Deltiology is the common term used by many to refer to the art of postcard collecting. The first postcard came to be accepted as a means of postal communication in 1869 in Hungary, and postcards began to be printed and used by 1870. In 1901, the U.S. government allowed private printers to begin manufacturing them in mass quantities.
Throughout the early 20th century, the postcard underwent many changes in terms of postal regulations and overall appearance, and it became a highly popular form of communication not just to travelers, but for family and friends to stay in touch.
The first postcard that went into circulation is known as an undivided back; meaning that at in the beginning, postcards only had room on the back of them for an address to the recipient. At the time, it was illegal to have correspondence readily readable on any form of mail. This period lasted from about 1901-1907.
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In 1907, the divided back was first introduced. At this time individuals were not only able to write the recipients’ address, but a short message as well. This was known as the “Golden Age” of postcards.
When divided backs were first allowed in 1907, several different types of postcards were starting to be creating and circulated: hold-to-light, holiday cards, and even lithographs were being sent as means of correspondence. There were also many artists who began to gain recognition for their work printed in postcard form, such as Donald McGill and Phillip Boileau.
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