I never really thought much about the term “picture postcard” and thought it redundant or confusing. However, we have recently acquired a group of ephemera that contains many such items. In the very early 20th century, it was common to have a photograph taken and printed on a postcard. Somtimes these were actually sent through the mail to family or friends. But it seems that it may also have been selected for the heavier paper compared to what they were generally using for prints. Also, the 5 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ size was handy for carrying or for albums (very popular at the time). A most interesting one has side-by-side pictures of an older man and an Indian woman. On the reverse in pen and ink is “Marig itis is Broken Ribs daughter isn’t she sweet. I am very jealous of Will’s lost love. Ella.” Ella was Mary Welsh Shirk’s aunt and Will was Wm C Smith. (see Harold & Mary ephemera).