Open Cards or Post Cards as we call them now did not come into common use in
Canada until the last decade of the 19th century. Some images were based on hand
drawn illustrations and appeared as chromolithographic prints within an
ornamental or flower embossed frame. Picture Post Cards were also popular and
depicted photographic portraits of individuals (a continuum of Carte de visite)
and places. They are generally accepted as becoming common place around 1893 as
accessibility to cameras became popular. Towards the turn of the century Postal
restrictions were relaxed and cards made of material other than paper were
deemed acceptable. Leather post cards are examples of pyrography (burning) and
give insight into the humourous side of early 20th century life. The majority of
the Post Cards present in the Arnprior and District Museum Collection are
picture Post Cards. They provide us with a unique view of the Town through the
eyes of Tourist or resident who sent news through the Postal System to friends
and loved ones. Visitors, residents and itinerant workers alike could send
inexpensive views of places of interest, historical and social events, and even
themselves. Today these Post Cards provide us with a unique look into the
History of Arnprior, its Architecture, Development and its Social History; a
moment in time preserved.
Acknowledgements