History of Mystic Stamp Company

Posted on July 10, 2014 by MysticStamp

Looking Back on 90 Years –
The Story of Mystic Stamp Company

In 2013, Mystic celebrated its 90th anniversary.  It’s fun to think about how many people began collecting stamps with our help, and humbling to know hundreds of thousands of collectors placed their trust and loyalty in Mystic.  We’re also proud of our growth – after beginning as one-room, one-man operation, Mystic has become America’s Leading Stamp Dealer.  That gives us the chance to be a powerful advocate for you, for the hobby, and for the future of stamp collecting.  Let’s take a look back at the journey that brought us to where we are today…

Mystic’s story began in 1923, when Lawrence K. Shaver purchased starter stock from Mekeel’s Weekly Stamp News.  Shaver then rented a room in the post office building in Camden, a small village in upstate New York.  He named the company after the Mystic River in Boston, Massachusetts.  Over the next few years, his company grew from a single employee occupying one room to nearly 100 workers on three floors.

American Philatelic Society

In 1923, Mystic was founded in Camden’s former Post Office building.

Over 300 miles away in Connecticut, Maynard Sundman had begun selling stamps to his grade school classmates around 1935.  Ten years later, after serving his nation in World War II, he founded Littleton Stamp Company in New Hampshire with his wife Fannie.  Like Mystic, Littleton began in a single room office with a handful of employees.  What set Sundman’s business apart were advertisements in newspapers and magazines, which introduced stamp collecting to a larger audience.

He also offered his customers stamps “on approval,” allowing them to examine stamps in the comfort and privacy of their own home before paying for them.  The notion that you could look over valuable stamps based on trust and goodwill was revolutionary, and Littleton Stamp Company grew quickly.

From 1949 to 1989, Mystic was headquartered in this historic building on Main Street.

From 1949 to 1989, Mystic was headquartered in this historic building on Main Street.

The Sundman family grew, too, as Maynard and Fannie welcomed three sons.  In 1974, Maynard purchased Mystic Stamp Company from his old friend Lawrence Shaver.  He then recruited his son Don to serve as the new company President.  Only 19 at the time, Don quickly realized the company didn’t have enough stamps – or the right stamps – and began restructuring the company in a way that provided the best products and service to its customers.  Taking a cue from his father’s success, Don advertised in catalogs, newspapers and magazines, as well as introducing Mystic customers to the popular approval service.

Over the years, Mystic purchased the wholesale dealer Ben-Art Stamp Company and Littleton’s stamp stock after that company decided to focus on coins.  A few years later, Mystic purchased the International Collector’s Society, Morville Worldwide Stamp Packets, and Fleetwood, the world’s premier First Day Cover producer.

Along the way, Mystic’s staff of 150 and inventory had outgrown its home and the company moved to a brand-new 50,000 square foot facility.  To serve its rapidly expanding customer base, Mystic spends several million dollars each year to purchase stamps – $72 million in the past 5 years alone.

mystic's building smaller

In 1989, Mystic opened its new 50,000-square-foot headquarters.

The company is also active in the community, donating thousands of dollars each year for to worthwhile causes including the Relay for Life, Heart Run and Walk, local fire and rescue departments, Rotary, Lions, public school projects, and many other local and national charities.

Don APS Award

In 2007, Don became the first-ever recipient of the A.P.S. 50 Centuries Award for recruiting an unprecedented 5,000 new members. That figure is now over 6,400.

Nationally, Mystic actively supports the National Postal Museum, American Philatelic Society, and The Philatelic Foundation.   Mystic President Don Sundman is the chairman of the NPM’s Council of Philatelists and was the first recipient of the APS’ 50 Centuries Award.  Don was honored for recruiting a record number of new members – 5,000!

 

 

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49 Responses to "History of Mystic Stamp Company"

  • By Brian December 3, 2014 - 6:26 pm

    Neat Story!

    Reply
  • By Ed Smart March 24, 2015 - 10:26 pm

    Please send full info on all. Foreign packets of stamps. Send. To. edward smart/po box. 224/escanaba,mi. 49829

    Reply
  • By Barry R. Skog April 3, 2015 - 9:34 pm

    How do you contact this company? I tried to send e-mails, but they never seen to be delivered!

    Reply
    • By MysticStampLive April 7, 2015 - 6:03 pm

      Here you go…

      https://www.mysticstamp.com/Contact/

      Reply
    • By LEE ALMQUIST January 30, 2016 - 3:57 pm

      I have a detailed and informative request, attempting to send via email. However, I am unable to forward same due to not having your email address. Suggest?
      Thank you,
      Lee Almquist
      Leealmqui@aol.com

      Reply
  • By Sarah Schlegel April 28, 2015 - 6:04 pm

    I’ve been collecting since I was five. My grandmother started my sister and I in the hobby that she held so dear. My grandmother is now 98 and legally blind so now I have the honor of having her collection. She still talks about her collection and how she longs to go through her stamps again. As I take time to go through and try to organize more of her stamps into books I’m taken down memory lane. I came to a pile of tri folded little yellow sheets of paper from Mystic still with the stamps attached. I can just imagine the thrill my grandmother got receiving these in the mail on review. .. probably as much as I get looking at them now. Taking the stamps off and placing in my album seems like such a crime, but I am so I can have them in my collection. Thank you for the years of history and memories!

    Reply
    • By MysticStamp May 1, 2015 - 1:36 pm

      Wow – thanks for sharing such a wonderful story! Please give our best to your grandmother, too.

      Reply
  • By Steve Twiselton May 1, 2015 - 6:43 pm

    I am a returned collector after I retired. I collected as a kid but my new collection has grown to over $5000. Thanks Don and crew for all the help. Steve Twiselton

    Reply
  • By Pat Borthwick June 3, 2015 - 7:34 pm

    I would like to get an appraisal on my stamp collection, mostly 1940s-1960s. There are many plate blocks and full sheets.

    Reply
  • By candy reckard June 20, 2015 - 1:06 am

    I have some old stamps I got from my uncle who had past. I have no idea what I’m doing can someone help please

    Reply
  • By Eric Spears June 29, 2015 - 6:40 pm

    Great history! I love to hear about the small town business doing well!
    You guys are a great company to do business with and I look forward to many
    years of building my collection through Mystic Stamp Comapny!

    Reply
  • By jar July 19, 2015 - 9:02 am

    I did not know the information provided.

    Thanks

    Reply
  • By Muhammad Naeem July 31, 2015 - 12:02 am

    sir,firest time i visit your site and its really very impressive.i am a new collector and found many informations about USA stamps on this site.
    Thanks to adding me as amember of this family….

    Reply
  • By Freddie Rivers August 2, 2015 - 10:05 am

    I have been collecting since I was 22 years old. I am 60 now and when I enter each stamp’s history into my database, I am amazed at the information Mystic Stamp Company lists on their website. I definitely find myself experiencing the artistic influence of each stamp I enter. I only collect United States stamps, and each stamp displays historical facts, both good and bad, of events Americans and Foreign individuals experienced. I give Mystic a resounding applause of providing not only the stamps to purchase, but also the rich history that tags each stamp. Thumbs up, people…thumbs up!

    Reply
  • By Michael Mays August 3, 2015 - 2:22 pm

    I’m a new collector. Enjoyed Mystic’s History and look forward to working with Mystic Stamp Company as I build my collection!

    Reply
  • By Jack Muratore September 29, 2015 - 11:40 am

    Does Mystic Stamp mail internationally?

    Reply
  • By Dennis Ferguson November 13, 2015 - 2:17 am

    I remember Mystic ads in Boy’s Life magazine, about 1960,
    for 225 stamps for 10c accompanied by approvals. I just wanted the stamps but couldn’t resist the approvals

    Reply
  • By Marie (Liddy) Abess December 19, 2015 - 2:03 pm

    A beautiful story. I started work at Mystic Stamp Company back in 1952, right after graduating
    from Camden High School. Worked there for about 5 or 6 years.
    Then moved to California when my husband was transferred there from Griffiss AFB when the
    base closed. But always remember Camden and where I started work.

    Reply
  • By Margaret (Liddy) Dow December 21, 2015 - 7:09 am

    Really enjoyed reading the article. Same feeling as my twin sister (Marie Abess) stated, brings back a lot of memories. We both started work there the day after graduating in 1952. It was located then in the previous church building. Really nice article and shows how the establishment has grown over the years. You never forget your first job.

    Reply
  • By Bill Tuggle December 22, 2015 - 2:33 am

    Your “This Day in History” is something I so look forward to every day. Please, keep up the good work and the e-mails.

    Reply
  • By Larry F. Viles January 21, 2016 - 6:18 pm

    I was an on and off collector from my mid teens in the 50s to middle age in the 90s. Could never really get into it. About 5 years ago, at age 70 I received 2 identical promotions two days apart “100 mint stamps for $1” from Mystic, I sent in my $2 and as they say “the rest is history”. I have acquired a formidable collection over the last 5 years and Mystic is responsible for a sizable portion of that collection. I am never less than astonished at the attitude and professionalism of Don’s “army” of customer service representatives. They really know their stuff, and if you have a problem, you can be assured it will be resolved before your call is terminated. And don’t forget the “Profit share program”, a genuine customer bonus program. I have read a broader history of Mystic and Littleton before, and the enormous influence the elder Sundman had in the stamp & coin collecting hobby. It’s very gratifying to see that his sons have carried on and guided these businesses in an honorable and successful direction. I am proud to stand among the many thousands of satisfied Mystic customers. Wishing you continued success. There is much more history about “Mystic Stamp Company” yet to be written.

    Reply
    • By MysticStamp January 22, 2016 - 8:25 am

      Thank you for the kind words! All of us here at Mystic truly appreciate it.

      Happy Collecting!

      Reply
  • By Glen parker February 9, 2016 - 10:28 pm

    I have your Washton one cent stamps stamps and the 113-year-old postcard

    Reply
  • By Amelia nunez February 10, 2016 - 3:25 pm

    I have a stamp collection I would like to a sell I could send you a email photo to see them

    Reply
  • By Mabelle Horea March 17, 2016 - 8:39 pm

    I am looking for the best and easiest book for collecting and keeping US stamps.

    Reply
  • By Dr Gabriel des Rosiers March 20, 2016 - 7:38 am

    As a mid-teenager in early 60s, I used to collect adverts in the newspapers from Harris, Garcelon, Stampex, Broadway, when you could get, say, 25 free stamps from all over the world, and with this the companies included selections on offer. All one had to do is take which ever you liked, pay for it with extra coins saved as pocket money stuck between two bits of card box, post this back, and then get another lot on offer by way of return-post the following month. My first album was a Harris Citation, and this was truly all magic, and dare I say mystic. Thanks for the years of fun. GdR

    Reply
    • By Tom G. April 28, 2016 - 10:22 pm

      I had an Ambassidor stamp album which I had almost full, then gave it to my father inlaw, after he passed I tried to get it back, good luck, they didn’t know what happened to it yeah right, my stupidity for giving it away

      Reply
  • By JIM GILLESPIE May 10, 2016 - 11:31 am

    NICE STORY, I COULD TELL YOU ONE ABOUT H E HARRIS 108 MASS. AVE. BOSTON MA. I WORKED THERE FROM 1964 TO 1972.

    Reply
    • By MysticStamp May 10, 2016 - 1:07 pm

      Please do!

      Reply
  • By Jeff Johnson August 11, 2016 - 5:14 pm

    Mystic makes me very PROUD to live in Camden. They treat their employees, community services, and neighbors with the same integrity and respect that they expect their employees to offer their customers!!

    Reply
    • By Larry F. Viles February 3, 2018 - 6:01 pm

      Jeff, I feel that way as well, and I don’t even live in Camden! I believe that organizational integrity is a direct reflection Solid Leadership.

      Reply
  • By John B. September 8, 2016 - 8:48 am

    I remember both Mystic and Littleton from my stamp collecting days. I just recently dug out my stamp collection and took a quick look through it and found some ‘Littleton Profit Sharing’ certificates. I was wandering if you still honor these? Thank you for so many years of quality service. I don’t collect to much any more but still enjoy going through my collection on occasion.

    Reply
    • By MysticStamp September 8, 2016 - 10:49 am

      Hi John,

      That’s pretty neat. I don’t think Littleton’s Profit Sharing certificates expire. You can get more information on Littleton’s Profit Shares program here: http://www.littletoncoin.com/shop/Profit-Shares Thank you for sharing your story.

      Reply
  • By Adam D. Lee March 15, 2017 - 10:46 pm

    I am new at this .
    My older brother collected some , as children.
    Remembering how it felt to get a letter in the post and the realization that
    We need to keep thee hand wrigeting in the schools for future generations.
    Don’t let the Congress take that arttesticle ability out of the schools.
    Thank you
    Adam Lee
    A. £€€

    Reply
  • By Darrell Simpson April 30, 2017 - 5:23 am

    I have 25,000 stamps and I don’t think I’ve ever been so busy with work and play send me some of these to look at

    Reply
  • By Elliot Cubell May 23, 2017 - 9:48 am

    When I look around the room at a typical stamp club meeting , whether it be the club I belong to or any other club, I see mostly older people such as myself. The future of our hobby is dependent on the youth of the community yet they our noticeably absent. We know this to be true yet nothing is being done to reach out to the ” kids “. At least as far as I know.

    So do you have any programs to foster reach out for clubs on local levels and guidelines for geezers like me to get things moving? My name is Elliot S. Cubell and I belong to the Raleigh, NC Stamp Club.

    Eagerly Awaiting Your Reply

    Reply
    • By MysticStamp May 25, 2017 - 9:41 am

      Hi Elliot,

      At Mystic, we believe the world would be a better place with more stamp collectors. But, we’re obviously preaching to the choir here!

      There are grass roots projects at local levels and the American Philatelic Society has a few programs. Here is a link to the APS. https://stamps.org/stamps-teach

      Mystic gives free stamp albums to the American Philatelic Society which they in turn give to young collectors.

      Many thousands of kids visit the Smithsonian National Postal Museum Gross Gallery each year and each can pick 6 stamps to take as a gift to start a collection. (Mystic gives the stamps to the NPM)

      Some collectors contact their local school and bring a few stamps or covers with a story or historical connection and tell the story to the kids.

      So there are many efforts underway. But, we need to do more. The hobby is looking for more ideas to try. Perhaps your club has ideas?

      Thank you! We appreciate your efforts to support the world’s greatest hobby.

      Reply
  • By Susan November 27, 2017 - 9:31 pm

    I have the first Si-cilian stamps one hundred years old-plus ancient architectural masterpieces. Unused set of 5, 1959 *SAN MARINO .25cents. 32-11 mystic stamp co. : : Camden, New York.

    Reply
  • By Ed Winters December 3, 2017 - 8:42 am

    My dad began buying U.S. stamps for my brother and I back in the 60’s. These were primarily plate blocks. While my brother moved on to coins I have stuck with it for 53 years. My collection of US stamps is almost complete thanks to Mystic’s help and I plan to hand it down to family after I’m gone.

    Reply
  • By Larry F. Viles February 3, 2018 - 5:51 pm

    I sent in a comment on this very abbreviated history of “Mystic” back in January of 2016, and here we are in February ’18 and the Don Sundman Crew are still jogging along in those same footprints in the snow; not a wobble or a waver. Only good stuff. Still 5 or 6 great annual catalogs/educational volumes (complimentary to most and free to everyone else, LOL); a revamped Profit Sharing Bonus System, now they are Reward Points, all computerized and you can redeem them over the phone and on line. And the “Insider” Membership granted to many members with some exciting benefits. So many topical collections, mention your special interest to one of VERY BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE REPS you will ever speak to and you might experience “Mystic Magic”. And the specialized periodic mailings, they are catalogs too, but full of catchy and information as well. I think it is time for an update on the history blurb. Do a little back slapping. Humility is OK, but ‘cmon! List some of your topical stamp and coin collections. Spread the word. Not in the “Mystic History” vein, but a suggestion: Stamp collector erosion due to advancing age!! It is true, shoot I’m 76, blind in one eye and can’t see out of the other; one foot on a banana peel, etc. You get the message. Years ago USPS used to release 15-20 page booklets of a topical nature i.e. transportation, wildlife, and so on. Don, You remember those. Great fun, educational, stamp collecting and admiring, historical, tell that story.. why don’t you come up with about 20 of this kind of “Introduction to Stamp Collecting” primers that we old timers could buy for a REASONABLE price, maybe in bulk, to get all the great grand children in the neighborhood interested in Stamps. Maybe we could make “STAMP COLLECTING GREAT AGAIN!!

    Reply
  • By Regina Rarick February 8, 2018 - 11:08 pm

    I remember many happy hours with
    my Mom and sister “stamping” , my Mom called it.
    We loved getting those stamps on approval, and yes , Mystic was one of our favorite companies. Do you still offer that service?

    Reply
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