In our digital age where instant messaging and emails dominate communication, the postcard retains a timeless charm.
Let's revisit the history and importance of postcards. Why do they remain so special to us? We'll also be presenting our fantastic summer contest!
The origin of postcards
The history of the postcard begins with a Prussian State Councillor, Heinrich von Stephan. At the 5th conference of the German Postal Association in Karlsruhe in 1865, he proposed a card-backed slip of paper for correspondence to be circulated openly. Although the idea was not immediately adopted, it served as a springboard for a new form of communication.
The postcard was officially born in France on September 26, 1870: the postal carton was officially established by decree. In its early days, the cards could only be sent within the country.
It was with the creation of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in 1874 that postcards began to travel across Europe.
The first illustrations and the growing popularity
One of the most popular motifs at the end of the 19th century was the Eiffel Tower. For its first Universal Exhibition in 1889 in Paris, the engraver Charles Libonis designed postcards with images of the monument.
Around 1910, postcard production reached its peak with 100 million cards produced.
For over 30 years, the front of the card was reserved for the text itself and the back only for the address. The postcard took on its current format in the 20th century.
This new form was introduced in the United Kingdom in 1902, in France in 1904, in Germany in 1905 and in the United States in 1907.
The postcard in the digital age
Even in the digital age, the postcard has not lost its appeal.
On the contrary, it has become a way to stand out in a world saturated with electronic messages. Many companies now even offer online services for creating personalized postcards.
Enter our competition!
To celebrate summer with a touch of nostalgia and fun, we are launching a postcard competition entitled "Tell us an anecdote from your time in the Villé Valley" from July 20 to September 15, 2024. This competition is free and open to any adult (or minor with parental authorization).
To ensure your participation is taken into account, please remember to include your contact details with the postcard.
The rules of the game are simple: share an anecdote experienced in the Villé valley, and do it on a postcard bought or homemade.
Check out the full rules on our website, and join us to share your stories and maybe win some great prizes!
So, get out your pens and let your creativity flow, may the best anecdote win!
Rules of the competition can be found by clicking below:
Competition rules – tell us an anecdote from your time in the Villé Valley