The Republic of Cuba (5)

Picture post cards became very popular about the turn of the century. They were inexpensive to purchase and cheap to send. It became quite fashionable to send them to friends and relatives, especially when one was on vacation. People began to collect them and postcard clubs were formed. There were even international postcard clubs where members would exchange picture postcards from their respective countries.

At first, picture postcards were only printed in black and white, but soon, hand painted cards appeared. Then, German printers developed presses which could publish cards in many colors, applying the various colors with great precision.

Some examples of Cuban picture postcards from this era are shown below.

Tome II, number 40a “Gran Hotel Trotcha, Habana/ Washington Building.”

Tome II, number 40c: “Coach Stand near the Palace.”

Tome II, number 42a: “Havana, El Christo Church.”

Tome II, number 42b: “Jesuit Church and Bridge of Triumph/ Sagua”