Readers are often thrilled to see views of Pittwater not formerly seen in our history articles. Places we look to find these photos and postcards include the State Libraries of New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland, the National Library of Australia, the Australian National Maritime Museum, the Powerhouse Museum, National Museum of Australia etc.
Among these places are those focused on postcards. For example, the NSW Postcard Collectors Society Inc..
While based in Sydney, Australia the New South Wales Postcard Collectors Society Inc has members throughout Australia, and in different parts of the world. They also hold regular ‘Fairs’ where collectors may find that special item or items in their area of interest.
The Date for Remaining Fairs during 2019 is: Sunday 24th of November
The fairs are held at the IMAR Community Hall. 2a Fitzroy St Croydon (very close to the Croydon Railway station) from 9.00am to 2.00 pm. In addition to vintage and modern postcards, there will also be a range of other paper collectibles such as old books, magazines and brochures, Trade Cards, Cigarette Cards, and philately. Entrance is free, and great morning tea, lunch and other refreshments are available.
At each Fair, dealers offer thousands of postcards (ranging from over 100 years old to moderns), books and ephemera and small collectables for sale on a wide range of popular subjects and themes: views of Early Sydney, N.S.W, Australian and foreign towns and cities, glamour and fashion, artist signed (e.g Norman Lindsay, J.A Turner, and Neville Cayley), transport (including shipping, aviation, railways trams etc), social history, sport (including cricket, horse racing, golf and football), military, ethnic, famous people, advertising, theater, sports, architecture, historical events, royalty, fantasy, comic cards, etc… There are usually a good number of cards and some other postal items from overseas countries including the UK, Germany, France, Italy etc, China, and other Asian countries, and the Middle East and Africa. There are usually a good number of postcards with postmarks and other markings relevant to postal history collectors.
The Society encourages groups of members with common collecting interests to meet at the Fairs, and may be able to make a suitable space, tables, and chairs available if the Fair Coordinator is contacted in advance. The Fairs are a great place to meet and converse with other collectors and dealers, and to get some idea of what is involved in the hobby of collecting cards and other paper ephemera and its joys and challenges.
More at: postcardnsw.com
Another resource worth searching is the Australian Cartophilic Society Web Site – established 1968.
Their landing page states:
Welcome to our website and welcome to the exciting and passionate world of the collector.
Whilst the word “cartophilic” would suggest our interest is primarily in cards - cigarette cards, trade cards and post cards; our members have a wide range of collecting interests including badges, posters and other ephemera items. Through Society membership, our newsletter, card fairs, postal auctions and items for sale we cater for the needs of most serious collectors.
All the information that you need is here. Visit: australiancartophilic.org.au
Collecting postcards is a hobby that began over a century ago.
In Moments In Time: A Book of Australian Postcards (NLA- 2016) author Jim Davidson states that at the height of the postcard boom there were several deliveries of the post every day, central Sydney had three and was exhorted to match Melbourne’s four a day, you could send a postcard in the morning to arrange a meeting for that afternoon. As a penny stamp was applied to postcards mailing costs, they were an affordable and quick way of communicating making postcards the emails of their day.
Postal cards, a simple bank card for a posted message, with the address and an officially imprinted stamp on one side, first appeared in Austria in 1869. Post offices in the Australian colonies began using this method in 1875, with New South Wales leading the way. Cards with pictures on them had begun appearing in many places, including the Paris Exposition of 1889. An image of the Eiffel Tower was put on a postal card, proving so popular that masses of them sold; this effectively began the postcard age.
Tasmania copied this example for its own 1894 Exhibition and although there had been decorative edges featured on the New South Wales postal cards, the Tasmanian one is deemed Australia’s first picture postcard. This was of a general view of Hobart and the exhibition building.
Official souvenir postcard of the Tasmanian International Exhibition 1894 to 1895 - PIC Album 1197/1 #PIC/15675/3 – page 10
Another early example is an advertising card published by the ‘Marine Hotel, Dangar Island’ in the Hawkesbury River – ‘for the Excursion Season 1892-93’ – page 8, Moments in Time.
This one, a lithograph produced by Gibbs, Shallard and Co., Sydney, tells of other progress in printing. Germany led the way here, where lithography had been invented as a black and white art technique. In the 1870’s ways to introduce colour were developed.
They were used as a means to advertise products as much as a way to remember places visited:
Milk Chocolate Postcards.
There has been a large demand for a confection. known as "milk chocolate " during the last two or three years, and the consumption at the present time throughout the world runs into many hundreds of tons annually. Last year MacRobertson and Co. imported a lot of expensive machinery for the purpose of turning out milk chocolate. Subsequently they manufactured the line and put it on the market, with good results. More recently they gave a prize for a number of photos of Australia's pretty children, to be reproduced in the shape of postcards, which of course advertise the firm's milk chocolate. The whole of the work is thoroughly Australian, the chocolate, the subjects, the lithographic work and the cards themselves. It is claimed that those are the most artistic set of postcards ever printed in Australia. Milk Chocolate Postcards. (1905, November 24). The Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), p. 5 (SECOND EDITION). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article173417761
Example of MacRobertson's postcard found on Tasmanian Stamps Auctions Online website
By 1907 the development of autochrome meant high quality coloured photographic printing. German-printed postcards revolutionised what can be recorded in these miniature records, although so many so fast meant a decrease initially:
FROM THE WORLD'S PRESS.
—Picture Postcards.—
The American Vice-Consul, writing from Magdeburg, gives the following account of the present serious depression in the picture postcard business in Germany, and elsewhere:—The crisis in the picture post-card business is ascribed to the fact that the 'boom' in this business, developed later in the United States than in England and on the Continent, which led to heavy speculation on the part of dealers, who piled up an enormous stock, keeping busy not only the presses in the United States, but also those in England and on the Continent, particularly in Germany. In the Iater part of 1907, however, although a falling off in the demand on the part of the American public was not noticeable, came a catastrophe; the dealers, who could not afford to hold their large supplies, were obliged to get rid of them at any price. The European postcard industry lost heavily, sometimes as much as £4,000 to £5,000 on a single customer. Part of the supply ; which was unsaleable in America, as well as the Continental over-production, , entered the English market, and to this cause a well-known English firm attributes the decrease in their sales. FROM THE WORLD'S PRESS. (1909, April 13). The Register (Adelaide, SA : 1901 - 1929), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article57528118
When George V and Queen Mary appeared in Dublin in 1911 a photograph postcard of the event appeared that afternoon. Sets of postcards were sold and even in their earliest instances were collected to fill albums with colourful images for tourists, for children and adults alike.
Above: Sydney Morning Herald, December 4th, 1904 advertisement
Some were even made into books for residents and tourists to purchase ready done:
Sydney: Samuel Wood, N.d. [1932?]. Paperback. An attractive booklet of 25 photos of Sydney printed in sepia on card, including the popular Bays & beach scenes in Sydney. Featured are town buildings, cathedrals, the University, Art gallery, Botanical Gardens, Mosman Bay, Taronga Park, Middle Harbour, Manly, Coogee and Bondi Beach, Watson's Bay, Rose & Rushcutter's Bay, Circular Quay, Neutral Bay. There is a color image of the new Sydney Harbour Bridge inserted at the front, with a ship and ferries and airplane overhead; the rest of the cards are printed in sepia on heavy card. Publisher Samuel Wood (1876-1957) was a wholesale stationer, printer and bookseller. 8x5", 24pp, grey card covers, ribbon tied. Cards a trifle tanned at margins, overall a very nice copy. Oddly, does not appear to be recorded on Trove. Very good condition. Item #24256. Retrieved from https://www.antipodean.com/pages/books/24256/sydney-australia/sydney/?soldItem=true
In recent years these cards sell from a dollar upwards, some fetching 50 or 100 dollars for something rare and in mint condition. Auction Houses, such as Moss Green of Melbourne, hold regular sales of these items as single cards and as packs, where some collections fetch thousands of dollars.
The Guinness Book of Records states that the most valuable picture postcard in the world was sent by Theodore Hook Esq. to himself in 1840 and was bought at the London Stamp Exchange auction, UK on 8 March 2002 by collector Eugene Gomberg (Latvia) for £31,758.75 ($45,370.60).
The use of photographs as postcards provides insights into the photographers themselves in days when plates and unwieldy cameras were used, and also to see wonderful buildings and structures now gone: hotels, houses, wharves.
With any luck you might find cards like these:
His fourth son, Ronald, joined the business in 1935 and was made a partner in 1946 after his return from war service. In 1952 the business was made into a company with Samuel as Chairman. He attended daily till a few months before his death.
The State Library of NSW's Samuel Wood Collection dates from the earliest date on a Samuel Wood postcard (1907), to the year before his death (1956), as he worked in the business with one of his sons almost until his death. Some of the photographs are pre-1907.
Samuel Wood was a founding member of Roseville Bowling Club and his wife Ethel was active in the community as well:
Roseville is the latest district to claim a centre for St. Luke's Hospital, thanks to Mrs. S. Wood for arranging a most successful meeting at her residence, Brantwood, on Thursday afternoon, when the rector, Rev. P. J. Bazeley presided. Mrs. Wood, Rev. P. S. Bazeley, and Mr. Lamb (organising secretary for St. Luke's) were the speakers. Much sympathy was expressed by those present in the movement, and £14/14/ was subscribed in the room, while an influential commutes was formed. The rector is the president, Mrs. W. 0. Watson, vice-president, Miss Ethel Gardner hon. secretary and Mrs. L. J. Moxham hon. treasurer. NEAR AND FAR. (1923, February 17). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16041412
FOR ST LUKE'S The Roseville centre of St. Luke's Hospital will hold a garden fete at the home of Mrs. Wood. "Brantwood," Bancroft Avenue, on Saturday afternoon. FOR ST LUKE'S (1923, September 12). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article246057872
Mrs S Wood entertained a number of her friends at a shower tea at Brantwood, Roseville, recently, in honour of Miss Alma Duncan, whose wedding will take place shortly. The bride-elect was presented with a basket of flowers In autumn tints together with many useful gifts The guests included Mesdames Gardner, Law McHugh, Banks Craig-,Campbell, Smith, Schofield, Duncan the Misses Cleary B Gardner, I Bennett, N. Williamson, Woods, and E Allwork. NEAR AND FAR. (1930, February 22). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16627794
Ethel also had help around the home. With four growing boys and a large house to keep in order,
COMFORTABLE HOME for retiring young lady as LADY’S HELP, 2 adults and child in family. Apply after Thursday, Mrs. WOOD, Brantwood, Bancroft av . Roseville. Advertising (1911, November 29). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 23. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15292737
LIGHT GENERAL or LADY’S HELP for small family, no washing 14s per week Apply Mrs S WOOD, Brantwood, Bancroft avenue Roseville Telephone, Chatswood 636. Advertising (1913, July 5). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 27. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15433177
Will MISS L. SPROULE call at Brantwood, Bancroft-avenue, Roseville. RE POSITION. Advertising (1919, March 7). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15828438
Samuel Wood was survived by his widow and three sons, after one son, Gordon Frances, 'Frank', was killed only about five weeks after receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). [2.]
SYDNEY MAN'S D.F.C.
MELBOURNE, Tuesday.— The DFC has been awarded to Flying-Officer Gordon Francis Wood 29, of Roseville (NSW). SYDNEY MAN'S D.F.C. (1943, July 20). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 3 (LATE FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article231726333
AUSTRALIAN DFC WINNER KILLED
News has been received of the death of Flying Officer Gordon Francis Wood, D.F.C., as a result of an aircraft accident in England last Friday. He was the second son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Wood of Bancroft Avenue, Roseville, and left Australia at the end of 1940. After graduating in Canada as an air-gunner he was transferred to England and later to Iceland.
The ’Herald’s staff correspondent in London on July 15 reported that Flying Officer Wood had been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for service as a beam gunner on a Coastal Command Liberator.
A message received by Mr. Wood Senior yesterday from the Air Ministry stated that the aircraft accident occurred near Lakeheath Village, Suffolk. Two brothers, Lieut. Kenneth and Sergeant Ronald Wood are serving in the A.I.F. AUSTRALIAN D.F.C. WINNER KILLED. (1943, August 18). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17860675
WOOD.—August 13, 1943, result of aircraft accident, near Lakeheath Village Suffolk, England, Flying-Officer Gordon Francis Wood, D.FG.C dearly loved second son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Wood, of Bancroft
Avenue. Roseville, brother of S. R, (Bob) Lieut. Kenneth (A I.F.), Sergeant Ronald (A.I.F.).
WOOD.—August 13, 1943. Flying-officer Gordon Francis (Frank) Wood, DFC. brother and brother-ln-law of Bob and Ruth Wood and uncle of Janice, Artarmon. Family Notices (1943, August 18). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17860746
Many of the photographs then used as postcards from our area date from and can be seen in sales advertisements for land subdivisions. These, as one example of that, also appear in Avalon subdivisions from 1927-1929:
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Advertising (1928, November 11). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 37. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223246319
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Advertising (1928, March 4). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 35. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222012033
Others simply celebrated the beauty of a place visitors would want to keep a memory of long after they had gone home. In an age when not everyone had a camera, these were a great means of keeping those views on hand.
Some more Samuel Wood photographs of our area, taken to become postcards, underline the value of this work taken to support a growing family to succeeding generations. Without Mr. Wood doing this work, would we have these high quality glimpses into our past?
3. Golf links, Avalon (584) Item No.: a1470003h
4. Bilgola Beach (585) Item No.: a1470002h
5. Jetty, Newport (586) - as above
6. Hotel - Newport (587) - as above
