Prentbriefkaart aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1915

This prentbriefkaart, or postcard, was sent to Philip Zilcken in 1915 by N.J. Singels. It’s made of cardstock, a mass-produced paper product that gained popularity in the late 19th century as industrial manufacturing drove down costs. The message is handwritten in ink, a personal touch in contrast to the standardized format of the card. Look closely, and you’ll see two stamps affixed to the top right corner, indicating payment for postal service—a key element in the circulation of goods and information at the time. The card also bears a postmark, a standardized element applied by a postal worker, which indicates the date and location it was sent. The use of this postcard format reflects broader social and economic shifts. Cheap, easily produced materials allowed for widespread communication, while the postal service facilitated connections across distances. These seemingly mundane objects offer a glimpse into the everyday lives and social networks of the early 20th century, reminding us that even the simplest materials can carry significant cultural weight.