Who We Are and What We're About

Early History

In the early 90s the several stamp collectors formed what was to become the Lake Crystal Stamp Club. Some of the earliest members include Rev. Clint Patterson, Robert Balcome, Rob & Tammy Faux and Glenn Hasse. The group met monthly in the basement of the Presbyterian Church. From the beginning, it was an excellent club with members of many collecting interests.

Several members moved away from the Lake Crystal area and it was felt that it was time to move the club. Mankato, Minnesota had a stamp club that had dissolved many years before so the decision was made to meet in Mankato in an effort to attract additional members. The club was informally renamed the Mankato Area Stamp Club. For about a year, the club met at Barnes & Noble in Mankato. The club didn't grow as much as hoped. The location didn't seem to be helping to accomplish the goal of attracting younger members.

Recent History

A club member, Jeff Walker, moved to Saint Peter, Minnesota around 2000. Saint Peter had constructed a new public library that had a public room available for free and it was suggested the club move to the new location. At that time, the club was informally renamed the Minnesota River Valley Stamp Club.

Stamp collectors seem to move alot so since the relocation to Saint Peter the club has seen up and down attendance. We have always been successful at introducing children to the hobby and also sponsored two successful stamp shows.

Current Mission

In 2008 significant energy and effort were invested to bring new life to the club. The club name was once again changed. It was shortened to River Valley Stamp Club and this website was introduced.

Our new slogan, South central Minnesota's philatelic resource is an outgrowth of our mission To promote and grow the stamp collecting hobby by serving as an informational resource, providing opportunities for networking and introducing new people, especially the young, to the hobby.

In support of that mission we will provide quality presentations at our monthly meetings. We are searching for ways to make our meetings relevent and reach out to young people. It is also our intention to become a chapter of the American Philatelic Society and perhaps resume the stamp shows of the past.

We are optimistic and looking forward to building a great club that will reflect the goals of the original founders, to make River Valley Stamp Club a fun and safe place for people of all ages to discover the joys of collecting stamps.