Vigo County Historical Society

Postcards vary in size, style

Postcards first appeared in Europe in the 1860s in different countries at different times. The official mail service regulated the designs and sizes of cards. Most of the cards of the 1870s were not illustrated and many still exist. The few that were illustrated are much sought after.

In the United States the government published its first postal cards in 1873. They were sold for a penny. Privately produced cards needed a 2-cent stamp.

Advertisers began to buy cards in bulk and print their own messages. Those accompanied by illustrations became America’s first picture postcards.

Postcards can be divided into four major periods: (1) Pioneers - 1873-1898; (2) Early century - 1899-1918; (3) Mid-century - 1919-1967; and (4) Late century. 1970 to present. There is limited interest in cards made after 1918.

Manufacturers produced cards for every need. Some say there are more than 1,500 categories of subjects for cards. Holiday greeting cards include New Year, Easter Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Labor Day.

Birthday and get well cards were sought. Photographic postcards had black and white photographs printed directly on special photographic paper and had the stamp box and area for messages on the other side.

Topical cards include entertainment, science, humor, history, advertisement, politics and expositions.

Realistic pictures of actual places, people or objects are called view cards. These include tourist attractions, hotels, government building, landscapes and modes of transportation.

Artist-signed cards, those that show the signature or initials of the illustrator on the face of the card, are valued.

Novelty cards also exist.

Around the turn of the century postcard collecting was very popular. A decline in interest in this collecting hobby occurred at the onset of World War I. In 1914 the National Association of Greeting Card Manufacturers was organized and the National Association of Post Card Manufacturers decided not to have a convention.

In the 1960s there was a renewed interest in collecting postcards.

The collector may decide to concentrate on one subject, illustrator or manufacturer. Always choose cards in mint condition. Antique stores, auctions, card clubs and flea markets are sources of cards. They may range in value from $1 to $125.

The museum has a fine collection of postcards, both seasonal and those picturing local places of interest.