The golden age of postcards in America spanned 1905 to 1915, coinciding with Quogue’s peak years as a bustling summer resort. With technological advances in photography, printing, and mass production, as well as expanded daily mail pick ups and deliveries, postcards were effectively the text messages of their time, cheap and convenient to send. Nearly one billion postcards were mailed each year. Many were also purchased simply as souvenirs and never mailed. Today, they are considered collectors’ items.
The Quogue Historical Society holds more than 150 early 20th century postcards in its collection, including beach scenes, boarding houses, and summer cottages. Taken together, they create a charming visual portrayal of our village 100 years ago.