History of Postcards in the United States: From Pioneer to Modern Era

The history of postcards in the United States is a fascinating story that spans over a century. The first postcard was introduced in 1873 by H.H. Meyers, a printer from Philadelphia.

The first postcard was a simple black and white image of a scenic view, but it quickly gained popularity and became a staple of American communication. Postcards were a convenient way for people to send short messages to friends and family.

As the postal service expanded, postcards became a popular way for people to share their experiences and adventures with others. By the early 1900s, postcards were being sent from all over the country, featuring images of famous landmarks, cities, and natural wonders.

Postcards continued to evolve over the years, with the introduction of color printing and new techniques that allowed for more detailed and realistic images.

The official beginning of American postcard history is marked by the issuance of U.S. Government "Postals", which is generally considered the start of this era.

In 1861, the 36th Congress of the United States passed an act establishing certain post routes, which included a section allowing the mailing of postcards. This made the United States the first country to allow postcards to be mailed.

The earliest postmark found on a "Lipman's Postal Card" is from October 25, 1870, but these cards were actually created between 1861 and 1872.

The Undivided Period (1901-1907) was a pivotal time in postcard history. The use of the word "POSTCARD" was granted to private printers on December 4, 1901, allowing them to create cards with the same dimensions as European postcards, 3.50" x 5.50".

Eastman-Kodak introduced its affordable folding camera, making it possible for amateur photographers to take black-and-white photographs and have them printed on paper with postcard backs, referred to as "Real Photos". These cards became popular, but writing was still not permitted on the address side.

Privately printed postcards could now have the words "Post Card" instead of "Private Mailing Card" on the back, but the entire back was still reserved for the address. The front of the card was blank or printed with an image.

The government postals still retained the words "Postal Card", and the layout of the postcards remained unchanged. To tell private postcards apart from government ones, look for the "Private Mailing Card" designation.

The government allowed private printers to replace the "Private Mailing Card" classifier with "Post Card" from 1901-1907. Writing was still not allowed on the address side, and the cards had to conform to the dimensions of government postal cards, 3.25" x 5.50".

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The Divided Period was a game-changer for postcards, marking the beginning of the Golden Age of Postcards.

In March 1907, the government allowed postcards to use the divided-back layout, where the left half had space for a written message and the right side held addresses.

Many millions of postcards were published during this period, taking advantage of the new design.

Up to this point, most postcards were printed in Germany, which was far ahead of the United States in lithographic processes.

The White Border Period was a time of transition for postcard production in the United States. Most American-view cards were printed domestically during this period.

High labor costs and inexperience in fine printing led to poor quality cards, and to save ink, a white border was left around the view. This is how cards printed during this time became known as "White Border Cards."

High competition in a narrowing market caused many publishers to go out of business, further contributing to the decline in postcard quality.

The White Border period was a time of significant change in postcard production. It lasted from 1915 to 1930.

During this period, most American-view cards were printed in the United States, as European printers were forced out of the market by high import duties and war. This shift led to a decrease in postcard quality.

High labor costs and inexperience in fine printing contributed to the production of poor-quality cards. To save ink, a border was left around the view, hence the name "White Border Cards."

Many publishers went out of business due to high competition in a narrowing market.

The Private Mailing Card era was a pivotal time in postcard history, marked by significant changes in the way postcards were produced and used. This era spanned from 1898 to 1901.

Private printers were granted permission to print and sell cards bearing the inscription "Private Mailing Card" on May 19, 1898. With this change, a dozen or so American publishers began to take postcards seriously.

The new private mailing cards had to conform to the dimensions of government postal cards: 3.25" x 5.50". Writing was still not permitted on the address side, but many publishers left a wider border on the side or bottom of the view side so a short message could be added.

Private postcards with writing on them were charged the two-cent letter rate, making them less desirable for personal correspondence. This effectively ended the use of privately manufactured cards for personal correspondence.

Companies and merchants continued to use Private Mailing Cards as advertisements, printing an advertisement on one side and only being charged the one-cent rate. This made private mailing cards a very inexpensive and popular way for businesses to advertise.

The Private Mailing Card Act of May 19, 1898, made the postage rate for all postcards one cent, whether they were private or government issue, written or printed. The only restriction was that the privately printed cards had to contain the words: "Private Mailing Card, Authorized by the Act of Congress of May 19, 1898."

Private manufacturers were also restricted by the Postmaster-General, with new Private Mailing Cards mandated to be slightly smaller than government postals and with limited print colors.

The Modern Period of postcard history in the United States began in 1907 with the new postcard regulations that allowed the back of postcards to be divided down the center. This change revolutionized the way postcards were designed and used.

The right side of the back was now for the address and postage, and the left side was for the personal message that used to be written on the front of the card. This design is still in use today.

Printers wanting to save money continued using their old designs for a time, so it's common to see postcards made after 1907 that still have some white space on the front for writing or undivided backs with a line simply drawn down the middle.

The Photochrome era began in 1939 with the introduction of a new photographic process on postcards sold by Union Oil Company filling stations in the western United States.

These cards, known as "chromes", were of high photographic quality and featured true living color images.

The widespread production of "chromes" didn't take off until after World War II due to wartime shortages of materials.

After the war, Mike Roberts led the way with "WESCO" cards, soon followed by other firms like Dexter Press of Nyack, New York, and Plastichrome Company of Boston.

The front of Photochrome postcards typically featured a stunning color photo, while descriptive information about the view was usually found on the back.

The 1915-1930 period was a time of significant change in the art world. Cubism, pioneered by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, emerged as a major movement.

Artists like Juan Gris and Fernand Léger continued to push the boundaries of Cubism, experimenting with new techniques and styles. This led to the development of Synthetic Cubism, characterized by the use of paper and other materials in their works.

The rise of Futurism in Italy also had a significant impact on art during this period. Filippo Tommaso Marinetti's manifesto, "The Futurist Manifesto", emphasized the importance of speed, technology, and violence in art.

The Futurists' focus on movement and energy was reflected in their use of bold colors and dynamic compositions. Artists like Umberto Boccioni and Gino Severini created works that captured the essence of modernity.

In architecture, the International Style emerged as a dominant force, characterized by its use of clean lines, minimal ornamentation, and an emphasis on function over form. Le Corbusier's "Five Points of Architecture" outlined the key principles of this style.

The International Style's influence can be seen in buildings like the Bauhaus building in Dessau, Germany, designed by Walter Gropius. This building's minimalist design and emphasis on functionality set a new standard for modern architecture.

The modern postcard era began on March 1, 1907, with a major change in postcard design. The new regulations allowed the back of postcards to be divided down the center.

The right side of the back was now for the address and postage, while the left side was for the personal message. This design is still in use today for postcards.

Printers wanting to save money continued to use their old designs for a time, so you may still see postcards made after 1907 with some white space on the front for writing or undivided backs with a line simply drawn down the middle.

Postcards have been a part of American history since the mid-1800s.

The first postcard was created in 1840, but it wasn't until the 1870s that postcards became popular as a way for people to send short messages to loved ones.

Undated postcards can be tricky to date, but knowing some basic facts about the history of postcards can help you identify the era.

Postcards that were never mailed often have a printed date, which can give you a clue about when they were created.

In the early days of postcards, they were made of cardboard and featured black and white images.

Postcards became more widely available and affordable in the late 1800s, making them accessible to the general public.

The history of postcards in the United States dates back to the late 19th century. The first postcard was sent in 1873 by Charles O'Neil, a photographer from San Francisco, to his friend in New York.

Postcards quickly gained popularity as a convenient and affordable way for people to communicate with each other. In the early 1900s, postcards became a staple of American tourism, with many businesses and individuals sending them to friends and family to share their travels and experiences.

The first postcard with a photograph was produced in 1893, marking a significant milestone in the history of postcards in the United States. This innovation made postcards more appealing and enabled people to share visual representations of their travels and daily life.

The Government played a crucial role in the development of postcards in the United States. The Postmaster General, Creswell, recommended the issuance of a one cent postal card in 1870.

The first act to approve the issuance of postal cards was signed into law on June 8, 1872. This act was part of a larger bill to revise the statutes relating to the Post-office Department.

The Post Office Department in Springfield, MA became the first to sell a Penny Post Card on May 12, 1873. The cards were sold in other cities the following day, and reportedly 200,000 were sold in 2 ½ hours in New York City.

In the world of government and production, voices matter. The voices of citizens, policymakers, and industry leaders all contribute to the complex dance of government intervention and production.

A key aspect of government and production is the role of regulatory agencies. According to the article, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has the authority to review and approve mergers and acquisitions, ensuring that they do not harm competition.

The voices of citizens also play a crucial role in shaping government policy. In the article, it's mentioned that public outcry led to the passage of the Sherman Act, which prohibited monopolies and promoted competition.

Regulatory agencies have a significant impact on production. The article notes that the FTC's approval of mergers and acquisitions can affect the competitiveness of industries, influencing production levels and innovation.

The voices of industry leaders are also important in the government and production landscape. In the article, it's mentioned that CEOs and business leaders often lobby policymakers to influence regulatory decisions that affect their industries.

By listening to the voices of citizens, policymakers, and industry leaders, governments can make more informed decisions about production and regulation.

The Post Office Department in Springfield, MA was the first to sell a Penny Post Card on May 12, 1873.

The Penny Postcards were sold in other cities the following day, with a reported 200,000 sold in 2 ½ hours in New York City.

These early postal cards measured 3 in. by 5/8 in. and had a unique design, with a stamp printed in the upper right corner featuring a "profile of the Goddess of Liberty surrounded by a lathework border, with the words 'U.S. POSTAGE' above and 'ONE CENT' below."

The other side of the Penny Postcard was completely blank for messages.

In fact, the Postmaster-General was authorized to issue postal cards with postage-stamps impressed upon them, as stated in Section 170 of the 42nd Congress's "An Act to revise, consolidate, and amend the Statutes relating to the Post-office Department".

The early days of postcards in the United States were marked by the introduction of the first commercial postcard in 1873.

The first postcard was created by Charles Goodspeed and sold for 1 cent, a significant price at the time.

In 1893, the postal service introduced the first official postcard with a standard design, which featured a picture of a lighthouse in Massachusetts.

The first postcard with a photo was sent in 1873 by Charles Goodspeed, who took a photograph of the Boston Public Garden and had it printed on a postcard.

The Golden Age of postcards, which spanned from 1907 to 1915, saw a surge in popularity and the production of millions of postcards each year.

During this period, postcards became a popular way for people to send greetings and share their experiences with friends and family.

These private mailing cards had to be posted with a one-cent stamp, the same rate as government postals. This change marked a significant shift in the postcard industry.

The Postmaster-General still had some restrictions in place for private manufacturers, including limiting the print colors and requiring the cards to be slightly smaller than government postals.

Private mailing cards were available for purchase from a dozen or so American publishers who began to take postcards seriously.

December 1901 brought a significant change to postcard design, as new postal regulations allowed private cards to have the words "Post Card" printed on the back instead of "Private Mailing Card".

The U.S. Government allowed the use of "Post Card" or "Postcard" on the undivided back of privately printed cards starting December 24, 1901.

Publishers were no longer required to include an authorization inscription on their cards, but writing was still only allowed on the front of the picture side.

In 1902, England became the first country to allow divided back cards, which had a separate section for the address and message.

France followed suit in 1904, and Germany in 1905, but the United States didn't adopt this change until 1907.

The introduction of the divided back design marked the beginning of the "Golden Age" of postcards, with millions being sold and used.

By 1907, European card publishers had opened offices in the United States and accounted for over 75% of all postcards sold in the country.

The Real Photo Postcard era began in 1906, when Eastman Kodak entered the market with the "Folding Pocket Camera", allowing people to take black and white photographs and have them printed onto postcard backs.

The public's ability to take and print their own photos led to a surge in postcard production, with the publishing of printed postcards doubling every six months.

By 1908, a staggering 677,777,798 postcards were mailed in the United States, with a population of only 88,700,000.

Historical Documents are a treasure trove of information. They provide a firsthand account of significant events and dates, allowing us to learn from the past.

The Magna Carta, signed in 1215, is a foundational document in the history of democracy. It established the principle of due process and protected the rights of individuals.

The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, marked the end of World War I and imposed harsh penalties on Germany. This led to widespread resentment and a desire for revenge.

The Declaration of Independence, adopted in 1776, declared the 13 American colonies' independence from Great Britain. It enshrined the principles of liberty and democracy.

The Rosetta Stone, discovered in 1799, is an ancient Egyptian artifact that helped decipher hieroglyphics. This breakthrough allowed scholars to unlock the secrets of ancient Egyptian language and culture.

The Treaty of Paris, signed in 1783, ended the American Revolutionary War and recognized American independence. This marked a significant turning point in world history.

The United States has a rich collection of postcard history, with numerous museums showcasing this unique aspect of American culture.

The Smithsonian National Postal Museum in Washington, D.C. has an extensive collection of postcards, including over 200,000 examples from the 19th and 20th centuries.

The museum's collection includes a wide range of postcard types, such as chromolithographs, linens, and die-cut cards.

The Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas at Austin has a significant collection of postcards, including a large collection of vintage postcards from the early 20th century.

The center's collection includes postcards with images of everyday life, advertising, and popular culture.

The Library of Congress has a vast collection of postcards, including examples of postcards from the Civil War era.

The library's collection also includes postcards with images of famous people, such as presidents and celebrities.