Joseph Thomas Martz Stamp Collection, 1967-1969

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

Extent:
3 folders
Creator:
Gayle Martz Kohlbry, Edina, MN
Abstract:
There are twenty-nine covers in this collection issued from 1967 to 1969. Additionally, there is a postcard with a portrait of Marshall by Christine B. Pogue, an officially issued note describing the numbered envelope, and a note from Martz on obtaining the envelope with cachet, stamp, and postcard.
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

There are twenty-nine covers in this collection issued from 1967 to 1969, with three significant ones. The first is the man on the moon cover, released on 20 July and 9 September 1969 in two cities, and therefore bears two date stamps. The second is the flag cover for 20 January 1969, which bears the stamp "Inauguration Day." The third is the George C. Marshall cover, issued in 1967. In addition to the commemorative Marshall stamp, the cover has a stamp of "21" on it and a decorative cachet commemorating General George C. Marshall. Additionally, there is a postcard with a portrait of Marshall by Christine B. Pogue, an officially issued note describing the numbered envelope, and a note from Martz on obtaining the envelope with cachet, stamp, and postcard.

Biographical / historical:

Joseph Thomas Martz (7 May 1918-1 September 1979) was the only son of Joseph Manning Martz (11 September 1889-5 August 1934) and Ethel Beans (28 October 1891-9 July 1965). Born and raised in Loudoun County, he attended Round Hill School and Strayer College of Accountancy. After his father died, Martz went to live with his uncle, James Bernard Martz (23 July 1895-27 August 1950), in Washington DC, where he pursued a career in insurance.

Pending the start of World War II, Martz joined the army on 2 December 1941, and when war was declared, he shipped out to Eastern Europe and Northern Africa, where he served without incident. He was separated from the army on 31 December 1945.

After the war, Martz became chief bookkeeper at Loudoun County Livestock Market, and then the deputy treasurer for Loudoun County. In 1951, he ran for the office of Clerk of Loudoun Circuit Court against the previous circuit court clerk, Edward O. Russell (27 October 1875-15 February 1953), who had held the position for 23 years. Martz won with 65% of the vote. As clerk of the circuit court, Martz kept records of all court cases and land deeds, issued licenses, collected fines, and managed juries. He also became president of the Virginia Court Clerks Association. In 1965, he was elected director of First National Bank of Purcellville.

On 31 October 1951, Martz married Clara Frances Miller (20 May 1918-3 October 2001), a Purcellville native and secretary at William P. Lipscomb Company in Washington DC. They lived in Purcellville and had three daughters: Anne Katherine Martz (27 August 1953-5 October 2010), Gayle Manning Martz Kohlbry (b. 22 December 1955), and Joyce Thomas Martz Grier (b. 5 December 1956).

Acquisition information:
Gayle Martz Kohlbry, Edina, MN
Arrangement:

Chronological

Physical description:
.