Undivided Backs

In the early 1900s, postcards were much different than those we see today. The front side included an image, and the back side, due to postal regulations, had to include the heading "Post Card" or "Postcard." Beneath that heading, the space was reserved solely for the address of the recipient. Where did the message from the sender go? At this time, it was accepted to write on the picture, or front, side of the postcard. Otherwise, the card could not be sent through the postal service.

This postcard, postmarked 1908, illustrates this tradition. I was especially excited to find this card because the recipient was at University of Chicago. The address, 6032 Ellis Avenue, now is Burton-Judson Courts, the dorm where I lived my first year at UC.