Postcards: From Places to People
- DHRUVI GOHIL
- Dec 28, 2025
- 3 min read
Postcards travel farther than the places they picture. In a few handwritten lines, they capture emotion, memory, and time itself. Let’s talk about the magic that makes postcards unforgettable, even in a digital age.
Postcards were first introduced in 1869 in Austria-Hungary as a simple and affordable way to send short messages without an envelope. The original idea was laid by a postal officer named Heinrich von Stephen at the 1865 Austro-German Postal Conference in the German town of Karlsruhe. At that time, writing letters was time-consuming and expensive, and postcards offered a faster alternative. The earliest postcards were plain and used mainly for official or brief personal communication.
Photo credit-3seaseurope.com
Soon after, illustrated postcards became popular. They featured images of cities, landmarks, landscapes, festivals, and artwork. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, postcards had spread across Europe, America, and other parts of the world. This period is often called the “Golden Age of Postcards,” when millions were sent every year. The world's oldest known postcard is the "Penny Penates" postcard, mailed in London on July 14, 1840.
Photo credit-m.thewire.in
Before the invention of telephones, emails, and social media, postcards played a vital role in communication. They allowed people to share news, greetings, and travel experiences quickly and cheaply. Soldiers used postcards to send messages home, travelers used them to describe new places, and families exchanged them during festivals and special occasions.
The Vanuatu Underwater Post Office:
Located within the Hideaway Island Marine Sanctuary, this "post office" is actually a large, converted fiberglass water tank sitting on the seafloor. It’s not just a novelty mailbox; it is an official outpost of the Vanuatu Post.
Because traditional ink would instantly dissolve or smear in the saltwater, the "posties" (who are often local dive instructors) use a specialized metal embossing tool to crimp the stamps, creating a permanent, 3D textured seal that proves the card was mailed from the depths. When the office is "open," a yellow flag flies on a buoy directly above it, letting snorkelers know a clerk is currently waiting below to receive their waterproof, plastic postcards in person.
Postcards were also important for education and awareness. Many people learned about distant countries, famous monuments, and different cultures through postcard images. They helped make the world feel smaller and more connected.
What are the top 3 most unique postcards in the world:
1. Wooden Postcards
Wooden postcards are made from thin pieces of real wood instead of paper. They often feature laser-cut designs, engraved images, or natural wood textures. These postcards are strong, eco-friendly, and visually striking.
Why they are unique:
-Made from natural wood
-Each card has a unique grain pattern
-Can be mailed like a normal postcard
Wooden postcards are popular souvenirs and are often kept as decorative keepsakes rather than thrown away.
Photo credit- wandawegacampstore.com
2. Augmented Reality postcards combine traditional postcards with digital technology. When scanned with a smartphone app, the image on the postcard comes to life with animations, videos, or audio messages.
Why they are unique:
-Mix physical and digital experiences
-Interactive and modern
-Create a memorable surprise for the receiver
AR postcards are commonly used for marketing, tourism, and special greetings.
Photo credit-flippar.com
3. Vintage Postcards from the Golden Age
Vintage postcards from the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Why they are unique:
-Historical Value
-Artistic Designs
-Unique Printing Techniques like lithography, chromolithography, and hand-coloring, making each postcard distinct.
Although digital communication dominates today, postcards are still widely used in meaningful ways. Tourists continue to buy postcards as souvenirs. People send them during holidays such as Christmas, New Year, and birthdays. Many collectors collect vintage and modern postcards as a hobby.
Postcards have traveled a long journey from simple message cards to meaningful keepsakes. While digitalization has changed communication, postcards continue to hold emotional, cultural, and historical value. They remind us of the beauty of handwritten messages and the importance of meaningful connections. Even in today’s fast-paced digital world, postcards remain a timeless form of expression.
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