Request Material
Antique postcard collection
Descriptive Summary | |
| Title: Antique postcard collection | |
| Creator: Unknown | |
| Inclusive Dates: 1880-1998 | |
| Bulk Dates: 1880-1935 | |
| Language(s): English | |
| Extent: 2.5 Linear Feet 2 cartons, 1 box | |
| Collection Number: ms3032 | |
| Repository: Hargrett Library | |
Collection Description
Historical Note
Bonnie Crispin built this collection of postcards from Philip Gauss and Louisa Mund who collected their cards from 1880 to the beginning of the 20th century. Ms. Crispin started collecting her own postcards in the 1930's when they were first addressed to her as Bonnie Danielson. Her collection contains postcards from all over Europe and many from New York City's Historic District.
Postcards were first invented in the late 19th century but became massively popular in the early 20th century. Many postcards sold across the world, particularly the United States, originated in Europe in this early period. Because in the early 1900s many countries were still deciding between having divisons on the back of postcards, many people wrote on the front of cards, effectively ruining the images printed there. By 1910, most countries had allowed for a divided back, and front images became ever more elaborate. After World War I, the postcard craze died down globally, but America began producing postcards on a large scale for the first time. Unfortunately, the quality was never as high as it was before the Great War.
Scope and Content
The collection consists of a 2,138 piece antique postcard collection dating mainly from the 1880s to the 1930s. The collection includes World War I period postcards from famous ocean liners, French landmarks and French royalty, many signed and hand-colored. There are extensive collections from Central amd South America, circa 1925, and several postcards from Europe, including several depicting Adolph Hitler from 1935.
Organization and Arrangement
Arranged by originator and/or location.
Administrative Information
Preferred Citation
Antique postcard collection, ms3032, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.