History
Postcards
The first postcards were created in Europe, in Austria, in the 1860s. In France, postcards were available a decade later, following a law passed in December 1872.
The postcard front was dedicated to the recipient's information only, but after 1904, a few words could be written. The stamp is an additional indication of the postcard's date. The most remarkable postcards are those dated from 1873 to the First World War, but the others also provide interesting information.
Local people are in the foreground on the main street.
Vignacourt church
A coffee shop called "Café de l'Hôtel de Ville" (City Hall Coffee Shop) was located near the town hall.
Postcard with the cafe sign "LOYER DEBITANTé" on the left,
Loyer family name and DEBITANT for sale of drinks.
Embroidered postcards
Embroidered postcards became especially popular during the First World War and until the 1950s. Silk-embroidered cards were the most valued by soldiers. Several models, such as those dedicated to brave fighters, allies, regiments, and those with flags, were available. Other European countries, such as England, Belgium, Italy, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, have also sold this type of card.
The postcards were embroidered by hand, but most were made on the embroidery machine invented by Mr. Josué Heilmann. Over a million postcards were sent daily during the war.
Embroidered postcard. Private collection.
Digital Library Villanova University postcard.
Military postcards
Military postcards were franchised cards made available to soldiers during the conflicts, so they could quickly exchange a few words with their relatives.
These cards were pre-printed to comply with censorship rules. They were not to contain any indication of location, military factual relationship, or leader name.
These cards also feature patriotic messages, such as subscribing armament vouchers, on the back.
