Welcome to the
Cats on Stamps Study Unit
Who We AreThe Cats on Stamps Study Unit is a nonprofit organization (ISSN 0891-8635) affiliated with the American Topical Association (ATA). Membership dues are $8/year U.S., Canada, and Mexico; $10/year all others. Membership in ATA is not required.
A Brief History
In the fall of 1979, Virginia Haywood, an enthusiastic stamp collector published the first issue of Cat Mews, continuing the newsletter through 1981.
Robert F. Yost revived the publication in 1985 through 1989. His efforts led to the American Topical Association Charter of the Cats on Stamps Study Unit (COSSU) on May 22, 1985 and in 1989, COSSU was also approved by the American Philatelic Society (APS) as an affiliate.
In 1994, the group was reactivated thanks to Donna Wilson, Virginia Gifford, Susan Minniear, and others. Cat Mews resumed publication with Virginia Gifford as editor.
Virginia's untimely death in the summer of 1994 brought Frank and Nancy Ladd to the helm. Cat Mews earned the first of many APS literary competition awards. Frank remained the editor until the close of 1999.
Beginning with the first issue of 2000, Marci Jarvis assumed the editorial duties of Cat Mews and continues in this role. The newsletter garnered more APS literary awards. Two full color pages were added in 2004, enhancing the appeal of Cat Mews.
COSSU has members from more than a dozen countries.
In the fall of 1979, Virginia Haywood, an enthusiastic stamp collector published the first issue of Cat Mews, continuing the newsletter through 1981.
Robert F. Yost revived the publication in 1985 through 1989. His efforts led to the American Topical Association Charter of the Cats on Stamps Study Unit (COSSU) on May 22, 1985 and in 1989, COSSU was also approved by the American Philatelic Society (APS) as an affiliate.
In 1994, the group was reactivated thanks to Donna Wilson, Virginia Gifford, Susan Minniear, and others. Cat Mews resumed publication with Virginia Gifford as editor.
Virginia's untimely death in the summer of 1994 brought Frank and Nancy Ladd to the helm. Cat Mews earned the first of many APS literary competition awards. Frank remained the editor until the close of 1999.
Beginning with the first issue of 2000, Marci Jarvis assumed the editorial duties of Cat Mews and continues in this role. The newsletter garnered more APS literary awards. Two full color pages were added in 2004, enhancing the appeal of Cat Mews.
COSSU has members from more than a dozen countries.
