Celebrating National Postcard Week!

By Lauren Kuntzman

Since 1984, the first full week of May is celebrated as "National Postcard Week." In honor of the week, here are some fun facts about postcards, plus a few selected images from the collection held at the Virginia Wheeler Martin Family History & Learning Center.  

Fun Facts about Postcards

• The study of picture postcards is called deltiology. Collectors of picture postcards are known as deltiophiles. Individuals who study the history of postcards are deltiologists.  
• Deltiology has a an Ohio-connection: it was coined by Ashland University biology professor Dr. Rendell Rhoades. 
• The first postcards with photographs were created in the 1870s in France. 
• 1907-1915 is known as the Golden Age of Postcards, during which time their popularity exploded. 
• Postcards are often distinguished as either Real Photo Postcards (RPPC) or printed postcards. The difference is found in the method by which the postcard is reproduced. RPPC use photographic paper and are developed as photographs, while printed postcards using a variety of printing methods. When viewed with a magnifying glass, printed postcards often reveal tiny halftone dots from the printing process.  
• Many details on the backs of postcards can help determine when they were created. One resource for dating Real Photo Postcards is https://playle.com/realphoto.
• Postcards are a great way for local and family historians to get a glimpse of their community's past. 
• Postcard collecting is the third biggest collecting hobby in the world -- right after stamps and coins!

Medina Postcards

The Family History & Learning Center has numerous postcards in its collections.  Enjoy postcards featuring the Medina Square and A. I. Root Company in the two slideshows below.  

Want to Learn More?

Here are some resources to help you learn more about postcards. 

• History of Postcards https://worldpostcardday.com/history
• Smithsonian Postcard History https://siarchives.si.edu/history/featured-topics/postcard/postcard-history
• How to Start Collection Postcards https://jasper52.com/blog/how-to-start-a-postcard-collection
• Coining the word Deltiology - Akron Beacon Journal, 5 July 1980, p. D10. 
• Identifying Postcard Eras http://jewelspostcards.com/del.htm
• Dating Guide for Real Photo Postcards https://playle.com/realphoto
• History of National Postcard Week https://postcardhistory.net/2021/05/national-post-card-week