Arizona Philatelic Rangers
A Little History
Origins of Two Organizations
The Postal History Foundation traces its beginnings to 1960, when William (Bill) Alexander established the Postal History Department at the Arizona Historical Society. The organization was then known as the Western Postal History Museum, which was associated with and housed at the Arizona Historical Society, before adopting the name Postal History Foundation.
The museum was responsible for staffing and financing its operations. To help support its work, Bill Alexander, Albert Evans, Arthur Springer, and Omega Williamson—all museum volunteers—discussed forming a separate organization. This led to the creation of the Arizona Philatelic Rangers.
Why Rangers?
Museum co-founder and Arizona Philatelic Ranger #1 Ray Brandes recalled the story behind the Rangers’ name:
A major rifle manufacturer was running an advertisement in the national magazines in 1960 showing a partial version of a picture of Arizona Rangers. The caption read, “Why doesn’t one of these Texas Rangers have our rifle?” Ray, as assistant director of the Arizona Historical Society, recognized the picture as that of the Arizona Rangers and telephoned the company to point out their mistake. The company, red faced, turned their blunder into a major publicity event. They ran a new advertisement apologizing for misidentifying the Arizona Rangers as the Texas Rangers. They also had an “Arizona Apology Day” complete with festivities, hanging the corporate president in effigy on the grounds of the state capitol building, and a spectacular party in Scottsdale. Both Ray and Bill Alexander attended the party.
While all this was going on, Bill was sitting there drawing a picture of a little star – the badge of the Arizona Rangers. He said, ‘You know, I think what I’d like to do is create an organization called the Arizona Philatelic Rangers.’ That’s how the Rangers began.
Growing and Growing
Interest in becoming a Ranger quickly grew. By the end of the first year, 26 Rangers were supporting the museum’s work. Membership eventually expanded across the country and around the world.
As the museum’s programs and activities grew, so did the Rangers’ support. Between 1961 and 1969, the Rangers raised more than $120,000 through auctions of stamps and other materials donated by Rangers and philatelists throughout the country.
Still Going Strong
The Arizona Philatelic Rangers continue to support the work of the National Postal Education Center through financial contributions, philatelic donations, and legacy gifts. They also established the Children’s Philatelic Education Endowment Fund to support youth education.
The Peggy J. Slusser Philatelic Library was also made possible through the efforts of Ranger John Birkinbine, who helped facilitate a generous gift from his friends Blaine and Bessie Slusser. The Slussers provided funding for the library building in memory of their daughter, Peggy.
The Rangers continue to gather at stamp shows around the country, including their well-known Ranger Dinners.
If you would like to learn more about the Arizona Philatelic Rangers, please contact the National Postal Education Center.
