Fort Dearborn - Souvenir Sheet

This special issue of stamps commemorates the Century of Progress International Exposition held in Chicago, Ill., beginning June 1, 1933.

The stamps are of the same size as the regular issue, 0.75 by 0.87 inch in dimension, arranged horizontally. Both stamps are inclosed in narrow double-line borders. The 1-cent stamp is printed in green and the 3-cent stamp in purple.

The special issue of 1-cent and 3-cent postage stamps of the Century of Progress design in sheets of 25 stamps each was authorized for printing on the stamp press included in the Government exhibit at the Chicago Century of Progress Exposition.

The sheets are approximately 4.75 by 5.375 inches in dimension, and are ungummed and without perforations. In narrow margins on the four sides of the sheets in small Gothic lettering, corresponding to the color of the denomination, is the following wording: "Printed by the Treasury Department, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, under authority of James A. Farley, Postmaster General, at a Century of Progress. In compliment to the American Philatelic Society for its convention and exhibition, Chicago, Illinois, August 1933."

The special sheets of Century of Progress stamps were first placed on sale August 25, 1933, at the philatelic station, Chicago, Ill., operated in connection with the annual convention of the American Philatelic Society held at the Medinah Michigan Avenue Club, Chicago, August 21–26. The stamps were also placed on sale August 28, 1933, at Chicago Century of Progress Postal Station, Exposition Grounds, for the convenience of visitors.

Stamps of this special printing were not placed on sale at other post offices. They were, however, placed on sale August 28, 1933, at the Philatelic Agency, Post Office Department, for the benefit of stamp collectors.