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Joe Fortes

Black History Month

Stamp Info

Name Value
Date of Issue February 1, 2013
Year 2013
Quantity 2,200,000
Denomination
PERMANENTâ„¢ (P).
Current monetary value: $0.92.
Perforation or Dimension Simulated perforation
Series Black History Month
Series Time Span 2011 - 2024
Printer Lowe-Martin
Postal Administration Canada

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Stamp Price Values

Condition Name Avg Value
M-NH-VF
Mint - Never Hinged - Very Fine Only available to paid users
U-VF
Used - Very Fine Only available to paid users
* Notes about these prices:
  • They are not based on catalogue values but on current dealer and auction listings. The reason for this is that catalogues tend to over-value stamps.
  • They are average prices. The actual value of your stamp may be slightly above or below the listed value, depending on the overall condition of your stamp. Use these prices as a guide to determine the approximate value of your stamps.

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Hidden Date

The hidden date for this stamp can be found along the bottom edge of the stamp.

Layouts

Booklet of 10 stamps

Quantity Produced - 220,000
Current Purchase Price: Only available to paid users
Original Purchase Price: $6.30
Cancellation Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
Perforation: Simulated perforation
Dimension: 40 mm x 24 mm (horizontal)
Printing Process: Lithography in 5 colours
Gum Type: Pressure sensitive
Tagging: General, 4 sides
Paper: Tullis Russell
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OFDC

Quantity Produced - 12,500
Current Purchase Price: Only available to paid users
Original Purchase Price: $1.63
Cancellation Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
Perforation: Simulated perforation
Dimension: 40 mm x 24 mm (horizontal)
Printing Process: Lithography in 5 colours
Gum Type: Pressure sensitive
Tagging: General, 4 sides
Paper: Tullis Russell
Add to List

About Stamp

Seraphim “Joe” Fortes arrived in Vancouver from his native Trinidad and Tobago in 1885. Enamoured with the many beautiful swimming locations, he decided to stay, eventually moving into a tent on his favourite beach at English Bay. While there, he taught both adults and children to swim and appointed himself voluntary patrolman, chaperoning couples and chasing away hooligans.

In 1894, the city formalized Fortes’ volunteer work, making him an official lifeguard. Fortes excelled at the job, reputedly saving many lives. In 1901, he was made an official swimming instructor, receiving pay for the summer months. Fortes became such a beloved citizen that, in 1910, a private committee awarded him a gold watch and a locket – both of which he is wearing in the photograph on the back of the stamp booklet – as well as a cheque for $472.

When Fortes passed away in 1922, Vancouverites were stricken with grief. The city paid for a public funeral, which thousands attended. In 1927, citizens raised money to install a fountain at English Bay in Fortes’ honour. The inscription reads “Little children love him.”

“My overall intention, explains Minja, was to bring life to the character of Joe Fortes, showing him as a strong and personable man, who was caring, responsible, fun-loving, and honourable.”

Fortes is shown on the stamp in his swimming apparel as many would remember him, against a background of the beach he loved so dearly. Minja notes that “it was important to show him in context, standing in the forefront of the stamp with English Bay, circa 1919, well-protected, so to speak, behind him.”

Creators

Design: Lara Minja (Lime Design Inc.). Photography: Photography: City of Vancouver Archives, AM336-S3-2-:CVA 677-440 and AM1535-:CVA 99-1223 (Stuart Thompson), AM54-S4-3-:PAN N77 (W.J. Moore), AM54-S4-:SGN 10; Vancouver Public Library, 39420A; iStockphoto.com.

Similar Stamps

Reference

Canada's Stamp Details (Vol. XXI No 4; October to December 2012)

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