In December 1962, an Amelia Earhart stamp became a reality. The Ninety-Nines first suggested applying for the commemorative stamp. The United State Post Office approved it in 1956. Post Office. The National Aviation Club unveiled the stamp’s design on April 25, 1963.
The following July 24, an Earhart stamp ceremony in Atchison, Kansas. The day also celebrated Earhart’s birthday. In addition, Atchison was her birthplace. Furthermore, 649,066 First Day covers were stamped for cancellation. Fifty thousand bore the Ninety-Nines original cachets designed by Ninety-Nine artist Marion Lopez. Clearly the Earhart U. S. Stamp stood as a tribute to a great aviatrix.
The Flyaway
Subsequently, the Ninety-Nines organized a Flyaway to deliver the covers to cities and towns around the nation. The locations proved significant during Earhart’s flying career. The covers were also flown to state capitals. At terminal points, the pilots connected with commercial airlines. They flew the covers to European capitals connected with Earhart’s flights. United and Pacific Northern Airlines delivered covers to Alaska. Delta dropped over covers to Miami while TWA flew to seven European cities. This included Paris where Earhart received the Legion of Honor.
Organizing the Celebration for the Earhart stamp
Seven charter Ninety-Nines organized The Flyaway. Clearly, they proved to be outstanding members. Blanche Noyes, Chief of Air Marking Staff of the FAA Louise Thaden, record-setting pilot; Betty Gilles, a member of the Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron during WWII; Melba Beard, transport pilot and winner of the Earhart closed-pylon course trophy in 1935; Nancy Hopkins Tier, Colonel for the Civil Air Patrol for over 20 years; Teddy Kenyon, only woman test pilot for Avenger bombers during WWII; and Viola Gentry, record-setting pilot and winner of the 1965 Powder Puff Derby.
The climax of the Flyaway occurred on July 26 when the Ninety-Nines presented President Kennedy with a cover. Blanche Noyes presented to him at the Whitehouse. Jacques Minkus, world famous stamp dealer, gave all the profits from the sale of the First Day covers to the Ninety-Nines Scholarship Fund.