The 1869 Pictorial Research Associates (1869 PRA) was a society dedicated to the study of the United States 1869 pictorial issue. The group was established in 1975 and issued two publications: the 1869 Times and the Register. The group disbanded in 1991 and contributed its remaining assets to the U.S. Philatelic Classics Society. The editor of the 1969 Times, Jon Rose, became the assistant editor for the 1869 section of the Chronicle. In addition to these publications, 1869 Issue collectors are invited to review the 1869 Issue columns in the USPCS Chronicle.
Jeff Forster was a prominent philatelic exhibitor, prolific author and major contributor to the U.S. Philatelic Classics Society, who passed away in August 2022, at the age of 77. Jeff was born in Philadelphia, and lived most of his adult life in the Bay Area of California, where he practiced law after graduating from University of California at Berkeley (1967) and Hastings College of Law, University of California (1971).
For nearly a half-century, Jeff specialized in the 1869 Pictorial Issue. In 1975 he became one of the earliest and youngest members of the 1869 PRA. With great energy and enthusiasm, Jeff contributed decades of time and effort as a USPCS regional vice president, writing articles for the Chronicle, and helping to organize presentations and exhibits for gatherings of U.S. classics collectors. Since 1981, the 1869 section of the Chronicle has featured 21 articles written by Jeff on a wide range of 1869 topics. He was a major contributor to the 1869 Times journal and books published by the 1869 PRA.
His 1869 collection and exhibit evolved from a traditional presentation of stamps and covers to a survey collection of domestic and foreign mails, and then finally into its most recent form, the Large Gold medal exhibit titled “1869 Pictorial Issue Used in International Mails.” In addition to his philatelic interests, Jeff was an avid art collector, an accomplished golfer and knowledgeable oenophile.
