Postcard Roundup

Asbury Park by Moonlight

Mark S. — Thu, 17 May 2012 10:16:57 +0000

Ah, there’s no humor like old humor. It’s the illustration that drew me to this one. Just look at the pier undulating with the waves!

Fred is Dead

Mark S. — Mon, 14 May 2012 11:58:42 +0000

Postal cards of this sort don’t usually spark my interest, but the message delivered on this one got my attention, even though I’m unfamiliar with the parties involved:

“Marathon N.Y.
Sept. 26 1916
Fred Edwin is dead. Died this morning about 9 o’clock. Funeral Thursday 1 o’clock at the house. Please notify Clarence. – Father”

House of David

Mark S. — Wed, 09 May 2012 23:13:28 +0000

Here’s a swell white border postcard that is in the collection of PCR regular Ivan Van Laningham. In his words:
“The Israelite House of David was a religious society co-founded by Benjamin and Mary Purnell in Benton Harbor, Michigan, in March 1903. This white-border postcard shows the entrance to the commune in 1906, when the House owned about 1000 acres of land. It became large enough to field a renowned baseball team and operate an amusement park (Eden Springs) of considerable size, a canning company, gas stations, and a nightclub. It would experiment in vegetarian cusisine and was the first to sell bottled water. A scandal racked the House in the late 20s, in which Benjamin Purnell was accused of rape and child molestation, charges which were never proved, but the commune was never again as large or influential.
What fascinates me about this white-border card is the pasted-on look of the arches of the entrance and the people on and near it. The flanking buildings seem to belong to an entirely different architectural school. The image looks like a black-and-white photograph that’s been colorized only in parts. If the picture had been taken much later, I might think the arches were airbrushed on.
Found in an antique store in Salt Lake City, with no message and no caption on the back.”

Riverside Park, Wichita

Mark S. — Wed, 09 May 2012 22:29:20 +0000

This one has me puzzled. I’ve been unable to find any reference to the unusual fountain shown on this real photo postcard, and I thought everything was on the internet! I’m guessing the location is Wichita, Kansas…and why do you suppose the sign/plaque is covered?

Grand Central Terminal/Biltmore Hotel

Mark S. — Wed, 09 May 2012 19:21:36 +0000

Perhaps it’s just me, but I find this sort of thing interesting. Below are two nearly identical postcards, the top one showing the new Grand Central Terminal in New York City. The second card serves up the same view, but rather than referencing the terminal, it’s promoting the Biltmore Hotel that’s located on the extreme left. (marked with a flag, lest someone mistake the terminal for the hotel!)

Mt. Lowe Incline Railway

Mark S. — Mon, 07 May 2012 00:49:57 +0000

This one features California’s Mt. Lowe Incline Railway, and includes a number of tourists decked out in their finest. The distinct images of the individuals are unusual, and make me think of the cover of the Beatles Sgt. Peppers album for some reason!

Ice Cave, Niagara Falls

Mark S. — Fri, 04 May 2012 10:52:27 +0000

I came across several postcards that have an identical layout, the picture positioned to the left, the top corners severely rounded. The images remind me of those found on old stereo cards, and I wonder if that might be their origin.

Lima, Ohio

Mark S. — Wed, 02 May 2012 10:14:48 +0000

Postmarked in 1907, this one provides a look at the square in Lima, Ohio as it was so long ago. Interesting details in this one, including the distinctive Moorish architecture on the right-most building and the gazebo-like structure in the center. An early “bus stop”?

Ontario Beach Park

Mark S. — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 14:41:44 +0000

Ontario Beach Park in Charlotte, New York. I must confess that I’m unfamiliar with Ontario Beach Park…and Charlotte, New York for that matter! (well, Texan, what do you expect?)

Let Me Lead Thee

Mark S. — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:57:33 +0000

Not the usual Valentine’s Day postcard.