What is the truck driver thinking about on this stamp?: U.S. Stamp Notes

By John M. Hotchner

How stamp designs evolve is a fascinating story. In the case of the 1953 Trucking Industry stamp (Scott 1025), the design source for the truck was the photograph shown nearby.

An early rendering of the design for the stamp is pictured on the first-day postcard. In this design, the truck had changed, but the physical form of the driver was basically the same, although his face had been simplified.

The final version of the design got rid of the driver’s wave and confined him to the cab of the truck. My guess would be that someone wanted to put the spotlight more on the truck and less on the driver. 

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Whatever the reason, this is one of a long line of U.S. stamps that were based on living models. The original photo shows Ben Winterberger behind the wheel, though by the time the final design was approved, his image had been modified into that of an anonymous truck driver.

With this background, let’s use this 3¢ stamp for the August cartoon caption contest.

Place yourself behind the wheel of the truck and tell me what you think the driver might be saying or thinking about the stamp subject, truck driving, stamp collecting, sports, politics, or whatever else gets your creative juices flowing.  

There will be two prizes given: one for the best philatelic line, and one for the best nonphilatelic line. 

The important thing is to use your sense of humor, because entries with a humorous twist have the best chance of winning a prize. 

Put your entry (or entries) on a postcard if possible and send it to me, John Hotchner, Cartoon Contest, Box 1125, Falls Church, VA 22041-0125, or email it to jmhstamp@verizon.net. Be sure to include your mailing address.

For each winner, the prize will be the book Linn’s Stamp Identifier, published by Linn’s (a retail value of $12.99), or a 13-week subscription to Linn’s (a new subscription or an extension).

To be considered for the prizes, entries must reach me no later than Aug. 26.

Why not enter now, while you’re thinking about it?