Pioneer Era (1893-1898)
Although there were earlier scattered issues, most pioneer cards in today's collections begin with the cards placed on sale at the Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Ill on May 1st 1893. These were illustrations on government-printed postal cards and privately printed souvenir cards. The government postal cards had the printed 1¢ stamp while the souvenir cards required a 2¢ adhesive postage stamp to be applied to it. Writing was not permitted on the address side of the cards.
Private Mailing Card Era (1898-1901)
On May 19, 1898, private printers were granted permission, by an act of Congress, to print and sell cards that bore the inscription "Private Mailing Card". Today, we call these cards 'PMC's'. Postage required was not a 1¢ adhesive stamp. A dozen or more American printers began to take postcards seriously. Writing not permitted on the address side.
Postcard Era (1901-1907)
The use of the word "POST CARD" was granted by the government to private printers on December 24, 1901. Writing was still not permitted on the address side. In this era, private citizens began to take black & white photographs and have them printed on paper with postcard backs.
Divided Back Era (1907-1914)
Postcards with a divided back were permitted March 1, 1907. The address to be written on the right side and the left side was for writing messages. Many millions of cards were published in this era. Up to this point, most postcards were printed in Germany who were far ahead of this country in the lithographic processes. With the advent of World War 1, the supply of postcards had to come from England and the United States.
White Border Era (1915-1930)
Most of our postcards were printed in the USA during this period. To save ink a border was left around the view thus we call them "White Border" cards. High cost of labor, inexperience and public taste caused production of poor quality cards. High competition in a narrowing market caused many publishers to go out of business.
Linen Era (1930-1944)
New printing processes allowed printing on post cards with high rag content that caused a 'linen-like' finish. These cheap cards allowed the use of gaudy dyes for coloring. The firm of Curt Teich flourished on their line of linen postcards. Many important events in history are recorded only on these cards.
Photochrome Era (1945)
The 'chrome' postcards started to dominate the scene soon after they were launched by the Union Oil Company in their western service stations in 1939. Mike Roberts pioneered with his "WESCO" cards soon after World War 2. Three-dimensional postcards also appeared in this era.
-John H. McCllintock