1984 Provincetown Cape Cod First Fire Apparatus Horse Drawn Fire Engine Postcard

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RARE PROVINCETOWN INN MURAL COLLECTION POSTCARD - HISTORIC CAPE COD FIREFIGHTING HERITAGE - #10 OF 21 LIMITED SERIES

DESCRIPTION

This exceptional vintage postcard captures a vibrant slice of Cape Cod's firefighting history through artist Don Aikens' stunning 1966 mural created for the historic Provincetown Inn. The #10 card in a limited series of 21 this beautifully preserved piece shows Provincetown's first horse-drawn fire apparatus in a dramatically colorful nostalgic style.

Manual Noones one of Provincetown's first firemen is depicted driving a bright red fire wagon pulled by a handsome team of two horses. The scene unfolds against a quintessential early American coastal town backdrop complete with white wooden houses picket fences telegraph poles and the distinctive steeple of Center Church (later the Heritage Museum).

Perhaps most striking is Aikens' artistic interpretation of the sky rendered in bold bands of green pink and purple – creating an almost dream-like quality that elevates this beyond mere historical documentation into a celebration of Cape Cod's unique heritage. Every time you look at this postcard you'll be transported to another era of American history.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

This postcard isn't just visually appealing – it's a tangible connection to important Cape Cod history. According to the detailed information on the reverse Provincetown had the very first steam fire engine on all of Cape Cod built by the renowned Amoskeag Locomotive Works in 1878 in Manchester New Hampshire.

The horse-drawn engine depicted eventually became a treasured artifact preserved by the National Fire Museum and displayed at the Edaville Railroad in South Carver Massachusetts. The Center Church shown in the background built in 1860 and later repurposed as the Heritage Museum represents another important architectural landmark in Provincetown's development.

Artist Don Aikens created this mural in 1966 using early 20th century postcards as reference material ensuring historical accuracy while bringing his own artistic vision to the scene. Even more fascinating local Provincetown residents modeled for many of the characters depicted in his murals creating a true community art project that preserves local history.

CONDITION

This 1984 postcard remains in exceptional vintage condition appearing almost as fresh as the day it was printed nearly 40 years ago. The colors are vibrant and unfaded with the dramatic sky tones and rich red of the fire apparatus particularly well-preserved.

The card shows only the most minimal corner and edge wear with no creases tears stains or significant damage of any kind. The clean white background of the reverse has no significant yellowing and the card was never written on or mailed preserving its pristine collectible status.

Even under close inspection this example shows remarkably little handling or storage wear making it a truly superior specimen for the discerning collector. Finding vintage postcards in this condition becomes increasingly difficult with each passing year.

AGE/ERA

This postcard dates precisely to 1984 as confirmed by the copyright date printed on the reverse. It's part of a special series commissioned by the Provincetown Inn to celebrate and preserve their unique mural collection painted by Don Aikens in 1966.

While technically a modern chrome postcard from the 1980s this item bridges multiple eras. It depicts firefighting equipment from the 1870s was created as a mural in the 1960s and reproduced as a postcard in the 1980s – making it a fascinating time capsule spanning over a century of American history.

The card was published by Tower Design Group Inc. for The Provincetown Inn printed in the USA by Garnett Graphics and includes the original photography credit to Quinn Studio. It's a beautiful example of pre-digital era printing quality with rich saturated colors that modern reproductions often fail to capture.

RARITY

This postcard represents a truly uncommon collecting opportunity as part of a limited series created specifically for the Provincetown Inn. Unlike mass-produced tourist postcards this card was part of a numbered series of just 21 cards many of which were likely discarded by casual tourists over the decades.

What makes this example particularly desirable is its crossover appeal to multiple collector categories: firefighting memorabilia enthusiasts Cape Cod regional history collectors and hotel/inn postcard specialists. With each passing year fewer of these specialty postcards remain in circulation particularly in this exceptional condition.

Complete sets of all 21 cards in this mural series are extremely difficult to locate today making individual cards increasingly sought after by collectors trying to complete their sets. This specific card (#10) combines the universal appeal of firefighting history with the specific regional interest of Cape Cod collectors.

COLLECTOR'S NOTE

There's something truly special about holding a piece of Cape Cod's firefighting heritage in your hands. In our increasingly digital world tangible connections to the past like this postcard take on new significance and emotional resonance.

This card tells multiple stories simultaneously – the advent of steam fire engines in small coastal communities the artistic preservation of local history through Don Aikens' murals and the pride the Provincetown Inn took in celebrating its community heritage through this carefully produced postcard series. Each layer adds depth and value to this modest but meaningful historical document.

In an age when historical images are instantly available online but increasingly ephemeral owning original printed ephemera provides a fundamentally different experience. The texture the slight aging the knowledge that this object has survived decades – these qualities simply cannot be replicated digitally.

Whether displayed as part of a Cape Cod collection firefighting memorabilia or vintage hotel ephemera this postcard makes a distinctive addition that connects the past to the present in a tangible meaningful way.

SHIPPING NOTE

Buy multiple postcards and pay only ONE low shipping cost! I'm happy to combine shipping on any number of postcards to save you money.

This vintage postcard will be carefully packaged in an archival sleeve between rigid cardboard to ensure it arrives safely and in the same condition shown in the photos. I understand the importance of protecting these historical items and take great care in shipping.

DON'T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY!

Specialty regional postcards like this one continue to disappear into permanent collections every year. Once they're gone these tangible connections to Cape Cod's firefighting heritage become increasingly difficult to acquire especially in this exceptional condition.

This isn't just a postcard – it's a portal to Provincetown's past a celebration of early American firefighting innovation and a piece of Cape Cod's artistic heritage all in one. Secure this uncommon piece of Massachusetts history for your collection before it's gone forever!"

 _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.