Collection of photographic postcards and travel ephemera of the Philippines, approximately 1900-1950

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Summary

Abstract:
Over 700 photographic postcards of a variety of subjects and locations throughout the Philippines, dating from approximately 1900 to 1950. Also includes a few tourist brochures and maps.
Extent:
4 Linear Feet (3 binders and 1 box)
Language:
Materials are in English.
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item]. Collection of photographic postcards and travel ephemera of the Philippines, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.

Background

Scope and content:

A collection of 731 photographic postcards and 81 photomechanical or printed postcards of the Philippines, spanning the years of transition from the end of the Spanish colonial government through decades of American administration. Many were sent through the mail to U.S. destinations, including Berkeley, Seattle, Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sioux Falls, as well as to recipients in Hong Kong and Portugal. A number of postcards have handwritten inscriptions, stamps, and printed captions, indicating how they were viewed, circulated, and used for tourism and government propaganda. Postcard imagery covers a variety of subjects in the Philippines, including people and communities, with many Indigenous people represented; agriculture; buildings and houses under construction; social and cultural activities; prisons; street and market scenes; weaving and textile production; religious ceremonies; and landscapes. There are several studio portraits, primarily of women and couples, and several color photomechanical postcards of various scenes. The collection also includes some related photographic prints and tourist guides, pamphlets and maps of the Philippines.

Please note that this collection contains historical images and language that library users may find harmful, offensive, or inappropriate.

Acquisition information:
Purchased from Michael Maslan Vintage Posters, Photographs, Postcards Ephemera, May 2022.
Processing information:

Processed by Suzanne Oatey in June 2023.

Arrangement:

Organized in two series:

  • Series 1. Photographic postcards and other images
  • Series 2. Travel ephemera

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

Open for use by qualified researchers and by appointment. Please contact Reader Services at the Huntington Library for more information.

Terms of access:

The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such activities. The responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and obtaining necessary permissions rests with the researcher.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item]. Collection of photographic postcards and travel ephemera of the Philippines, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.

Location of this collection:
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, CA 91108, US
Contact:
(626) 405-2129
reference@huntington.org
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