Richard Russell First Day Covers

The most common commercial first day cover for the Richard Russell stamp bears the ArtCraft cachet (ka-shay) as shown above, although it is unusual to see the stamps stacked vertically as in this example.

This first day cover used a pre-1914 version of the Georgia state seal as its cachet. [In 1914, the legislature changed the date on the seal from 1799 to 1776.] This first day cancellation differs slightly from the other cancels in that the "killer bars" are barely wider than the words, "First Day of Issue." On the most commonly used cancel, the killer bars are much wider.

This first day cover was prepared by the Richard B. Russell Foundation and features a cachet designed by noted University of Georgia artist Lamar Dodd. On one side of a card inside the envelope was the following list of Russell's accomplishments:

1. Member - House of Representatives 1921-1931.

2. Speaker - House of Representatives - State of Georgia 1927-1931

3. Governor of Georgia - 1931-1933

4. As Governor, he created a single system of higher education with all units of higher education in the state being governed by a single board of regents.

5. United States Senator from Georgia - 1933 - until his death in 1971.

6. President Pro Tempore - U.S. Senate 1969 - 1971.

7. Chairman - Senate Arms Service Committee

8. Chairman - Appropriations Committee

9. Advisor to seven Presidents - and was affectionately known by his peers as a Senator's Senator.

On the other side of the card was the following commentary on Russell by Lamar Dodd:

The request and challenge to design this cachet was accepted out of my respect for our great Senator Dick Russell and my dear friend of many years, Morris Bryan.

As we discussed this matter, my thoughts were unmovable as I visualized certain symbols which I felt would do honor to Senator Russell's many accomplishments. The words "Integrity and Forthright Honesty" led me to involvement in these symbols.

The quotation "Not just what he did -- but what he was" came directly from Morris.

The beauty of two perfect squares and the circle are the results of the writings of Plato.

Senator Russell's body and soul came from the beautiful red earth of our state.

The nine variations in this early color stand for nine of his major accomplishments during his illustrious career.

The gold line represents purity of his thoughts, aspirations and actions as he sought the goal which all great men seek -- but few ever realize.

The circle is symbolic of his concern for nations and mankind throughout our world.

The state map is clearly indicative of his beloved state.

 

Covers from the collection of Ed Jackson

(c) Carl Vinson Institute of Government, The University of Georgia

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