The new stamps honoring “A Charlie Brown Christmas” hold special meaning for Sycamore, OH, Postmaster Earl Musick, a freelance cartoonist who was friends with “Peanuts” creator Charles Schulz.
Musick grew up watching the holiday TV special and loved the comic strip. When he started cartooning in high school, Schulz was his biggest inspiration.
“I really looked up to him as a role model,” said Musick. “He was an amazing artist I wanted to be like.”
Musick and Schulz — known as “Sparky” to friends — met in the late 1980s at a charity event. They discussed drawing and cartoons, eventually meeting in person every so often and talking on the phone regularly.
“I was always in shock it was Sparky on the other end when he called,” Musick said. “My hands would shake picking up the phone.”
Over the years, the two had several discussions about “Peanuts” characters one day appearing on a postage stamp.
“I know Sparky would be really pleased with the way they’ve turned out,” says Musick.
Schulz died in 2000, but Musick has fond memories of their friendship.
“To have your hero become your friend — it’s an awesome experience to have.”
