Friday, June 25, 2010

Bridgeport, Conn., 1907


Bridgeport took a beating in yesterday's storm which had tornado-like winds. It can be a tough town, in any kind of weather.

This urban scene from more than 100 years ago is haunting. It evokes the loneliest Edward Hopper painting: the starkly lit windows, a moody sky, a dog in the middle of the street, shadowy figures passing by. No trees. Yet, this was mailed out in 1907 to Mrs. P. Lotters of Hudson Heights, NJ, with the note, "Having a fine time -- Paula."  Hey, if you say so. Cities large and small no doubt prided themselves on their shopping districts with large, brightly-lit store windows, filled with goods to entice shoppers. And a happy tourist with a friend in mind just snapped this card up without thinking twice about it.



Be sure to visit the other participants in Postcard Friendship Friday, including our wonderful hostess, Beth at The Best Hearts Are Crunchy.   I won't be able to participate in PFF next Friday because I'll be at the paper doll convention in Kansas City. Will rejoin the following week.

15 comments:

  1. What a wonderful find! I enjoy your blog SO much! We'll miss you next week, but it will be fun to see what you come up with after your trip!

    Happy PFF!

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  2. I love this kind of hand-colored postcards of cities by night from the Belle Epoque. This one is simply gorgeous. Happy PFF.

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  3. Night scenes are always interesting even though they are contrived.

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  4. a wonderful card, incredibly atmospheric - love the detail of the dog(?) in the middle of the street...

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  5. Ah, thanks everyone for helping me see this card with fresh eyes. My head must be elsewhere (in the depths)!

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  6. I love the aura of this postcard, the silently moving people and the lone dog. It was a dark and moonlit night...

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  7. Have a wonderful time at the paper doll convention. There is a very *Hopper* feeling to the postcard.

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  8. Very dramatic, wintry-looking too, with everyone in overcoats. Lovely card!

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  9. An unusually moody scene for a postcard! And that makes it more fascinating! A great find!

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  10. I love the night view of this card, and the dog in the middle of the street, obviously not much traffic. mine is here.

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  11. I was intrigued by the dog in the middle of the street as well. He almost looks to be afraid of something ... the full moon (very bright yellow!) flirting with the clouds ... the brightly lit windows and streets - all make for an interesting mood. Both haunting and busy. Stark yet colorful. Wow, they say a picture is worth 1000 words - this one is probably an entire dictionary!

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  12. What a beautiful card! I'd frame a large version and hang it as art.

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  13. Beware NOT of the street dog; beware of the upcoming werewolves...
    Full moon, baby.
    :)

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  14. I thought of Hopper too. Do you know who the artist is?

    Best

    Guy

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  15. I don't have a clue as to the artist, and the only printer's mark I can see is in elaborate script, partly obscured. I think it says "HPCN" or something like that.

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