Collection context
Summary
- Abstract:
- The first postcards were probably playing cards used as visiting cards (late 17th-early 18th century). They were replaced by visiting cards and most had pictures and a blank space for the name. Subjects were places of interest or general motifs and often included messages. Printers printed decorative letter paper using old visiting card plates (1830s) and established the link from visiting cards to postcards. There were few areas or events not recorded on postcards by the early 1900s. The collection consists of postcards and novelty cards from various places around the world.
- Extent:
- 188 oversize boxes
- Language:
- Finding aid is written in English. and Materials are in English.
Background
- Scope and content:
-
Collection consists of postcards from various places around the world. Includes novelty cards.
- Biographical / historical:
-
The first postcards were probably playing cards used as visiting cards (late 17th-early 18th century); they were replaced by visiting cards and most had pictures and a blank space for the name; subjects were places of interest or general motifs and often included messages; printers printed decorative letter paper using old visiting card plates (1830s) and established the link from visiting cards to postcards; there were few areas or events not recorded on postcards by the early 1900s; popularity dropped off after World War I; tourist view cards became the standard after World War II.
- Acquisition information:
- Bulk of the collection was received from Dr. Omer L. Sharp and Emily Hildegarde Sharp.
- Physical location:
- Stored off-site at SRLF. Advance notice is required for access to the collection. Please contact UCLA Library Special Collections for paging information.
- Rules or conventions:
- Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: a Content Standard
Indexed terms
- Subjects:
- picture postcards.
postcard albums.
Access and use
- Location of this collection:
-
A1713 Charles E. Young Research LibraryBox 951575Los Angeles, CA 90095-1575, US
- Contact:
- (310) 825-4988