Explore Postcard History

For more on the history of postcards, try these sources:

Online

Gale, Neil, Postcard Information Kiosk, Chicago Postcard Museum, 2007-2019. Most helpful sections are glossary and guidelines for determining the age of a postcard.

Luers, Helmfried, The Postcard Album, accessed March 2, 2020. Information on German picture postcards and publishers, including real photo postcards.

Petrulis, Alan, MetroPostcard.com, 2006-2018. History of postcards, glossary, publishers, printing techniques. Relates the history of postcards to cultural and technological changes.

Postcrossing, History of postcards, Postcards celebrate 150 years!, 2019. Very brief illustrated history, describes some major eras.

In College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University Libraries

Sante, Luc, Yeti Publishing, and Verse Chorus Press. Folk Photography : The American Real-Photo Postcard, 1905-1930. 1st ed. Portland, OR: Yeti, 2009. Images made in rural America, not for the tourist trade, have more of interest than just nostalgia. Alcuin E169 .S323 2009.

Wilson, Bonnie. Minnesota in the Mail : A Postcard History. St. Paul: MHS Press, 2004. Postcards that show Minnesota towns' distinct features, business-related cards, real photo postcards, and, finally tourist-oriented postcards. Alcuin F607 .W555 2004.

Zosel, Harold. St. Cloud. Postcard History Series. Charleston, S.C.: Arcadia Pub, 2010. Old postcards of St. Cloud, Minnesota, from the author's collection. Clemens F612.S75 Z67 2010.