Free Catalog, Stamp Sampler & $5 Gift Certificate from Kenmore Stamp Company

Kenmore Stamp Company started in 1932 in a spare office at the Niagara Falls Smelting and Refinery Corporation in upstate New York. Ernest Greenway Jarvis, president and sole owner of the refinery had been advised by his doctor to take up a hobby. He was badly in need of rest and relaxation. Overwork and fatigue were threatening his health.

Returning to his boyhood stamp collection, he quickly became absorbed in this fascinating activity and greatly expanded his albums. On a whim he placed an advertisement offering his duplicate stamps for sale to interested collectors. An avalanche of requests poured in. Working late into the night filling orders and answering correspondence wasn't exactly the therapy the doctor had in mind.

Nevertheless, Jarvis was overjoyed to be working with stamps again and thrilled to be of service to fellow collectors. He moved his collection and duplicate stamps to an empty office in his plant. Now he could run his main business and take frequent "time outs" to relax and enjoy his stamp activity. He had the best of both worlds and his health and spirit returned on high.

New ads soon appeared under the name of Kenmore Stamp Company and this little business came to life. Two employees were hired when stamps were imported from around the world. As business grew, additional space was needed but none was available at the smelting and refinery operation. It, too, was expanding as the threat of war in Europe loomed.