What do you bring back as souvenirs when traveling? In the old (and not-so-old) past, we have returned with shells, rugs, ceramics, books, framed art, wine, and even a table! Ah, those were carefree days. But with airplane luggage restrictions and all manner of agricultural rules across country and state borders, our collecting has been simplified.
Apparently, the same need for packable souvenirs held true for late 19th and early 20th century.
Paper menus and post cards were common, lightweight acquisitions. Also matchbooks, swizzle sticks, anything with an imprinted hotel or restaurant name.
Cruiselines still do menus but not as beautiful as Matson’s. Airlines no longer have similar lovely menus.
And, of course, postcards are still very popular. Their use began after reliable delivery by the US Post Office in the mid 1800′s.
