Postcards were first used in America in 1893, but the cards
in this collection are primarily from the Divided Back Era (1907
- 1915). This era of post cards gets it's name from the period
when the back of the card was divided with space for both the
messages and address. Prior to 1907 only the address was
allowed on the back of the card. If their was a message it was
written on or around the image on the face. This was also the
last of the cards printed in Germany. W.W.I stopped all trade
with Germany and the quality of post cards was very poor for many
years. The new era in cards, the White Border
Era, is named for the white margin surrounding the image on the
card. The printing quality was very poor and would not improve
noticeably until World War II with the Linen Era of Post Cards.
The high rag content and the linen texture of the paper
give this period it's name. Improved
quality in printing technology, and brightly colored inks are
also seen in these cards.
POST
CARD ERAS
Pioneer Era
The earliest American postcards appeared
at the Colombian Exposition in Chicago in May 1893. These rare
cards are labeled 'Souvenir Card' or ' Mail Card'
Private Mailing Era
This era started on May 19,1898 when
the government authorized the printing and sale of post cards.
These cards are labeled 'Private Mailing Cards'.
Post Card Era
December 24, 1901 saw the first use
of the phrase 'Post Card' printed on a card. These cards are
also known as Undivided Back. As with all the previous
cards, the entire back of the card was reserved for the address.
If any message was written, it was not allowed on the same side
with the address, but had to appear on the face of the card.
Writing on the face of a card normally reduces it's value, but
for these early cards it is becoming more acceptable.
Divided Back Era
On March 1,1907 the appearance of the
familiar center line, providing a space for address and message
on the backs of post cards appears.
White Border Era
World War I was the reason for the
next phase in the evolution of post cards. Most post cards
up to this point had been printed in Germany. They were
the finest lithographers in the world. When we went to war, we
stopped trade with Germany. The new era in cards is named for
the white margin surrounding the image on the card. Our printing
was of very poor quality and would not improve noticeably until
World War II.
Linen Era
The high rag content and the linen
texture to the paper give this period it's name. The improved
quality in printing technology, and better quality paper was
offset by the cheap brightly colored inks used. Originally ignored
by collectors, these card from the 30's and 40's are becoming
very popular.
Polychrome Era
Theses glossy cards are printed on
a press, but have a photo like appearance. First appearing in
the late 40's they are the popular cards of today.
Real Photo
This category started around
1900, and continues today. These post cards are actually photographs,
processed in a darkroom, then imprinted with the postcard back.
They usually were printed in very limited quantities. Topics
range from proud homeowners sitting on their porch, to local
events like circus parades, or disasters. These cards can be
very hard to date unless postally imprinted.
