Eveleen Mary Weldon Severn
Encyclopedia
Eveleen Mary Weldon Severn (1882–1942), of Chicago, Illinois, was a philatelist
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
.
Continuing her activism for women’s rights, Eveleen Severn applied for membership at the Chicago Philatelic Society
, was accepted, and became the first woman member of the society.
and served on various committees. In 1940 she was on the committee that presented the first Luff Award
, and she was responsible for recommending that the society establish the American Philatelic Society Hall of Fame
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 Charles Esterly Severn
. She eventually was appointed editor and continued in that role until she died.
in 1942.
Philately
Philately is the study of stamps and postal history and other related items. Philately involves more than just stamp collecting, which does not necessarily involve the study of stamps. It is possible to be a philatelist without owning any stamps...
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
Charles Esterly Severn , of Chicago, Illinois, was a philatelist who dedicated his entire career as editor of philatelic publications.-Philatelic literature:...
.
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
Chicago Philatelic Society
The Chicago Philatelic Society is one of the oldest philatelic organization in the United States, serving stamp collectors in the Chicago, Illinois, area.-History:...
, was accepted, and became the first woman member of the society.
Philatelic activity
Eveleen Severn was a member of the American Philatelic SocietyAmerican Philatelic Society
The American Philatelic Society is the largest nonprofit stamp collecting and organization of philately in the world, with almost 44,000 members from 110 countries...
and served on various committees. In 1940 she was on the committee that presented the first Luff Award
Luff Award
The Luff Award is awarded by the American Philatelic Society for meritorious contributions to philately by living philatelists.-Established:...
, and she was responsible for recommending that the society establish the American Philatelic Society Hall of Fame
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:...
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 Charles Esterly Severn
Charles Esterly Severn
Charles Esterly Severn , of Chicago, Illinois, was a philatelist who dedicated his entire career as editor of philatelic publications.-Philatelic literature:...
. She eventually was appointed editor and continued in that role until she died.
Honors and awards
Eveleen Severn was named to the American Philatelic Society Hall of FameAmerican 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:...
in 1942.