THE POSTCARD CLUB

Submitted by Don Smith: The collecting of picture postcards, technically referred to as Deltiology, has emerged as one of the more popular hobbies in the country. And, for those of us interested in the history of our county; postcards are a treasure trove of information. Picture postcards reveal many aspects and scenes of 100-plus years ago that cannot be found anywhere else.

Generally, picture postcards in the United States can be traced back to those produced as souvenirs for the World Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893. Shortly afterward, the government allowed such cards to pass through the mail at the same rate as governmental penny postal cards. However, not until 1907 were messages permitted on the address side of the card. The picture postcard became a popular and cheap way for greetings to be sent to friends and relatives. A boom in the production of “view” cards soon followed. Hired by local entrepreneurs, itinerant photographers roamed the countryside, towns and neighborhoods to record every event that would possibly sell cards. From their endeavors, we can now take a look at many of the images of 100 years ago.

Twenty years ago, a group of postcard collectors decided to form a club to help each other in the pursuit of their hobby. Thus, the Greater Johnstown Postcard Club was born. This group is still small (some 35 members) but we are always enthusiastic. “Greater Johnstown” is a bit deceptive as we actually cover an area that includes members from Somerset, Bedford, Blair, Indiana and, of course, Cambria County. Currently the club meets on the third Thursday of each month at 7:30 PM in the Senior Activities Center in downtown Johnstown. Members are encouraged to bring cards from their collections, especially new acquisitions. There are several postcard dealers who frequently attend the meetings, giving members the opportunity to purchase cards at reasonable prices. Also, the club has sponsored a postcard show each year since 1991. The next show is scheduled for October 18, 2003 at the Scalp Level– Paint Fire Hall. We anticipate about eight postcard dealers at the show.

Our members collect all types of cards. Many go “topical”; collecting cards featuring such subjects as: cats, Santa Claus, autos, snowmen, shoes, butterflies and covered bridges. Almost any subject can be found on a postcard. Many local collectors specialize in cards of their home town, their county or a particular industry.

If you have a postcard collection or are interested in starting, why not join us. Its great fun!

-Don Smith

[Editor’s Note: Contact Kathy at the historical society for information on joining the postcard club]

Website Note: The images were too large for web display. We provided the captions, however, that belonged to the postcards printed in The Heritage. Please join CCHS to receive The Heritage in its complete version.

	Recognize the Cambria County Courthouse? This architect’s conception combines the state capital building in Harrisburg with the “wings” that actually were added to the courthouse in the 1920’s. The caption on the postcard does not clarify that the image is just an artist’s concept.
	Postcards give a nostalgic view of many small town scenes as in this view of the businesses along the dirt Roberts Street in Nanty-Glo. Typically, these postcards were black and white prints that were hand-painted by the photographer before copies were made.
	Streetcars were a prime means of transportation in the county. This card, with the caption: “Carrolltown Junction, Northern Cambria Street Railway, St. Benedict, PA”, was published as part of the “Benedictine Stores Post Card Series”. The Benedictine Community was centered in Carrolltown.
	Coal mining and mine scenes are a popular subject with postcard collectors. Here coal cars are seen entering and exiting the mine entrance of the Ebensburg Coal Company at Colver, PA.
	Caption: “Industrial Arts Class, M.S.A. Ebensburg, PA.” The Mountain Summer Academy, one of three state-sponsored teacher’s academies, had as a goal for its teachers . . . ”to study a little, rest and recreate much and to build up nervous energy for the next term”. This is an example of a “real photo” postcard.
Top