Home › The Catalogue › Postcards
Secure checkout · ships from the United States with tracking
Get ready to dive into a piece of early 20th-century wonder with this authentic 1911 postcard featuring The Sponge in Yellowstone's Upper Geyser Basin. This natural marvel looks like a giant, colorful sponge soaking up the earth's hot breath, with steamy waters cascading in dramatic fashion against a rugged landscape. It's the kind of image that made folks back east dream of packing their bags for a grand adventure out West.
On the flip side, you'll find a heartfelt handwritten note from Frank D. Spies, who was apparently starting fresh in Box Park, Wyoming. He tells his friend Stella Brown in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, that he's left his old place and is getting along just fine in his new spot. The message is short, sweet, and full of that old-timey charm we just don't see in texts today.
Check out those authentic postmarks – one from Park, Wyoming on June 15, 1911, and another from Hazleton, PA a few days later. This card literally traveled across the country during a time when Yellowstone was becoming America's playground for nature lovers and curious travelers alike. Imagine the excitement of receiving such a colorful update from the wild frontier!
The front illustration is a vibrant, hand-tinted view that captures the unique geology of the area perfectly, complete with the caption identifying it as The Sponge. These early postcards were the social media of the day, letting people share incredible sights without needing a smartphone or even electricity in many cases. It's a window into how our national parks were viewed and celebrated over a century ago.
Time has been kind but not without leaving its marks – expect some natural creasing, edge wear, and a touch of fading that only adds to its authentic vintage appeal. The picture side has a bit of character with minor tears and surface wear near the top, but nothing that takes away from the overall charm or legibility of the details. It's survived more than 115 years of being handled, mailed, and treasured.
Perfect for anyone who loves collecting postcards, Yellowstone memorabilia, or just unique pieces of American history with a personal story attached. Whether you're decorating a study, adding to a scrapbook, or gifting to a history buff friend, this delivers serious conversation-starting power. Frank and Stella would probably get a kick out of knowing their note is still sparking joy today.
Don't miss out on owning a tangible link to 1911 America – a simpler time when a one-cent stamp could carry your thoughts across thousands of miles to brighten someone's day. This isn't some modern reproduction; it's the real deal with all the patina and personality that comes from genuine age and use. Available for local pickup in Drums, PA
_gsrx_vers_1736 (GS 9.9.5 (1736))
| Subject | The Sponge Geyser, Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Theme | National Parks |
| Type | Divided Back Postcard |
| Era | 1910s |
| Material | Cardstock Paper |
| Size | Standard (approx. 5.5 x 3.5 inches) |
| Year Printed | 1911 |
| Postmark Date | June 15, 1911 |
| Postmark Location | Park, Wyoming and Hazleton, PA |
| Message From | Frank D. Spies, Box Park, Wyo. |
| Message To | Miss Stella Brown, Hazleton, PA |
Used - Good — Vintage postcard with visible age wear including creases, edge tears and minor paper loss on the image side, fading, and age toning. Postmarks and handwritten message remain clear and fully legible. — Defects: ['Creases and folds across both sides', 'Tears and paper loss on upper right corner of picture side', 'Edge wear, fraying and abrasions', 'Faded and abraded colors on illustration', 'Age toning, light stains and discoloration', 'Postage stamp torn and partially missing']
Ships from the United States with tracking.
Gosla Antiques & Collectibles