When Natalia in Saint Petersburg, Russia proposed a postcard swap some weeks ago, I could hardly resist.  In exchange for a handful of postcards promoting social causes, she sent me several beautiful views of her city at night.  Serendipitously, these cards fit in very nicely with Postcardy’s Postcard Scavenger Hunt for July: Night/Lights.

The backs of these cards have large, bold titles in Russian and English, with smaller titles in German, French, Spanish, and Italian.  Then the photo and publisher credits are listed in English and Russian, along with the publisher’s logo.  As you might imagine, and like many Russian cards (and Soviet cards before them), this leaves very little room for any message you might want to send along with the card.

Without further ado, please enjoy these views of Saint Petersburg at night. 

“Shown are, The Washington Monument, The White House, The Jefferson Memorial.”  The description on this postcard, published by Capsco, Inc. of Washington DC, might be no-frills, but it really is a nice montage.  Probably published between 1963-1970. 

“The blossoming of the Japanese Cherry Trees gives the Thomas Jefferson Memorial its most beautiful setting. This work of John Russell Pope was dedicated April 13, 1943 on the 200th anniversary of the birth of Jefferson. South side of the Tidal Basin.  This card was published by Silberne Souvenir Sales, Inc., also of Washington DC and probably around the same time.

Lastly, a card sent to Great-Grandma Lottie:

“The Thomas Jefferson Memorial is located on the Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park. It is construted of Danby Vermont marble for the exterior and Georgia white marble for its interior. This Historic Shrine with its setting of Cherry Blossoms is one of the most beautiful sights in Springtime, and is visited by thousands each year.”

“Glenn” sent this card from Washington DC on 26 September 1965, using a 3-cent postage stamp from 1948.  Remember how there used to be decades between postal rate increases, and now they occur almost annually?  Glenn writes: “Hi everyone. Went in to Pa. for brother’s funeral. All O.K. Got your card and letter. Will write later on. Kind of (illegible) up yet. Hard on the nerves. Write too.”

This is another Capsco card, but the postal code in the notation “Washington 4, D.C.” places the manufacture prior to 1963.  The “Youth Month 1948″ stamp is cancelled with the notation “Ability Counts”, a sentiment that Jefferson probably would have agreed with, but it seems to me that it’s an American value that has fallen by the wayside.

This is a memorial in my hometown which is inscribed with the names of all the local folks who have gone to war, including my stepfather. My mom found this card and sent it to me inside of a greeting card, though I guess she originally planned to just send the card itself through the mail. “Saw this card and remembered your visit and the monument with Joe’s name. Here’s one for your collection. Hope all are well. Oops! I wrote upside down!” That’s my mama.