January 16, 2009, Newsletter Issue #97: Postcard History

Tip of the Week

Plain postcards were were introduced around 1870. There were some advertisement postcards, even some illustrated postcards, but the use and popularity of these were limited at that time.

In 1894, the post office gave its consent to widely use the pre-page postage stamp on postcards, yet they didn't see success for many years to come.

By 1902, the post office allowed addresses and written messages to be added to one side of the postcard, leaving the opposite side completely free for an image or picture. Britain was the first country to introduce this divided back postcard that we are all familiar with today.

From then on, postcards became extremely popular. Tourists bought and sent these postcards back home to show loved ones of their travel or began collecting postcards as a hobby.

Today, many people still collect postcards for the rich history and beauty they provide. Postcards are still popular to send as well and the post office offers the 20 cent postcard stamp for mailing them!

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