Collectors or simply curious can observe the stamps with the image of the city and prominent personalities, inserted in the international collections during the fifth biennial of the Chartrain Philatelic Circle.
Upon entering the collegiate church of Saint-André, visitors immerse themselves in local history by observing a map measuring approximately 3 meters by 3. It represents Chartres and its neighboring suburbs and allows you to view the various post offices and their geographical location above. the last three centuries.
The inauguration took place on Friday evening, in the presence of Patrick Géroudet, Deputy Mayor of Chartres in charge of promoting the city, tourism and heritage. “We have received about one hundred and fifty people for this first day”, estimates Daniel Stives, president of the Chartrain Philatelic Circle.
What are the oldest stamps on the city of Chartres and the personalities who have marked it?
Ten removals by the Central Post Office
The first mailboxes appeared in Chartres around 1843. “These are the oldest traces we have found,” points out the president. A first post office already existed in 1656, “probably around the present Place du Cygne. The central post office has moved ten times. On the map, to orient themselves, the public can view them and refer to the panels for more historical information ”.
The indications also show the presence of a post office in 1722, rue du Bœuf Couronne, in 1733 on the current Place Marceau or even from 1875 to 1928 in the building currently occupied by the Café Serpente.The various central places in the heart of Chartres over the past three centuries, mainly between the Place des Epars and the cathedral.
The following year, the PTT (post office, telegraphs and telephones) moved to Boulevard Maurice-Violette.
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“With its particular architecture, it is, in my opinion, one of the five most remarkable post offices in the country in terms of architecture. Noteworthy are these mosaics above the entrances. It is also part of the local and family history of many Chartrains. Many visitors come because their grandfather worked in what the locals called Notre-Dame des Postes. “
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The Philatelic Circle of Chartres traces 300 years of the city’s postal history
Anecdotes unmasked and told
The panels allow you to learn or remember these points of history and other anecdotes. And anecdotes are probably what this philately enthusiast appreciates the most. With regard to the establishment of La Poste centrale, within the current media library, “during the works an employee found some of the frescoes above the reception desk in the bins. When he died, his family inherited them and put them up for sale in a garage sale. Among the eight canvases painted by Pierre Vaillant, dated 1928, this employee saved four. These surviving paintings of history and various moves are also on display.
Philippe Govin, author of the postman’s excursion stamp, signed his works. Photo: Th.D.
The history of the Chartres post office is also illustrated by postage stamps, stamps and flames. “These are stamps used by post offices. They were used to promote events in the city. Today, that no longer exists. The oldest claw found dates back to 1744, “adds Daniel Stives.
“We are also present to discuss with collectors. Some amateurs ask us to know how much what they have in their possession is worth. Most of the time, they inherited it. Nine times out of ten they have no financial value. “
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Among the stands it is possible to browse the catalogs of stamps from all over the world: from Polynesia to Russia, from Israel to the United States passing through Italy. In addition to geography, the curious venture to open other thematic cards containing bird stamps, portraits of poets or writers or even great explorers.
Practice. Today, at the collegiate church of Saint-André, from 10:00 to 18:00. FREE ENTRANCE.
Thomas Desprez
