Lewis Leigh Collection 2007-2008

Access and use

Location of collection:
Thomas Balch Library
Thomas Balch Library
208 West Market Street
Leesburg, Virginia 20176
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Alexandra S. Gressitt
Phone: (703) 737-7195
Fax: (703) 737-7195

Summary

Creator:
Lewis Leigh, Jr., Leesburg, VA.
Abstract:
The Lewis Leigh Collection contains seven items: five postcards, a wooden medallion, and a postal cancellation stamp. There is a postcard commemorating the 175th anniversary of Harmony United Methodist Church in Hamilton, Virginia, one postcard from Leighfield Local Post, and three postcards featuring Loudoun County's 250th anniversary cancellation. The collection also includes the official 250th anniversary cancellation stamp, and a wooden medallion designed by Leigh and the Loudoun County board of supervisors as a 250th anniversary memento.
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

The Lewis Leigh Collection contains seven items: five postcards, a wooden medallion, and a postal cancellation stamp. There is a postcard commemorating the 175th anniversary of Harmony United Methodist Church in Hamilton, Virginia, one postcard from Leighfield Local Post, and three postcards featuring Loudoun County's 250th anniversary cancellation. The collection also includes the official 250th anniversary cancellation stamp, and a wooden medallion designed by Leigh and the Loudoun County board of supervisors as a 250th anniversary memento.

Biographical / historical:

Lewis Leigh, Jr. was born in Fairfax County, Virginia to W. Lewis (1908-1993) and Frances (1912-1989) Leigh Sr. He is now a resident of Leesburg, Virginia. He has been a philatelist for many years, focusing on postmarks from towns in Northern Virginia.

As a collector and hobbyist, Leigh has engaged in a number of activities. When Loudoun County, Virginia celebrated its 250th anniversary in 2007, he worked with county officials and the U.S. Postal Service to create a special postmark to commemorate the occasion. It was used from mid-April through June of 2007 at the Dulles Processing and Distribution Center. In 2008, he established Leighfield Local Post at his home. An individual may create his own stamp and cancellation to create a unique collectible called a hobbyist local post; genuine postage is required for the mail to be delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. Also in 2008 Leigh helped Harmony United Methodist Church commemorate its 150th anniversary with a cachet, a special design stamped on postcards. A total of 51 postcards were cacheted and mailed at the church's anniversary celebration.

Acquisition information:
Lewis Leigh, Jr., Leesburg, VA.
Arrangement:

Folder