In stock · No. group 57
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RARE 1939 ROYAL BEACH ALLIGATOR FARM POSTCARD - ST. AUGUSTINE FLORIDA - DATED JAN 13 1939
Descriptionyou're looking at an authentic Pre-WWII linen postcard featuring the now-vanished Royal Beach Alligator Farm in St. Augustine Florida. This remarkable piece of Florida tourism history was postmarked January 13 1939 – definitively dating it to the pre-war era.
The front shows a truly extraordinary scene: a sandy enclosure filled with dozens of alligators crowded together in what the caption boasts as a collection of 'OVER 5000 ALLIGATORS IN CAPTIVITY.' The sensationalist presentation perfectly captures the roadside attraction culture that defined early Florida tourism before the age of Disney.
The water feature visible along the left side and wooden enclosure surrounding these magnificent reptiles offers a glimpse into the stark utilitarian animal displays that were once considered state-of-the-art tourist experiences in the 1930s. This is Florida tourism in its raw unfiltered early form.
Historical SignificanceThis postcard documents a fascinating moment in American tourism history. The late 1930s represented the golden age of the American roadside attraction when highways were opening Florida to automobile tourists for the first time.
The Royal Beach Alligator Farm appears to be a lesser-known competitor to the famous St. Augustine Alligator Farm (founded in 1893 and still operating today). This makes the postcard particularly intriguing to collectors of Florida memorabilia as it captures a 'lost' attraction rather than one that survived into the modern era.
The postcard was mailed during a pivotal historical moment – January 1939 – as the world stood on the brink of World War II. Within months global conflict would dramatically change American travel patterns and tourism making this card a window into the final months of pre-war American leisure culture.
Exact Postmark DetailsThe postmark provides precise historical context: 'ST. AUGUSTINE FLA. JAN 13 1130AM 1939'
This clear postmark definitively places this card in St. Augustine during the winter tourist season of 1939. The card was published by R. B. Allen of St. Augustine (No. 143) and bears a 1¢ Benjamin Franklin stamp from the 1938 Presidential series (commonly called the 'Prexies').
Personal MessageThe card carries this handwritten message: 'Am sending a pendant home with this card to Grace and Ethel.'
This brief note offers a tantalizing glimpse into personal connections from over eight decades ago – a tourist purchasing souvenirs and sending them back home just as travelers have done for generations.
ConditionThis 84-year-old postcard remains in fair to good condition with the expected wear of a genuinely used piece of pre-WWII ephemera. The image is clear and the colors while somewhat faded over eight decades still convey the striking scene.
The front shows moderate fading corner wear light creasing and some minor staining – all consistent with its age. The back displays moderate toning/browning some damage to the upper right corner where the stamp is located edge wear and minor tears along the right edge.
The 1¢ Franklin stamp shows some damage but remains affixed. The handwriting and critical postmark remain perfectly legible. Despite these condition issues finding
any pre-WWII Florida attraction postcard with a clear postmark becomes increasingly difficult with each passing year.
Age/EraMultiple elements confirm this postcard's authentic pre-WWII origin:
• The January 13 1939 postmark provides definitive dating
• The linen texture and printing style are typical of 1935-1945 postcards
• The 1¢ Franklin stamp is from the 1938 Presidential series
• The divided back format with 'Message' and 'Address' headings is characteristic of the era
• The absence of ZIP codes (which weren't introduced until 1963)
• The typography and overall design align perfectly with late 1930s production
RarityThis postcard represents a
genuinely scarce piece of Florida tourism history. While many postcards were produced of the still-existing St. Augustine Alligator Farm the Royal Beach Alligator Farm appears to be a lesser-known competitor that has since vanished from the landscape.
Finding pre-WWII Florida tourist attraction postcards with clear postmarks and in displayable condition becomes
increasingly difficult with each passing year. Most have been damaged discarded or permanently archived in museum collections.
The combination of the unusual subject matter (5000 alligators!) the clear 1939 postmark and the documentation of what appears to be a now-forgotten attraction makes this a particularly intriguing addition for serious collectors of Florida memorabilia.
Collector's NoteWhen you hold this postcard you're touching an authentic piece of pre-war American tourism history. The textured linen surface under your fingers connects you directly to a tourist who stood before this remarkable reptile display more than eight decades ago.
Vintage postcards like this one are
irreplaceable time capsules that capture moments that have completely vanished. The Royal Beach Alligator Farm itself seems to have disappeared from history – making this card potentially one of the few surviving records of its existence.
This piece would be a standout addition to collections focused on:
• Pre-war Florida tourism
• Historic St. Augustine
• Roadside attractions
• Early alligator exhibitions
• Vintage zoological displays
• American tourism development
Unlike reproductions or digital images this is a genuine artifact that has survived from January 1939. It carries the handwriting of someone who actually visited this attraction absorbed the spectacle of 5000 alligators and shared their experience with loved ones back home.
A Vanishing Piece of HistoryAs older generations pass and collections are dispersed these tangible connections to pre-war Florida tourism become increasingly elusive. Each authentic postcard that disappears from circulation represents a lost piece of American tourism history that cannot be replaced.
The opportunity to own and preserve this window into 1939 St. Augustine allows you to become the caretaker of a moment in time that would otherwise be lost forever. These physical artifacts tell the story of how Florida transformed from a remote frontier into America's playground.
Shipping InformationThis historical treasure will be carefully packaged in an archival-quality sleeve and shipped in a rigid mailer to ensure it reaches you safely despite its age.
Buy multiple postcards and pay only ONE low shipping cost! I combine shipping on all postcard purchases so feel free to browse my other listings for similar vintage treasures.
Act Quickly - Authentic Pre-WWII Florida History!Finding postcards with clear 1939 postmarks from lesser-known Florida attractions becomes more challenging with each passing year. Once this authentic piece of St. Augustine history is gone finding another with this specific attraction clear dating and fascinating subject matter may prove impossible.
Don't miss this opportunity to own and preserve a genuine piece of pre-war Florida tourism history!"
_gsrx_vers_1715 (GS 9.9.2 (1715))
_gsrx_vers_1736 (GS 9.9.5 (1736))
Offered by Gosla Antiques & Collectibles, purveyors of antiquities, curiosities and collectible wares. Dispatched from Pennsylvania, United States, with tracking.
Gosla Antiques & Collectibles