Posted on October 1, 2021
This is an update of my post published on October 1, 2010:
On this date in 1869, Austria put on sale the first government postcards. (According to some histories, at least—other sources say this was the first private postcard.)
Picture postcards came later, and with them came the very popular pastime of collecting postcards. (This hobby is called deltiology. In case you were wondering.)
Collectors enjoy acquiring postcards from different countries, and some love discovering old postcards. Unlike postage stamps, postcards are manufactured by many different publishers in many different locations, so it is often hard to figure out the exact date of printing. I imagine some collectors like the challenge of trying to figure out the year of printing from postmarks, clothing and cars, and printing codes that appear on some postcards.
Find out more about collecting postcards here.
Here and here are links for a cool geography-learning, postcard-swapping activity. When my kids were little, we did something similar and had a great time trading with kids from 38 of the United States.
To start a collection…
Next time you go on a trip, be sure to buy a postcard from each place you visit, and buy a few extra to send to relatives and friends.
Then, when they go somewhere, ask that they return the favor by sending you a postcard for your collection. (When you tell people you are collecting postcards, you’re sure to get more!)
Ask your closest pals and relations to save postcards that they receive for you. (IF they don’t have a collection themselves, that is!)
Most people keep their postcard collection in a shoebox or scrapbook, but you could consider making your collection into a display or even “wallpaper”!
Also on this date:
World Vegetarian Day and Vegan Baking Day
Outmoded Inventions Day
Model T Day
Independence Day in Tuvalu
Independence Day in Cyprus
National Day of China
Nairobi International Trade Fair
Fire Pup Day
Raccoon Appreciation Day
International Music Day
National Lace Day
Birthday of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter
Independence Day in Palau
Independence Day in Nigeria
National Denim Day
(First Friday of October)
National Diversity Day
(First Friday of October)
World Smile Day
(First Friday of October)
Kids’ Music Day
(First Friday of October)
Plan ahead:
Check out my Pinterest boards for:
- October holidays
- October birthdays
- Historical anniversaries in October
And here are my Pinterest boards for:
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November holidays
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November birthdays
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Historical anniversaries in November