Early 1900s Postal Card Collection

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials. Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction. Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], Early 1900s Postal Card Colleciton, 1906-1912, Ms2002-024, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.4 Cubic Feet 1 box
Abstract:
This collection contains 32 postal cards from the early 1900s.
Language:
The materials in the collection are in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], Early 1900s Postal Card Colleciton, 1906-1912, Ms2002-024, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection consists of 32 postal cards, many undated and with no postmark. The collection includes Decoration Day 1861-1865 commemorative cards, five Doctor Series humorous cards, a Valentine, and views of Virginia towns and buildings.

Biographical / historical:

Postcards became popular in the United States in the late 1800s and early 1900s because it was an easy way for people to communicate with each other. The postcards in this collection were created between 1906 and 1912, which falls in the divided back period of postcard history. Postcards in this period were the first to feature space for messages to be written on them. The period that these postcards were created in is known as the "Golden Age of Postcards".

Source: Postcard History

Acquisition information:
The Early 1900s Postal Card Collection was acquired by Special Collections and University Archives prior to 2002.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Early 1900s Postal Card Collection was completed in November 2023.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard