The stamp design repeats this motif with elegant cameos and the motto "75 Years of Service for Freedom and Growth."
The cover is addressed to Lt. Col. R. E. Brandel, USMC, at the Defense Depot Ogden in Ogden, Utah—an interesting military connection for a topical collection focused on women's history or civic organizations.
A clean, well-centered example that makes an excellent addition to any FDC, women's history, or service-club topical collection.
