Post Cards...A Snapshot of History

The value of any collection depends primarily on how you play your cards. Nowhere is that more evident than with postcards. To gain insight into this intriguing hobby, Tracy Bradford, an antique dealer at the Spring Antique Mall and an avid postcard collector, was interviewed for insight on postcards.

“The kind of postcards people desire are as diversified as the people and the cards themselves,” said Bradford. “Some people look for specific photos or graphics, some want postcards with postmarks in order to date the cards, and some cards are dual collectibles - for both the card and the stamp,” added Bradford.

Some of the many themes the face of the card can be categorized in, are holidays, states, animals, landmarks, military, and means of transportation. Among the holiday postcards, the Halloween cards are the scarcest, therefore, the most sought after. Based on condition they can be some of the highest priced too. In fact, condition weighs heavily on the price of any of the cards.

“Certain graphic artists and publishers are highly prized. John O. Winsch and Rafael Tuck are among some of the most desirable publishers because of the quality of their designs and materials,” said Bradford.

Some cards are selected purely for the sentiment on the back of the card; others for the advertising that accompanied the graphic on the front.

“Postcards are especially beneficial for use in displays for student projects. They’re a snapshot of history,” said Bradford.

Whether it’s to collect postcards for their stamps, the postmark, or the subject matter, the hobby is affordable and portable. They’re easy to display in small pop-in frames, or scrapbooking. The emergence of acid-free and archival materials will preserve even 100 year-old postcards for years to come.

To share, trade, and learn more about post cards, two post clubs are conveniently accessible.

The Tomball Postcard Club meets at the Tomball Lone Star College Library the 3rd Saturday of each month from 2-5 p.m. Each meeting allows time to trade and share information, followed by a presentation. They even have a ‘meet and greet’ for visitors, and give postcards away to encourage an interest in the hobby. There are no membership dues, just camaraderie.

The Houston club was organized in 1977, and meets at St. Marks Methodist Church at 600 Pecore and North Main streets in the Heights, on the 3rd Sunday of the month from 2-5 p.m. Contact club president, Joyce Hopkins at email jhop7134@aol.com, or Susan Nichols at nichols.susan@gmail.com