Eight

POSTCARDS FROM
THE PAST

After its appearance in America in 1893, the postcard had its golden age heralded in 1905. Few homes were immune to its advent. Towns showed a love for their community by featuring their main street or other important sites on a promotional card. Middle or upper classes had bulging albums of these on their parlor tables, and today the`se same cards help people to recall the past.

De Smet National Bank jumped on the bandwagon in 1909, when it issued this advertising postcard. Beginning in 1912, local postmasters could confiscate risqué cards, including those displaying feminine attributes (as here) or lovers in romantic poses.

Warm and cozy cards, such as M. Close produced in 1917, were a welcome sight in most homes. These also got the word to customers, both present and future. It is estimated that this card was sent around Christmastime in 1916.

Cards in vibrant colors would catch the eyes of customers as well as extend bits of advice. Note that the Bank of De Smet advertises paying five percent interest in 1911.

There was often some magic in receiving a written note from family or friends, and these penny postcards could provide the perfect answer.

This card from National Atlas Elevator focuses on advertising coal as a perfect fuel for all domestic uses.

Embracing American humor, postcards were an inexpensive way to stay in touch and add a smile to someone’s day.

The interesting fact about this card is the misspelling of De Smet. The figures and the wording appear to have been drawn by hand.

Picture postcards were printed for the benefit of advertising a locale, an event, or, as in this case, a feeling. The sender of the image of this young man is hopeful that his crying plea will bring visitors to him or her and to De Smet.