October 7 and October 17 - Modern Life and Gender

This item is an interesting example of how postcards had gained popularity after they were first introduced at the 1893 Chicago Columbian Exposition. It is from A.J. Bradley who attended the 1900 Paris Exposition Universelle. At the turn of the century, postcards were gaining prominence and were not only used as travel souvenirs but also as political and social propaganda.

The years 1898 – 1918 became the “Golden Age” of postcards and describe a significant advance in modern life. This is due to the fact that historically, sealed letters were what were formally deployed to communicate intimate discourse between senders and receivers. In addition, postcard usage was initially resisted because the writer was concerned that it would allow servants to read the item’s contents. This anxiety was an early indicator garnered by the collapse between the public and the private spheres, colonialism, race and gender. Price was also a factor as the cost for mailing a postcard was the same as mailing a sealed letter (2 cents). It was not until 1898 when postal rates for postcards were lowered to a penny provided the the impetus for the start of the “Golden Age.”

Below is a deciphering of the written text. Periods have been inserted for clarity. A few words have been marked as illegible.

Was very glad to have a [illegible] from you in Mrs. [illegible] letter. For it is very pleasant to be remembered in that way when we are so far away. We are having beautiful weather now & I wish all my friends could be here to go with me to [illegible] Exposition. I am going to take a last look at it this afternoon as we leave for London tomorrow morning. Hoping that you are well and will have a pleasant summer. I am yours [illegible] A.J. Bradley, 7 Avenue de Trocadero, Paris, June 6, 1900.

While the description doesn’t make reference to any one particular aspect of the Paris Exposition, the writer does indicate that they plan to take a “last look” suggesting that it was the kind of experience that one needed to see more than once.

The warm tone of the letter indicates that the writer, A.J. Bradley, know the receiver of the letter well and was pleased to be thought in such a high regard as to be mentioned in previous social correspondence and interaction.

The Paris postal hand-stamp indicates that the carte postale was sent from Place du Trocadero, Paris 106, Juin 6, 8h 50s

Postcard is addressed to: Miss Mary Shirley, 7 Marelton Way, Worcester, MA. The Worcester postal hand-stamp indicates that it was received on June 7, 5:30 pm 1900

On the postcard side that includes the hand written details experience of the fair, there is also a postal hand-stamp indicating that the card passed through New York after Paris, and probably before it reached Massachusetts.

The image on the card is of the American Pavilion, which was situated on the Quai des Nations.