Cornell University

Postmarked 30 October 1901
Ithaca, NY

Normally, I don't purchase postcards with the stamps removed, but I made an exception for this private mailing card featuring the Cornell University campus, circa 1900. I find it amusing that even a hundred years ago, students were worried -- and bragging -- about their scores!

This is McGraw Tower today:

The Crater of Kilauea

Postmarked 19 March 1908
Honolulu, Hawaii

Message:

Visited the Crater of Kilauea and saw this mountain. Cora

According to the U.S. Geological survey, Kilauea is possibly the world's most active volcano, with 34 eruptions since 1952. The latest eruption, in 1983, is ongoing. According to Hawaiian lore, Kilauea is the home of Pele, the volcano goddess. In 1893, Reverend William Ellis (no relation) was the first European to see the summit.

The Return of the Mayflower

Uncirculated
Issued by A.S. Burbank
(c) 1900

See this post for more information about Private Mailing Cards, which were used in the United States at the end of the 19th Century.

Private Mailing Cards

This is not one of the prettiest cards in my collection--and it's even damaged--but it is one of only two Private Mailing Cards I have. In the United States, beginning in 1876, the Postal Service printed cards that could be sent through the mail at a rate of one cent. Any cards not printed by the USPS were charged the two cent letter rate.

As the idea of postcards became more popular and as mass printing became economically feasible, Congress authorized Private Mailing cards in 1898. The 1906 World Almanac and Encyclopedia outlines the regulations affecting these cards:

Because the Postal Service was fearful of losing business, they weren't too keen on making it easy for private companies to take away one of their revenue sources. However, in December 1901, the government relaxed the restrictions, allowing the use of the word "postcard" on pieces not provided by the USPS.

Until 1907, only the address could be printed on the back side of the card, whether they be private mailing cards or postcards. Any message had to appear on the front, around or over the image.