William Reynolds Ricketts
Encyclopedia
William Reynolds Ricketts (July 29, 1869 – October 14, 1956), of Forty Fort, Pennsylvania
, was a philatelist
who created the largest index of philatelic literature
available during his lifetime. He was considered as the “greatest philatelic indexer of all time.” Ricketts was the son of R. Bruce Ricketts
and Elizabeth Reynolds Ricketts, for whom Ricketts Glen State Park
in Pennsylvania is named.
s, the other for philatelic literature. As part of his effort, he amassed one of the largest philatelic libraries in existence. In addition to collecting and indexing, Ricketts also wrote and published numerous articles on stamps and stamp collecting.
Indexes created by Ricketts were published, usually in small segments, in philatelic journals. However, his index was so huge that only a portion of his total index was ever published during his lifetime.
to which he donated a large portion of the foreign language philatelic literature of his library. The American Philatelic Society
started to publish his index, but eventually stopped because of its size, whereupon Ricketts discontinued work on the index.
in 1921 and was named to the American Philatelic Society Hall of Fame
in 1988.
who, in turn, donated most of it to the Smithsonian Institution
, where it is now located in the National Postal Museum
at Washington, D.C.
Forty Fort, Pennsylvania
Forty Fort is a borough in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 4,579 at the 2000 census. It neighbors the boroughs of Kingston, Wyoming, and Swoyersville...
, was a philatelist
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 created the largest index of philatelic literature
Philatelic literature
Philatelic literature is written material relating to philately, primarily information about postage stamps and postal history- Background to philatelic literature :...
available during his lifetime. He was considered as the “greatest philatelic indexer of all time.” Ricketts was the son of R. Bruce Ricketts
R. Bruce Ricketts
Robert Bruce Ricketts distinguished himself as an artillery officer in the American Civil War. He is best known for his battery’s defense against a Confederate attack on Cemetery Hill on the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg.-Early life:...
and Elizabeth Reynolds Ricketts, for whom Ricketts Glen State Park
Ricketts Glen State Park
Ricketts Glen State Park is a Pennsylvania state park on in Columbia, Luzerne, and Sullivan counties in Pennsylvania in the United States. Ricketts Glen is a National Natural Landmark known for its old-growth forest and 24 named waterfalls along Kitchen Creek, which flows down the Allegheny...
in Pennsylvania is named.
Collecting interests
Ricketts was primarily interested in philatelic literature and created two indexes: one for postage stampPostage stamp
A postage stamp is a small piece of paper that is purchased and displayed on an item of mail as evidence of payment of postage. Typically, stamps are made from special paper, with a national designation and denomination on the face, and a gum adhesive on the reverse side...
s, the other for philatelic literature. As part of his effort, he amassed one of the largest philatelic libraries in existence. In addition to collecting and indexing, Ricketts also wrote and published numerous articles on stamps and stamp collecting.
Indexes created by Ricketts were published, usually in small segments, in philatelic journals. However, his index was so huge that only a portion of his total index was ever published during his lifetime.
Philatelic activity
Ricketts was a member of the Collectors Club of New YorkCollectors Club of New York
The Collectors Club of New York, often referred to as the Collectors Club, is a private club and philatelic society in New York City. Founded in 1896, it is one of the oldest existing philatelic societies in the United States...
to which he donated a large portion of the foreign language philatelic literature of his library. The American Philatelic Society
American 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...
started to publish his index, but eventually stopped because of its size, whereupon Ricketts discontinued work on the index.
Honors and awards
Ricketts signed the Roll of Distinguished PhilatelistsRoll of Distinguished Philatelists
The Roll of Distinguished Philatelists is a philatelic award of international scale, created by the Philatelic Congress of Great Britain in 1921...
in 1921 and was named to 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:...
in 1988.
Legacy
The largest portion of his library was purchased by George Townsend TurnerGeorge Townsend Turner
George Townsend Turner , of Washington, D.C., was considered a leading philatelic bibliophile of his era, amassing a very large body of philatelic literature over his lifetime.-Collecting interests:...
who, in turn, donated most of it to the Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Institution
The Smithsonian Institution is an educational and research institute and associated museum complex, administered and funded by the government of the United States and by funds from its endowment, contributions, and profits from its retail operations, concessions, licensing activities, and magazines...
, where it is now located in the National Postal Museum
National Postal Museum
The National Postal Museum, located opposite Union Station in Washington, D.C., USA, was established through joint agreement between the United States Postal Service and the Smithsonian Institution and opened in 1993. The museum is located across the street from Union Station, in the building that...
at Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....