Page Text: The Official Web Site of the
A m e r i c a n P e n c i l C o l l e c t o r s S o c i e t y
Organized 1958
A Brief History
The American Pencil Collectors Society (APCS) traces its roots to the year 1955, when Lester C. Taylor, Professor at Sterling College, Sterling, Kansas, began writing a newsletter called "The Pencil Collector" and distributed it to some of his friends and family members who had taken an interest in pen and pencil collecting. By 1958 the group had grown to 191 persons who became the charter members of the American Pencil Collectors Society. Today, over 55 years later, active members include those from all walks of life, young and old, from around the globe.
The first APCS Convention was held in 1963 at Culver Stockton College in Canton, Missouri. Since then, conventions have been held in odd-numbered years at various locations around the country. Members gather to display portions of their collections, to trade, buy or sell pens and pencils and other paraphernalia relating to writing instruments of all kinds. Conventions may also include entertainment and usually conclude with an auction.
It has become a tradition for members to procure personalized pencils which include their name and membership number, for trading with other members or distributing to others who might be interested. These 'membership pencils' have become quite collectible to those both inside and outside the organization, and the oldest ones (#1, etc.) are rare and highly prized.
The official newsletter, The Pencil Collector, is still published today. APCS membership includes a subscription to the newsletter, membership list with names and addresses, voting rights at business meetings which take place during conventions, and the opportunity meet and trade with other like-minded collectors. Those interested in membership should visit the Membership page for more information (see below).