Poughkeepsie Postcard and Flyer Collection, 1904-1944, bulk 1888-1953

Summary

Abstract:
Postcard production and popularity in the U.S. erupted in the 1890s and early 1900s. This is demonstrated in the collection, with a majority of the postcards hailing from the first half of the twentieth century. Postcards served as a fast and easy way to communicate with peers and loved ones at the time.This collection consists of postcards and some flyers from the Hudson Valley region of New York with most depicting places and things in Poughkeepsie, New York. The collection includes both blank and used postal cards, the bulk of which are from the first half of the twentieth century (1904-1944). Undated postcards in the collection are also presumably from the twentieth century.
Extent:
1 Linear Foot 2 Boxes
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[Title of item, date, location of item in order of series number, box number, item number], in the Poughkeepsie Postcard and Flyer Collection, Archives and Special Collections, James A. Cannavino Library, Marist College

Background

Scope and content:

This collection consists of postcards and some flyers from the Hudson Valley region of New York with most more specifically depicting places and things in Poughkeepsie, New York. The collection includes both blank and used postal cards, the bulk of which are from the first half of the twentieth century (1904-1944). Undated postcards in the collection are also presumably from the twentieth century. The postcards which contain writing were sent, created, and received by a wide variety of individuals. A few repeating names on the postcards include Miss Anna Dunn, Miss Florence Davidson, and Mrs. Simpson. Business flyer advertisements from local Poughkeepsie establishments are included.

Biographical / historical:

Although postcards were circulating in the United States by the 1870s, postcard production and popularity in the U.S. particularly took off in the 1890s and early 1900s. This is demonstrated in the collection, with a majority of the postcards hailing from the first half of the twentieth century. Postcards served as a fast and easy way to communicate with peers and loved ones at the time. In 1898, private printing companies were finally allowed to produce postcards in contrast to previous government control, contributing to their flourishing. As is demonstrated in the collection, from 1901 to 1907, standard postcards only had room for addresses on the back, leaving little room for messaging since pictures were on the front side. This changed in 1907 when the divided back was introduced, leaving space for a message on one side of the back and the address on the other. From 1907 to 1915, “Real photo” postcards started to gain more traction, rather than the typical drawing-based postcard. By the mid-twentieth century, postcards were produced and used in much smaller quantities, and most postcards seen in this era through today are called photochrom postcards; photograph postcards in color and with a particular sheen.

Up until the first World War, German printers dominated the postcard market, with an abundance of early cards in this particular collection reading “Printed in Germany.” Many of the postcards in this collection were produced by the Ruben Publishing Co. out of Newburgh, New York. Jacob Ruben, a Russian-American émigré, opened a stationary business in Newburgh in 1906, and also became a well-known Hudson Valley area commercial photographer. Ruben’s popular photographic tourist postcards of the Poughkeepsie area can be seen in this collection. Other publishers include John B. Flagler of Poughkeepsie, N.Y. (although printed in Germany), Kingston News Service, and the Rotograph Company. The Rotograph Co. was a publisher and printer of postcards based in New York that was an American offshoot of the German photograph and postcard publishers, Neue Photographische Gesellschaft.

Acquisition information:
Collection was donated to the Marist College Archives Special Collection.
Processing information:

Dulcie Beauregard, July 2023

Arrangement:

The postcards are divided into series based on subject and are arranged alphabetically by place/theme within each subject series. This collection is organized into thirteen series: Vassar College; Businesses and Buildings; Clubs/Homes/Societies; Hospitals; Civil War Memorials; Schools; Churches; Streets; Bridges, Boats, and the Hudson River; Parks; Fire Companies; General Poughkeepsie; and Business Advertisements.

Accruals:

No accruals are expected.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: a Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

Individuals requesting reproductions expressly assume the responsibility for compliance with all pertinent provisions of the Copyright Act, 17 U.S.C. ss101 et seq. Patrons further agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Marist College Archives & Special Collections and its staff in connection with any disputes arising from the Copyright Act, over the reproduction of material at the request of patrons. For more information please visit the following website: https://www.loc.gov/copyright/title17/.

Terms of access:

There are no restrictions on this collection

Preferred citation:

[Title of item, date, location of item in order of series number, box number, item number], in the Poughkeepsie Postcard and Flyer Collection, Archives and Special Collections, James A. Cannavino Library, Marist College

Location of this collection:
3399 North Road
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, United States
Link to repository site
Contact:
845-575-3364
library.archives@marist.edu