In celebration of Independence Day and America's 250th anniversary, we're pleased to share three patriotic treasures from the Monrovia Historical Museum's postcard archives. We wish you and your family a safe, joyful, and Happy Fourth of July!
The first in this series reminds us that the ideals of freedom, patriotism, and community have united generations of Americans. A colorful, vintage postcard, circa 1910–1912 during America's "Golden Age of Postcards," captures the festive spirit of the era with Uncle Sam, a majestic bald eagle, fireworks, and the familiar phrase, "The Ever Glorious Fourth of July."
Long before greeting cards and social media, postcards like these were exchanged to send holiday wishes to family and friends, offering a glimpse into how Americans celebrated our nation's birthday more than a century ago. An interesting second chapter in its history indicates that it was not used and mailed until June 28, 1948, over three decades later. It bears a one-cent stamp and a message from William Manson of Ray's Western Books and Magazines, located at 331 South Hill Street in Los Angeles, to an apparent stamp collector in Arcadia--the note is an invitation to visit the bookstore to share collectible stamps. This postcard's journey—from a patriotic holiday greeting to a piece of correspondence connecting collectors nearly four decades later—adds another fascinating chapter to its story.
The first in this series reminds us that the ideals of freedom, patriotism, and community have united generations of Americans. A colorful, vintage postcard, circa 1910–1912 during America's "Golden Age of Postcards," captures the festive spirit of the era with Uncle Sam, a majestic bald eagle, fireworks, and the familiar phrase, "The Ever Glorious Fourth of July."
Long before greeting cards and social media, postcards like these were exchanged to send holiday wishes to family and friends, offering a glimpse into how Americans celebrated our nation's birthday more than a century ago. An interesting second chapter in its history indicates that it was not used and mailed until June 28, 1948, over three decades later. It bears a one-cent stamp and a message from William Manson of Ray's Western Books and Magazines, located at 331 South Hill Street in Los Angeles, to an apparent stamp collector in Arcadia--the note is an invitation to visit the bookstore to share collectible stamps. This postcard's journey—from a patriotic holiday greeting to a piece of correspondence connecting collectors nearly four decades later—adds another fascinating chapter to its story.
This colorful postcard was also published around 1910. It celebrates George Washington's Birthday with one of the nation's most iconic patriotic images—Washington crossing the Delaware River on Christmas night in 1776. It reflects the pride and admiration Americans held for the nation's first president more than a century ago. Mailed the day before Washington's Birthday, February 21, 1910, the postcard is a beautiful work of art and a reminder of a time when postcards were a popular way to share holiday greetings and celebrate our nation's history.
About the publisher, Raphael Tuck & Sons:
Founded in London in the 1860s, the company became famous for producing beautifully printed postcards that were sold throughout Europe, and the United States. Their artwork was considered among the finest of the "Golden Age of Postcards." The crest that reads "By Appointment to Their Majesties The King & Queen" indicates that the company held a Royal Warrant, meaning it had been officially appointed to supply printed goods to the British Royal Family—a prestigious honor.
About the publisher, Raphael Tuck & Sons:
Founded in London in the 1860s, the company became famous for producing beautifully printed postcards that were sold throughout Europe, and the United States. Their artwork was considered among the finest of the "Golden Age of Postcards." The crest that reads "By Appointment to Their Majesties The King & Queen" indicates that the company held a Royal Warrant, meaning it had been officially appointed to supply printed goods to the British Royal Family—a prestigious honor.
Our third featured postcard was also published around 1910 by the same, renowned Raphael Tuck & Sons as part of its George Washington's Birthday series. This elegant postcard combines a portrait of America's first president with the Stars and Stripes, symbolizing the leadership and ideals that shaped the young nation. Delicate embossed details and gold accents reflect the high-quality craftsmanship for which Tuck & Sons postcards were celebrated.
Adding to its historical charm, this example was postmarked in Cincinnati on February 21, 1910—the day before George Washington's Birthday—and mailed locally to a Cincinnati resident, preserving a tangible connection to how the holiday was observed more than a century ago.
Today, the postcard stands as both a beautiful patriotic keepsake and a small but meaningful piece of American history, linking its artwork with a real moment in time through the handwritten address, one-cent stamp, and original postmark.
Adding to its historical charm, this example was postmarked in Cincinnati on February 21, 1910—the day before George Washington's Birthday—and mailed locally to a Cincinnati resident, preserving a tangible connection to how the holiday was observed more than a century ago.
Today, the postcard stands as both a beautiful patriotic keepsake and a small but meaningful piece of American history, linking its artwork with a real moment in time through the handwritten address, one-cent stamp, and original postmark.
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