Our founder, Marlin Larson, started his family stamp business, Marlin Larson, Inc., on a part-time basis in 1974, and helped to launch McMillan & Wife in 1984. Having been raised in the home of an avid collector, Marlin's love for philately began at an early age. His favorite boyhood pastime was soaking and sorting stamps from around the world with his father. He grew more serious about collecting, especially U.S. stamps, in his adult years. As his passion and involvement in the hobby expanded, so did his family. He began to actively buy from dealers around the country and sell what wasn't needed for his collection. Upon retirement from the telephone company in 1981, he devoted himself full-time to the growing business and began involving his family members. Marlin specialized in U.S. 19th and early 20th Century stamps, and had a great fondness for fancy cancels. A life member of the American Philatelic Society, he remained very actively involved in philately until his passing in 2002. He is survived by his wife, Gladys, four children, and eleven grandchildren, almost all of whom have worked in the stamp company at some point.
After completing college in 1983, Troy McMillan married Marlin's youngest daughter, Sylvia, who had worked for her dad throughout her high school and college years. Troy joined the family vocation full-time and helped to start McMillan & Wife in 1984. He became a member of the A.P.S. in 1985. They have three grown children who have also helped with the business.
Over the last 40 years we have seen our customer base and our stock offered expand greatly. We have accumulated an extensive inventory of U.S., Canadian, and Worldwide collections. Although we've grown larger, we are still a family-owned and operated business, striving to offer you the same kind of service that Marlin did when he first started. With over 35 years of philatelic experience, Troy and Sylvia are committed to help make your collecting endeavors enjoyable. We encourage you to give our fast and friendly service a try!