Did you know that the study and collection of postcards is called Deltiology?
This 1910 postcard depicts a cheerful traveler braving the snowy roads in an open topped roadster, laden with holly and holiday cheer, on the way to celebrate Christmas with friends or family...
The Center for Local History has a large collection of holiday themed postcards from the early-to-mid 20th Century. Most are colorful, ornate, and have a slogan of merriment wishing the receiver good tidings, like this one. There are also postcards for birthdays, New Year’s, Valentine’s Day, Halloween, St. Patrick’s Day, and the Fourth of July.
The first American postcard was pressed in 1873. Postcards quickly became an inexpensive form of communication, growing in popularity throughout the 19th and 20th Centuries. They are still sold around the world as a way to share the story of your journey and adventures, or to just send a “hello” to your loved ones.
To see the postcard collection, or learn more about Arlington’s diverse history, visit us at the Center for Local History located on the 1st floor of Central Library.