Why Do You Collect Postcards?

[Ken]

After I retired in 2004 I decided to spend most of my leisure time pursuing and sharing my lifelong interest in the history of motion pictures. I found (and still find) all aspects of the subject to be endlessly fascinating, and I knew that there were a lot of people who would benefit from the information I had accumulated over the years. The easiest and cheapest way to reach a large audience, of course, was through an Internet website. So, with little knowledge but endless enthusiasm I launched a website at http://www.pictureshowman.com and have enjoyed providing information, answering questions and expanding my knowledge of motion picture history ever since.

Research for my newest article about the British actor C. Aubrey Smith (at: http://www.pictureshowman.com/articles_ ... Aubrey.cfm) led me to the beautiful British actress Gladys Smith who, with Aubrey, became part of Hollywood's British community during the 1940s. Gladys Smith, in turn, led me to the world of vintage picture postcard collecting and to this message board. (Has any other person ever been pictured on more postcards? The Queen perhaps?)

My question is, “Why do you collect postcards?” For me, exploring the world of motion picture history has provided an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the people, places, and things of the past --- how life was lived and how one idea led to another and created the present world. Can the same be said for postcard collecting?

I imagine many of you may say to skeptics that you collect postcards as an investment --- everyone understands that motive. But, in your hearts, why do you really collect them? Do you enjoy the tactile connection to the past, examining a still image of a supposedly simpler time, or seeing those who have gone before as they wished to be remembered or as we wish to remember them? Or perhaps you really do collect for future monetary gain? But even if that is true, when you are alone with your collection what thoughts go through your mind as you examine each card? Perhaps the reason for collecting postcards is different for everyone, I don’t know. But I think it would be interesting to know what drew each one of you to the world of postcard collecting, and what you have gained from that passion. Being a Yank, I guess I’m just curious.

Ken Robichaux
USA

[jen5829]

hi,
i started collecting postcards when i was little my dad put a message up on the internet and i started getting postcards. What i like about it is:- seeing what comes through the door, where will i get a card from, what sort of picture will it be, what message will be written on the back, if its from the smallest or largest of cities. many people will collect for different reasons but i just enjoy receiving a little bit of culture from around the world, also i like to mark off on a map where i have collected from. maybe a strange hobbie not for everyone but i really have enjoyed doing it.
hope this gives you a little insight on why some people collect postcards

[Ken]

Thanks for your reply. That's very interesting.

Ken Robichaux
USA

[jen5829]

i received my postcard this morning, looks like a lovely place
thank you for sending it x

[Andrew]

Why do I collect postcards?

I started because I was interested in castles, and it was a cheap way of obtaining pictures of such places without having to take my own photos, or even going to the place. Now it's just a hobby - part of collecting old prints and books on my subject too. There is no intention of them being an investment. I buy the cheap, and the expensive cards. It is fun to look around postcard fairs and old antique shops, and you meet a certain type of person there too - probably an old bore like myself!!!

[LastOrders]

I always loved writing and receiving postcards as a youngster. My Dad lived in Africa for a while when he was a boy and he's got a great collection of old postcards that travelled to and from Africa between him and his family.

When I got a bit older I used to like to buy an extra post card or two when buying those that I was going to send so that I had a little momento of the place that I was visiting. I would put these on my wall and it basically just took off from there. Now I love collecting them and try to pick a couple up everytime I go somewhere new. I am quite fussy over which ones I buy though!