Postcard Collection, ca. 1885-ca. 1995 11 boxes, 3.0 cubic feet South Street Seaport Museum 12 Fulton Street New York, N.Y. 10038 Telephone: 212-323-6962 collections@seany.org www.seany.org South Street Seaport Museum, all rights reserved Prepared by Anne DiFabio Summer 2012 Descriptive Summary Title: Postcard Collection Dates: ca. 1885-1995, bulk dates: 1900-1915, 1935-1950 Abstract: Collection of postcards primarily depicting individual ships and sough as souvenirs. Passenger liners, excursion vessels, ferries, and steamboats are among the ships represented in this collection. Several postcards also depict New York City and its waterways. Extent: Approximately 11,000 postcards in 11 boxes, 3.0 cubic feet Language: English
Scope and Content Notes The Postcard Collection is comprised of nearly 11,000 postcards depicting a variety of maritime life and history. For the most part, postcards depict images of individual ships. Passenger liners, excursion vessels, tugboats, and ferries are among the vessels represented throughout the collection. Although there are some modern representations, the vast majority of the collection dates from the first half of the 20 th century, when shipping and cruising were most active. In addition to individual vessels, a variety of subjects can be found within the collection. Maritime museums, port scenes, and seamen s organizations are represented. Some of the postcards have been mailed and contain messages from various parts of the 20 th century. Arrangement The collection is arranged into 14 series, with postcards arranged alphabetically within each series. The collection has been documented on an item level due to the individual nature of its contents. Series 1: Passenger Liners By far the largest series, this group of postcards depict individual passenger liners and cruise ships. These ships do not necessarily have any connection to New York, although many likely docked in New York. Although almost the entirety of the 20 th century is represented in this collection, the cards are primarily from the turn of the century and the 1930s-1940s. Postcards are arranged alphabetically by ship name. There is a small group of oversized postcards, which can be found in a Hollinger box, separate from the bulk of the collection. Subseries 1: Passenger Liners by Line This series contains postcards advertising specific companies that offer passenger services. Most seem to be reproductions of older advertisements; however, some are older cards, primarily dating from the 1930s and 1940s. They are arranged alphabetically by company name. Series 2: Excursion Vessels This series depicts excursion vessels, vessels that either offer leisure day cruises or short overnight cruises. Although some postcards represent the Hudson Day Line and various excursion vessels around New York and the metro area, many have no connection to New York
or the Seaport. Cards are arranged alphabetically by ship name. They primarily date from 1900-1930. Series 3: Sailing Ships Sailing ships from all countries and ports of call are represented within this series. Most of these cards are reprints, primarily from the latter part of the twentieth century, likely produced for the purpose of depicting historical ships. They are arranged alphabetically by ship name. Series 4: Steamers This broad series contains a variety of steam vessels cargo ships, hospital boats and icebreakers, among others. These cards are primarily from the latter half of the twentieth century. They are arranged alphabetically by ship name. Series 5: Ferries Much like the excursion vessels, the ferries represented in this series do not necessarily have a connection to New York, although the Staten Island Ferry and other New York metro and Hudson River ferries can be found. Most postcards date from the 1960s-1980s; they are arranged alphabetically by ship name. Subseries 1: Ferries by Route When the ferry s name was unknown, ferries were arranged by route. Most postcards are from the 1960s-1980s. They are arranged alphabetically by route name. Series 6: Tugboats This series depicts tugboats in New York and around the country and world. Moran Tugboats are represented, among other companies. Most postcards are from the 1960s-1980s; they are arranged alphabetically by ship name. Series 7: Naval Ships This series depicts both U.S. and foreign military ships. They are arranged alphabetically by ship name. When the information was available, foreign ships are identified in the finding aid. Series 8: New York City
This small series depicts various images of New York City, primarily showing buildings in Lower Manhattan. Postcards range from the very early 20 th century to the 1980s. They are arranged alphabetically by subject. Series 9: New York City Piers, Bridges and Harbors This series depicts postcards that focus on New York s waterways, bridges and piers. While many other postcards in this collection likely depict New York Harbor or piers throughout the city, this series shows postcards that make these waterways their primary focus. Postcards are arranged alphabetically by subject. Series 10: Locations Harbors and Waterfronts (Non-New York) The postcards in this series depict waterfronts, harbors and rivers from around the country and around the world. Although they may show boats that have some connection to New York, they have no real connection to New York or the Seaport District. They are arranged alphabetically by city, town or location name. Series 11: Maritime Museums This series depicts maritime museums throughout the country. It shows exhibitions and exterior views of various museums. These postcards are relatively contemporary, likely dating from the 1980s. Postcards are arranged alphabetically by museum name. Series 12: Seamen s Organizations (Non-New York) This small series depicts seamen s organizations throughout the country. These postcards are relatively contemporary, primarily from the 1970s-1980s and are arranged alphabetically by subject. Series 13: Postcard Sets Most of the postcards in this series depict individual ships (including passenger, steam vessels and naval ships among others); however, there is also a set from the Seamen s Church Institute. These postcards are from the earlier part of the 20 th century. Series 14: Miscellaneous
These postcards do not relate to any maritime themes. Subjects represented are varied, but foreign cities, railroads and airplanes are represented throughout the series. These images do not relate to New York City, the Seaport or maritime history. They are arranged alphabetically by subject. Preferred Citation Postcard Collection. South Street Seaport Museum. Related Material Passenger Liner Collection; Moran Towing Company Collection; Bauregard C. Betancourt Collection; Charles Lawesson Collection Access Points Corporate Names Cunard-White Star, ltd. American Export Lines, Inc. American Steamship Company Hamburg-American Line Moore-McCormack Lines, Inc. Seamen s Church Institute Topical Subjects Shipping Ocean liners River steamers Ferries Sailing ships Steamboats Travel Leisure Tugboats Warships Brooklyn Bridge (New York, N.Y.) Hudson-Fulton Celebration, 1909 Geographical Subjects
New York (N.Y.) New York Harbor (N.Y. and N.J.) Container List Please email collections@seany.org for a container list.