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Postcards: Postcards And Genealogy

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For ancestors who lived during the 20th century, postcards are a delightful way to learn more about their lives and communities. Picture postcards were very popular worldwide by the dawn of the 20th century due to their novelty and the fact that postage was cheap. From automobiles to street scenes and hairstyles to people, postcards provide intriguing glimpses into the past.

The postal historian avidly seeks post cards for the stamp use, postmarks and postal markings, destinations and all the things related to the mailing or sending of the post card. Most of this information is generally found on the back of the card and the historian is unconcerned with the view or front of the card. This doesn't interest him at all. The philatelist collects the card for the stamp used on a post card and the way the stamp is canceled. This is closely related in some ways for to the reasons a postal historian would collect post cards and maybe even for the same reason.

It does get a little touchy when trying to separate the differences between the postal historian and the philatelist. Postal history and philately have crossed over blurred lines since stamp collecting began. Generally a philatelist is concerned how a stamp is used, condition of the stamp and the way it is canceled. A cancel is the method of obliterating the stamp to prevent reuse.

It is fun to trace the footsteps of your ancestors from different shores. Railroad depot postcards were very popular and still are today. It would be fantastic to find a real photo card of your ancestors standing in front of an old depot. All the different trains throughout our history and how they were used to transport in early America are quite collectible as well.

How awesome would it be to find a hand written letter from a grandparent forty years after they have passed away. Think about the anticipation at your family reunion when you and all your relatives open the letters your ancestors wrote one hundred years earlier. That would be incredible information and exciting too.

It is amazing to see how many photo cards were developed from your own hometown even showing individual streets. You can buy them fairly cheaply too. Most are from shortly after the turn of the century, following the 1900 introduction of "Real Photo Cards".

The deltiologist will also use a postmark as a crossover especially when their collecting cards from Worlds Fair and Expositions. The postmark from these special post offices can add great value to a post card and prove that it was purchased at the sight of the fair or exposition. These are also sought after items for the postal historian. It makes no difference whether you collect post cards as a deltiologist, a postal historian or philatelist, the field is wide open.

Collect what you like and how you like to collect! You can find them everywhere especially in old attics, garage sales and flea markets, antique shops and stamp shops, gas stations and hotels. Collecting Post Cards is a great hobby and one that can be passed on from generation to generation to share your past travels, interests and history with your family.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Information supplied and written by Joseph Ould is the owner of the site about Postcards and A Quick Overview Of Postcard Collecting

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