History of Postcards
Picture postcards began in Germany in the 1870's and quickly made their way to the United States.
Early US postcards were usually advertisements for businesses, goods and services but soon evolved to depict holiday sites and local landmarks.
These early cards were mailed at the "letter" postal rate rather than the less expensive "postal card" rate.
On May 19, 1998, the US Congress approved the mailing of picture postcards at the same penny rate as the Post Office's "postal card"--an unadorned card with a imprinted stamp.
Picture postcards were immediately popular with pictures of buildings, towns, scenic landmarks and vacation destinations all the rage.
Images on early postcards were either lithographs or photographs.
Color lithographs were often printed in Germany because the most advanced printing equipment was located there.
Black and white photographic postcards were more often printed in the US.
Since a local photographer could produce his own cards, photographic postcards often depict the landmarks, or buildings in smaller towns.
The Eastman Kodak Company even provided special card weight photographic paper, with the postal information already printed on the back.
We are presenting a mix of color and black & white picture postcards of sites in Washington Township.
These postcards are from the private collection of a member of the Museum of Local History, and are reproduced here for your enjoyment.
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