Deltiology

"Deltiology: the collection and study of post cards." - Post Card Fact

I collect post cards. I store them according to its size, in a 4x6, 5x7, or 8x10 acid-free picture holder sleeve that is placed in a binder. Right now, I have two binders full. I haven't counted recently how many post cards I have but I would imagine I have around 500 or so. My post cards are also divided by years in which I have bought them. I also have a section for post cards that family and friend have bought me over the years. That way, if anyone would look back they would know which ones I have personally picked out. My collection of Post Cards would not mean much to anyone else, unless of course they decided to sell them since Post Cards are highly collectable, however it represents my life's journey of where I have been, where I have lived and what I have seen. It also has the added bonus of being a collection that doesn't take up much room and it can be nicely stored away with out having to dust it!

I began collecting post cards when I was around five years old at my Parents suggestion. I believe my post card collection began due to my Mom collecting souvineer spoons of all the places that she went to. I imagine that I saw my Mom collecting spoons and wanted to collect them too. Of course, her collection was running around $3 a piece and so she suggested to us girls about collecting post cards. (At the time, Post cards where about 10 to 20 cents so I imagine Post Card collecting was suggested because it wouldn't break the budget!) I believe the idea originally came from Mom reading an article to us girls about a lady in the 60's and early 70's, who collected post cards of all the places she had been, her collection had over 1000's post cards. (I wish I had that article since it was the inspiration to my collection!--Believe it or not, I actually remember her reading that article to me.) I have fond memories of my parents giving us girls a few dollors for spending money so we could buy a few post cards while we were on road trips and vacations. Also, since my Dad was military, we moved around a good bit and with each move I was able to add Post Cards from famous scenic places and from places that I have lived.

It is still growing! And, as I am getting older the collection will probably end up being labeled vintage!