Talk | The English Language Machine Cancels of Dublin, Ireland to 1922 (online)

Language seems like such an ordinary, insignificant part of our lives, but language, even a provincial language like Gaelic, can be a powerful symbol; an expression of shared national identity. Many outsiders thought that Ireland should be content with being an integral part of the United Kingdom.

Ireland is a fiercely independent country that has fought for its Gaelic traditions, and many did not wish to remove the robes of nationalism or lose their language and customs. The period of 1916–1921 in Ireland was marked by political violence and upheaval. This resulted in the partition of Ireland in 1920 and independence for 26 of its 32 counties. Contrast this volatile political environment with the humble role of the post office.  Postal Reform in 1840 caused an unprecedented increase in the volume of mail. By the 1900’s the increase in the volume of mail in Ireland reached the point where the government could not add enough clerks to process the mail.  Machines to cancel the mail became a necessity to spite the “Troubles” in Ireland.

Speaker Charles J.G. Verge was President of The Royal Philatelic Society of Canada from 2000 to 2007, President of the American Association  of Philatelic Exhibitors (1998-2002) and is a Past President of the Eire Philatelic Society. His primary philatelic interests include managing the hobby, writing about it and promoting it. He collects Haiti revenues, Canadian FDCs from the 1950s, Dental FDCs and Thematics, English language cancelling machines of Ireland prior to 1922 and many other areas. He is a national and international collector, accredited judge,  philatelic journalist, author and has represented Canada at many international philatelic gatherings. He was asked to sign the Roll of Distinguished Philatelists in 2020 and received the Lichtenstein Award in 2023.