Blogs

By Melanie Zebrowski, Library Specialist

Oct. 1 marks the 150th anniversary of the postcard! 

Did you know the Marian Library has over 41,000 postcards from all around the world? In celebration of American Archives Month, the Marian Library is giving away many of its duplicate postcards. Check out the Roesch Library history exhibit “Reflections and Revitalization: The Story of UD Libraries” on the first floor through Nov. 1 and take a few postcards as souvenirs.

Introduced in 1869, the postcard became one of the most universal travel souvenirs of the 20th century. With an image on one side and room for a delivery address and a short message on the back, the postcard was one of the most affordable ways to share travel experiences — the original Instagram! Sending a postcard was a way of connecting to family and friends while thinking of them on one’s journey; receiving a postcard in the mail was a happy occasion that introduced many people to faraway lands they might never travel to. This art form not only bridged long distances, but also captured fleeting moments of time.

Mary across cultures and decades

The Marian Library’s expansive postcard collection reveals a devotion to Mary that has spanned centuries and spread around the globe. Images in all different styles and media showcase artwork, churches and Marian references unique to the cultures in which they’re found. Not only that, they have helped in the documentation of some of the most obscure and unknown titles of Mary. Often, the postcard is the only artifact or research resource known to exist on a given topic, site or work within the Marian Library collections.

Beyond the interesting images are the equally fascinating messages written on the back. From short greetings to heartfelt letters, the different styles of handwriting and penmanship are artworks in themselves. Often written in French, Spanish or German, the cards illustrate the Marian Library’s international presence. Many of the cards are addressed to Father Raymond Roesch, S.M., president of UD from 1959 to 1979, and Father Theodore Koehler, S.M., director of the Marian Library from 1969 to 1986 and founder of the International Marian Research Institute — though the collection also contains postcards sent to other university presidents and prominent people in UD’s history. The collection predates the Marian Library’s formation (1943), with many postcards dating back to the early 1900s.

A personal connection

For me, these postcards are able to showcase a century of history through a very personal lens. While searching through over 1,000 cards, I happened upon one from the 1950s with a return address on the same street that my grandma used to live on. Surprisingly, my dad even knew the woman who sent it. Spooky? Or serendipitous?

You never know the connections you’ll make when you start exploring the past, and there’s no better place to begin than in an archive.

Browse the archives live or online

Want to learn more about the unique items in the Marian Library and the University Archives and Special Collections? During Archives Month, we invite you to check out eCommons, the University’s institutional repository, and Archives Catalog — two wonderful resources that give you a glimpse of what the libraries have to offer. Browse collections and individual items, and if something sparks your interest, don’t hesitate to come see it in person! Email archives@udayton.edu to make an appointment.