COLLECTIBLES
JOHN CARVELLI COLLECTION
Postcards of motels, businesses, and other unremarkable miscellaneous sites were once nearly as common as those showing people playing in the surf.
The one on the right, above, is Blue Delft, a tint style common prior to 1920, showing part of Palmetto Avenue in Fort Pierce.
and look at it again and again. It was a way to see another
part of the world you’d never have access to, it was exotic
and a big deal because it was far away.”
Carvelli still attends some of the postcard shows like
Martin’s that are held during the winter, including one set for
the Palm Beaches. He is still looking for a few cards that will
enhance his collection, but is unsure where the hobby will
eventually take him.
“Some day down the road I will probably give them to
a museum and let them put the postcards in a place where
people can appreciate them,” he says.
Alison O’Leary is a freelance journalist, author, and speaker. See
www.alisonoleary.com for more information.
Serving the Treasure Coast with
total dedication and support,
Toni Gentry, Attorney
& Certified Public Accountant,
can handle all of your legal needs.
43
an from Havre de Grace, Md., whose parents started hosting
some of the large postcard shows in Florida decades ago. This
year the Mary L. Martin Postcard Show was moved in January
from Orlando to Deland for the first time.
“You don’t have to be a dedicated collector to love postcards,”
she says. “People love looking at the pictures and
they also love reading other people’s mail.”
The most sought-after Florida picture postcards are those
created before 1930, when the state was a no-man’s land of
lush foliage, empty roads, and unspoiled views, she says.
“You have to remind yourself that 100 years ago you
couldn’t turn on the television and see these places like you
can now,” she explains. “When the mailman came with a
postcard from your aunt in Florida you’d put it in an album
• PROBATE AND ESTATES • WILLS AND TRUSTS • TAX REPRESENTATION
• IRS AUDIT DEFENSE • FORENSIC ACCOUNTING
• REAL ESTATE • BUSINESS CONSULTING
772.877.8008 TONILAWCPA.COM
/www.tonilawcpa.com
/www.alisonoleary.com
/TONILAWCPA.COM