In stock · No. BIGGIE RUN 252
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DESCRIPTION
Step back in time with this authentic 1979 postcard featuring the iconic Randolph Coach from Colonial Williamsburg Virginia. This vibrant chrome postcard captures a perfect moment of living history - a historically accurate reproduction of an elegant 18th-century carriage being pulled by a pair of majestic brown horses.
The scene showcases a costumed colonial driver in perfect period attire guiding the distinctive green coach through the historic streets of Williamsburg. Traditional brick colonial-style architecture provides an authentic backdrop completing this quintessential image of America's premier living history museum.
What makes this card particularly special is that it was actually mailed by visitors experiencing Colonial Williamsburg firsthand in 1979 complete with their personal impressions of touring this remarkable historical site. Their excitement about authentic colonial experiences is palpable in their handwritten message.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
This postcard documents an important aspect of Colonial Williamsburg's immersive historical experience - the reproduction carriages that allow visitors to experience 18th-century transportation. The Randolph Coach represents the careful historical research and craftsmanship that makes Williamsburg internationally renowned for its authenticity.
The late 1970s represented a significant period for Colonial Williamsburg during America's Bicentennial era when interest in colonial history was at an unprecedented high. This card captures this golden age of American historical tourism when visitors flocked to experience authentic representations of colonial life.
The handwritten message on the reverse side provides a fascinating glimpse into the 1970s tourist experience mentioning visits to 'Yorktown's Bicentennial Museum Center ' 'Carter Grove Plantation ' and dining at 'Christiana Campbell's colonial tavern—lighted by candles of course.' This firsthand account adds remarkable historical context.
CONDITION
This vintage postcard remains in good condition with vibrant colors and minimal wear considering its 40+ years of age and the fact it was actually mailed. The front displays strong color retention and clarity in the photographic image.
The back shows some minor age-related yellowing that adds character and authenticity. Most importantly the handwritten message is clear and perfectly legible the 10-cent Jefferson Memorial stamp remains intact and the 'WILLIAMSBURG 1979' postmark is visible.
The distinctive scalloped edges characteristic of this era's postcards are well-preserved with no significant bends creases or damage. This card has been carefully preserved despite having traveled through the mail system.
AGE/ERA
This postcard dates precisely to 1979 as confirmed by the clear postmark. This places it firmly in the post-Bicentennial period when America's colonial history remained a strong focus of national interest and tourism.
The late 1970s represents an important transition period for postcard collecting - after the golden age of postcards but before the decline brought by digital photography and electronic communication. Cards from this era document American tourism traditions that are increasingly becoming historical in their own right.
The photographic style printing quality and card manufacturing techniques are all characteristic of premium chrome postcards from this specific period. Published by Town Crier Publishers of Williamsburg (as noted on the back) this represents the high-quality souvenir ephemera available to visitors of America's premier historical site.
RARITY
While Colonial Williamsburg postcards from this era are available
used examples with detailed tourist descriptions and intact postal markings are becoming increasingly scarce. Most postcards were either discarded or remain unused in collections.
These authentic windows into the American historical tourism experience of the 1970s are gradually disappearing as collections are broken up or damaged over time. Finding examples with clear postmarks legible messages and minimal wear becomes more challenging with each passing year.
The combination of the Randolph Coach subject matter the personal tourist account mentioning specific colonial attractions and the intact Jefferson Memorial stamp creates a more desirable example than typical Williamsburg postcards of this period. This postcard tells a complete story of the American heritage tourism experience.
COLLECTOR'S NOTE
Holding this postcard connects you directly to the experience of American tourists exploring Colonial Williamsburg during the late 1970s - their enthusiasm evident in phrases like 'ate a sumptuous repast at Christiana Campbell's colonial tavern—lighted by candles of course.' This is more than just an image; it's a genuine moment frozen in time.
The joy of collecting historical ephemera like this comes from preserving authentic connections to how Americans experienced and celebrated their national heritage. Each handwritten message each postmark and each carefully chosen image adds layers of contextual significance that digital media simply cannot replicate.
This card would enhance collections focused on American historical sites colonial reproduction vehicles tourism history or Virginia memorabilia. It represents the intersection of historical preservation tourism and American cultural heritage in a single tangible item.
Buy multiple postcards and pay only ONE low shipping cost! Browse our other listings to build your collection of historical site and American tourism postcards while saving on combined shipping.
DON'T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY
Vintage postcards documenting the American historical tourism experience are vanishing pieces of cultural history that simply cannot be replaced. Each represents a unique moment when visitors connected with our national heritage through physical mementos sent to loved ones.
Used postcards with specific details about Colonial Williamsburg attractions are becoming increasingly difficult to find as time passes. Once sold this particular window into America's Bicentennial-era fascination with colonial history may not be available again.
Secure this piece of American tourism heritage today before it joins countless others that have disappeared forever. Tomorrow may be too late to own this authentic connection to how Americans experienced and shared their encounters with Colonial Williamsburg during this significant era of historical appreciation.
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_gsrx_vers_1715 (GS 9.9.2 (1715))
Offered by Gosla Antiques & Collectibles, purveyors of antiquities, curiosities and collectible wares. Dispatched from Pennsylvania, United States, with tracking.
Gosla Antiques & Collectibles