Poles' Arrival in America

400th Anniversary of the Poles' arrival in America

Hi ! In today's Post I have a recent issue from my favourite Postal Administration - Polish Post. I always admire the design of Polish stamps as they are very specific and special. The designer of the stamp needs great appreciation for exquisite design of stamp and FDC.The stamp in the denomination of 3 zt shown here was issued on 30 September to commemorate 400 years of Polish settlement in America An Indian profile, accompanied by a drawing symbolising a Polish settler from 1608, are placed against a background containing an outline of both continents. The First Day Cover presents a map of America and an outline of a sailing ship. The decorative motive with a ship is present in FDC cachet design. In October 1958 the 350th anniversary of the arrival of the first Poles to America was celebrated. The Congress of the Polish Community in the United States (Polonia) received regards from US president Dwight D. Eisenhower. To commemorate that event, the Polish Post had issued two anniversary postage stamps, one of which contained a picture of "Mary and Margaret", and the other - a group of Polish settlers. In the second part of the Post some FDCs of Se-tenant stamps from the collection of our member Mr. Shrikant Parikh. This is all for Today !......Have a Wonderful Weekend !.....

Date of Issue : 30 September 2008

The first Poles in America

The year 1620 is generally established as the foundation date of the first American colony, when the so called "founding fathers" stepped off their ship, the Mayflower, and started the Plymouth settlement. However attempts to settle the land had been made as early as 20 years before that. It isn't common knowledge, though, that some of the earliest settles in America were Poles! In 1607 the British Virginia Company established the Jamestown colony, which served as a trade centre. It needed qualified workforce, who were recruited not only England. Among the new settlers to reach Jamestown on 1 October 1608 on board "Mary and Margaret" there were such new settlers. The group included Dutchmen, Germans, and also Poles (probably five). Their work included manufacturing tar, potash, wood tar, lye and glass. They were also employed in carpentry.
The Jamestown settlement was administered by captain John Smith, whose exciting adventures have survived in stories such as that of Pocahontas. It is likely that he had come in contact with the Polish people many years ago, e.g. when battling Turks in Transylvania. The surviving records and testimonies of captain Smith imply that the Poles were outstanding craftsmen, renown for their commitment. Apart from manufacturing the first export goods, the Poles were responsible for the first industrial action in the history of America. When in 1619 Jamestown announced its first local election, foreigners were left out. As a sign of protest, the Poles abandoned their workstations, which convinced the London central to accede to their demands - the Poles received rights equal to the ones held by the other settlers. Additionally, they were instructed to train journeymen in order to pass on their priceless skills.Within the following decades the colony was devastated as a result of war with Indians and very harsh living conditions. Many of the settlers died, while others moved away in search of more peaceful places to live.
Courtesy - Polish Post

A Journey to Indian Stamps - FDCs of se-tenant stamps

From Collection of Shrikant Parikh

Political and Social Leaders - 15 August 2000

Space Programme of India - 29 September 2000

Madhubani & Mithila Paintings - 15 October 2000