Reference no: EM13781287

Read this passage:

The Picture Postcard

Have you ever sent a postcard?

A postcard is a card about the size of a small envelope with a picture on one side and a place to write a short note on the other. People often buy postcards when they visit interesting places. They purchase postcards with pictures of the things they see. Then they write short notes on the back and mail the cards to their family and friends back home or keep them for memories. The cost for a postcard stamp is less than a stamp for a regular letter.

The First Postcards

The United States Postal Service (USPS), what most people call "the post office," issued the very first postcards in 1873. At that time, people wanted a quick and easy way to send notes through the mail. The USPS issued, or put out, a card called a "postal mailing card." The USPS was the only business that created these cards at that time. The images on the cards were black and white drawings of buildings at a special business event in Chicago.

Soon after, the government passed a new law that allowed other businesses to make postcards. These cards made by private businesses were called "private mailing cards." The USPS hoped people would still use their postal mailing cards. They charged two cents to mail the private mailing cards, but only one cent to mail their postal mailing cards.

Neither the postal mailing cards, nor the private mailing cards, had a place for writing notes on the back. Instead, small spaces were left near the drawings on the front for senders to write short greetings. Only addresses appeared on the back.

Postcard Become Popular

In 1901, the USPS changed the name of these cards to "postcards." Then just six years later, a major change occurred. The pictures became the only images on the front of the postcards. On the back, the left side had a space for writing a note, and the right side had a space for the address. In addition, the print images changed to real photographs. However, they were still black and white photographs.

People were very excited about these new postcards for many reasons. People could take pictures and have them printed on cards. Most of the photos on postcards were family portraits or business advertisements. Businesses took pictures of their products to mail out so people might come and buy them.

Postcards were very popular in the early 1900s. During this time, the number of photo cards printed doubled every six months. In 1908, there were only 88,700,000 people living in the United States. However, over 677,777,798 postcards were mailed that year. That would be as if every person living in the United States sent seven postcards each during that year. Postcards were indeed popular.

More Changes to the Postcard

In the 1920s, postcards changed again. During the Great Depression, postcards were printed with white borders around the pictures to save money on printing costs. Many of the pictures on the postcards were accompanied by an explanation of the picture like what it was and where it was taken. Sadly, the number of postcards being mailed began to decline with the invention of the telephone. Some people thought it was easier to just pick up the phone and talk to someone rather than send a note through the mail.

Postcards in Color

The first color postcards were printed in 1930. A gas company called Union Oil sold them in their gas stations. They had pictures of the American Southwest landscapes printed on them. People who bought these cards loved the beautiful colors of the American scenery. This type of postcard caught the eye of other businesses. By the 1950s, this type of picture postcard replaced the black and white photo postcards. Postcard popularity returned.

Today's Postcards

Most postcards we see today are colorful and eye-catching. They are similar to real photographs and have beautiful scenery like the ones started by Union Oil. They might be pictures of national monuments, scenic mountains, or breathtaking lakes and rivers. They might be maps that show the location where the picture was taken. Or they might have photographs of animals that live in these areas. People have many choices when it comes to sending a fun greeting to a friend or family member, or even when preserving their own memories.

You might think that people don't buy postcards anymore. They can talk on the phone or send an email in just seconds. However, the popularity of postcards is still on the rise. People buy them to hold the memory of the wondrous place they are visiting. And sending postcard greetings through the mail is still a fun and inexpensive thing to do.

This is what I need help with:

Part A

Based on the information from the text, compare and contrast the key details of the first postcard in 1873 and postcards available today. Include details concerning the front and back of the postcard.

1. Name three facts about the first postcard.

2. Name three facts about postcards today.

3. Name two facts that are true about the first postcard and postcards today.

Part B

In your own words, analyze the key benefits and main disadvantages of postcards in 1873.