Eveleen Mary Weldon Severn (1882–1942), of

Chicago, Illinois (''City in a Garden''); I Will , image_map = , map_caption = Interactive Map of Chicago , coordinates = , coordinates_footnotes = , subdivision_type = Country , subdivision_name ...

, was a

philatelist Philately (; ) is the study of postage stamps and postal history. It also refers to the collection and appreciation of stamps and other philatelic products. Philately involves more than just stamp collecting or the study of postage; it is possi ...

who pioneered in breaking of the "glass ceiling" encountered by women in the ranks of philately, and founded the first women’s stamp club. She was the husband of

Charles Esterly Severn Charles Esterly Severn (July 5, 1872 – December 14, 1929), of Chicago, Illinois, was a philatelist who dedicated his entire career as editor of philatelic publications. Philatelic literature At ''Mekeel's Weekly Stamp News'', founded by Charle ...

Philatelic literature

Eveleen Severn served at ''Mekeel's Weekly Stamp News'' in a number of positions, starting in 1929 and finally becoming its editor. Severn used her position at ''Mekeel’s'' to attract women into the ranks of philately.

Women’s rights

Up until the 1930s, philately was generally regarded as a "man’s" hobby and women were, in most cases, excluded or at least not encouraged to participate. Eveleen Severn was a crusader for the inclusion of women into philatelic circles, and was one of the founders of Chicago Woman's Stamp Club, the first stamp club exclusively for women. The club was founded on May 13, 1930, and Eveleen Severn was named president. Continuing her activism for women’s rights, Eveleen Severn applied for membership at the

Chicago Philatelic Society The Chicago Philatelic Society is one of the oldest philatelic organizations in the United States, serving stamp collectors and postal history enthusiasts in the Chicago, Illinois, area. History The society was founded October 8, 1886. Its pre ...

, was accepted, and became the first woman member of the society.

Philatelic activity

Eveleen Severn was a member of the

American Philatelic Society The American Philatelic Society (APS) is the largest nonprofit stamp collecting foundation of philately in the world. Both the membership and interests of the society are worldwide. History The organization, originally named the ''American Phil ...

and served on various committees. In 1940 she was on the committee that presented the first

Luff Award The Luff Award is awarded by the American Philatelic Society (commonly known as the APS) for meritorious contributions to philately by living philatelists. Established The award was established in 1940 in memory of John N. Luff, distinguished ...

, and she was responsible for recommending that the society establish the

American Philatelic Society Hall of Fame The American Philatelic Society Hall of Fame award honors deceased philatelists who have contributed significantly to the field of national and/or international philately. History The APS ''Hall of Fame'' award was founded at the 1940 American P ...

for deceased philatelists who had made outstanding contributions to philately. At the Severn-Wylie-Jewett Company, which owned ''Mekeel's Weekly Stamp News'', she assumed the role of president on the death of her husband

. She eventually was appointed editor and continued in that role until she died.

Honors and awards

Eveleen Severn was named to the

in 1942.

References

Eveleen Mary Weldon Severn
{{DEFAULTSORT:Severn, Eveleen Mary Weldon 1882 births 1942 deaths Philatelic literature American philatelists People from Chicago American Philatelic Society Women philatelists

Philatelic literature

Women’s rights

Philatelic activity

Honors and awards

See also

References