I started collecting them when I was a little kid. Honestly, as I was growing up I learned more about US people and history from looking up stamps and learning the stories about the people and places.
As I got older I could afford better versions and it just kind of became a hobby.
I understand why a lot of people don’t “get it.” But consider that stamps are also little pieces of art that you can collect. Some of the newer ones are amazing. The printing techniques have changed so much over the decades.
But...to each his own. For example, I like cars. But not to the point where I would work on them much, or collect them...My brother restores old military trucks. Its cool...but not for me.
Everyone has their “thing.”
I did too. My first order was from the Littleton Stamp Co. in Littleton, NH.
I also bought from the company in Milford, NH.
By the time I was done(around 17) I was going down to the post office and buying sheets. I still have the albums in a foot locker. One album is just new sheets.
Plus stamps are a LOT more affordable, eh? Unless you are into buying the stuff listed in this article.
I will say that stampers are the most honest and reliable people I have ever dealt with. I actually had to sue Ebay when I was selling collectible currencies, but for whatever reason, since I got back into stamping to try to teach my son geopolitics, etc., it’s been the perfect old man (or otherwise) hobby online!
The Kenmore Stamp Company
Milford, NH
https://www.kenmorestamp.com/united-states/1847-1869-1-122/1869-world-s-first-pictorials-112-122