The William B. Robinson Collection of Wisconsin Postal History

The William B. Robinson Collection of Wisconsin Postal History

Bill Robinson started collecting stamps as a child in the 1950s as a distraction from a childhood illness. He would often spend his weekly allowance at the local stamp shop in Lake County, Illinois. In the mid-1960s, Bill made the move to Northeast Wisconsin where he attended Lawrence University in Appleton. At Lawrence, Bill made the acquaintance of Professor Steve Darling whom he had as a chemistry professor. Dr. Darling was not only a stamp collector but an avid postal history collector. He helped Bill in curating his own postal history collection. They remained lifelong friends.

After settling in Green Bay, Wisconsin in 1968 Bill became heavily involved with both the Green Bay Philatelic Society and the Wisconsin Postal History Society. He would serve as Vice President of the GBPS and also serve as auctioneer at their annual stamp show. The auction duties inspired him to make a business out of his passion. Over the next 40 years Bill would hold over 100 public auctions, open a retail store, grow his business with the internet, and work as a certified appraiser for estate collections. He would travel a five state area attending numerous shows and evaluating private collections. He had become the largest dealer in the Badger State. In all his travels, Bill was always mindful to add to his private collection.

Bill held various offices with the Wisconsin Postal History Society but his favorite work was editor. He spent years editing and publishing the Badger State newsletter. His work included the old Michigan Territory, then Wisconsin Territory, and the early days of Badger statehood. Bill loved researching the ghost towns of the past and their associated postal history. Northern Wisconsin is peppered with old logging towns and mining towns that have disappeared with the passing of their heyday. Maybe you’ll spot one as you peruse the collection?

Will Robinson (Bill’s Son) August 2022