A Note with a View: History of Travel Postcards

originally from FOLK’s Revival Issue | ORDER HERE

Jen educates us on the history of the travel postcard

A PEEK AT OLD TRAVEL POSTCARDS MAKES US WONDER WHY SUCH BANAL IMAGES WERE CREATED AND SOLD TO THE MASSES, THEN COLLECTED AND TREASURED FOR DECADES – SO OFTEN, UNUSED. Rarely were the promoted images of such merit that they would be sought-after as captivating photographs, but rather, they were considered a cheap and easy way to keep souvenirs of a place that could trigger a memory, or comprise a visual anthology of adventures and explorations.

Postcards are a wonderful peek back at places and spaces as they were seen and experienced at the time they were marketed to tourists. They can be dated by the fonts used on them to herald their point of interest or celebrated locale, as well as by the automobiles that might appear in the image, or the fashions on the folks caught in the freeze ray of the camera lens. If written and sent, of course the postal cancellation is an indicator of the age, but many travel postcards – especially the folios – were purchased simply as keepsakes and were never used. We are left wondering, why buy a postcard if you never planned to send it?

Today when we wander and adventure, we capture a vista with a quick point-and-shoot. We press that button and harness a moment in full color and with lenses that can actually capture what we see at a distance -- or even in full panorama. Indeed, almost all of us carry a minicomputer in our pocket or purse…our phone is an accessory that makes us master of a tool that can take a glorious image that we can later crop, color, tweak and edit. As casual photographers, we can snatch an image or capture almost endlessly the scope of what we see. A few decades ago, we were so far from this; taking a photo meant something very different. With much less sophisticated tech, and the cost of film and development, being an undiscerning shutterbug could be an expensive hobby. Taking a photo required more thought and planning. In fact, if you know any non-English language speakers, they’ll tell you that the phrase “taking a photo” translates more often into “making a photo.”

There was a making to it…a consideration of light, shutter speed, film speed, and after all that…grave limitations on what could be captured, taken or made into memory.

Add to that the fact that a camera capable of harnessing an image of a sweeping vista or an inspiring landscape was something only a professional photographer would have. Cameras with quality lenses were not only costly, but intricate and demanding of attention during use.

Documenting the landscape for memory and posterity was left to the artists and professionals. The natural match for these images was their presentation on postcards for the tourist trade. The postcard was a vehicle of print media already in expansive use, and letter writing was the means of communication. Sure, we had consumer-grade cameras as early as 1900 with the Kodak Brownie, but what they offered in novelty and affordability compromised the scope of them as tools.

For years consumers could only take a very small square photos…great for a snapshot or posed moment, but in no way could it convey a landscape. Let’s add that most consumer photos were taken in black and white until the 1970s when more advances were made in film technology, and we had early point-and-shoot 110 film and the pioneering of pocket-sized cameras. This “snapshot” camera history makes more sense of the oddly treasured souvenir postcard rage. With printed postcards popular with consumers from the late 1940s through the early 1980s, during that time you could not visit a town of even remote interest or landmark of esoteric note without finding a postcard folio for sale. These folios were rarely mailed but kept as souvenirs with a trophy-like countenance.

Think of them as visual brag books of the arcane places one might visit on a day trip, or an easy-to-bring-home series of captures one could never take themselves, but that could be shown off as a travel achievement or looked at for a personal reminder of a place visited.

Postcards are charming reminders of former travelers’ escapades and explorations that remind us that adventure awaits. How you choose to document your travels is up to you. There’s something in appreciating those moments and vistas that add up to good memories; a postcard just might be the ticket if you miss the capture yourself.

— earthangelsstudios.com

The Enduring Legacy of Yellowware Pottery: A Journey Through Time

Yellowware, a type of utilitarian pottery known for its distinctive yellow-hued glaze, has a rich history that spans centuries. Sometime in 2022 I started collecting yellowware without realizing it would become a collection. By the Christmas of 2023 I had a pie safe full.

1. Origins and Historical Background:

• Earthenware Roots: Yellowware finds its roots in the late 18th century, emerging as an evolution of earlier earthenware traditions. Early American potters sought to create a durable, affordable alternative to more expensive ceramics.

• Colonial America: The popularity of yellowware surged in the United States during the 19th century, particularly during the Colonial Revival period. American potters drew inspiration from European ceramics but put a distinctive twist on the designs.

2. Characteristics of Yellowware:

• Yellow Glaze: The defining feature of yellowware is its vibrant yellow glaze, achieved through the use of natural oxides, often derived from iron. The intensity of the yellow hue can vary, ranging from pale buttery tones to deep mustard shades.

• Salt-Glazing Technique: Many early examples of yellowware were salt-glazed, a process where salt is introduced into the kiln during firing, creating a unique surface texture and enhancing the pottery's durability.

• Simple Forms: Yellowware pieces typically feature simple, functional forms. Common items include mixing bowls, pitchers, mugs, and various kitchen utensils. The simplicity of design reflects the utilitarian nature of these pieces.

3. Utilitarian Use in American Homes:

• Kitchenware: Yellowware gained popularity as everyday kitchenware in American homes. Its affordability and durability made it accessible to a broad range of households, and its distinct appearance added a touch of warmth to kitchens.

• Variety of Shapes and Sizes: From nested mixing bowls to pitchers with embossed patterns, yellowware came in a variety of shapes and sizes, catering to different culinary and household needs.

4. Collectibility and Rarity:

• Collector's Items: Over time, yellowware has become highly collectible. Antique enthusiasts and collectors appreciate the historical significance, craftsmanship, and visual appeal of these pottery pieces.

• Rarity and Valuation: Certain variations, such as those with intricate patterns or unusual forms, are rarer and more valuable. Collectors often seek out these unique pieces to add to their collections.

5. Preservation and Restoration:

• Challenges of Preservation: The fragility of yellowware poses challenges for preservation. Collectors and museums must handle these artifacts with care to prevent damage to the delicate glaze and forms.

• Restoration Efforts: Skilled conservators work to restore damaged yellowware pieces, carefully addressing issues like cracks, chips, or glaze loss. These efforts aim to ensure that these historical artifacts can be appreciated for generations to come.

6. Contemporary Appreciation and Revival:

• Artistic Inspiration: Contemporary potters draw inspiration from the aesthetics of yellowware, incorporating its warm tones and simple designs into modern ceramic creations.

• Revival in Home Decor: The nostalgic charm of yellowware has led to a revival in home decor. Reproduction pieces, inspired by traditional yellowware, can be found in homes, creating a bridge between the past and present.

Yellowware pottery, with its distinctive yellow glaze and utilitarian roots, stands as a testament to the ingenuity of American potters and the enduring appeal of simple, functional design. From its humble origins in Colonial America to its status as sought-after collector's items, yellowware pieces continue to evoke a sense of history and charm. As these artifacts find new life in contemporary homes, the legacy of yellowware lives on, connecting generations through the shared appreciation of a timeless and vibrant ceramic tradition.