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"AUTHENTIC MONTEREY CALIFORNIA TIME CAPSULE - PERFECT PRESERVATION OF LITERARY LANDMARK!
You're viewing a genuine piece of California coastal history - a pristine multi-view postcard of iconic Cannery Row in Monterey perfectly documented with its June 5 1995 postal usage intact! These authentic used postcards capturing Steinbeck's famous literary setting are becoming increasingly scarce as collectors preserve them!
This exceptional modern chrome postcard captures multiple views of one of America's most beloved literary landmarks. This may be your ONLY CHANCE to own this perfect documentation of Cannery Row's transformation from industrial district to world-class tourist destination!
Description
This vibrant multi-view postcard captures four distinct professional photographs of Monterey's famous Cannery Row district in all its 1990s glory.
The upper left image showcases the iconic red brick Monterey Canning Company building with its distinctive signage surrounded by a well-maintained parking area and vibrant red flowers in the foreground.
The upper right features an adorable sea otter floating in the pristine blue waters of Monterey Bay - one of the area's beloved marine residents that draws visitors from around the world.
The lower left image presents the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium built directly over the water with waves visible beneath its impressive architectural structure - one of California's premier attractions.
The lower right showcases the picturesque waterfront buildings along Cannery Row with sandy beach and Pacific Ocean waters visible - perfectly capturing the coastal charm that has made this area internationally famous.
Bold gold lettering in the center proudly proclaims 'CANNERY ROW' - instantly recognizable to literature lovers and travelers alike.
The back features the complete famous Steinbeck quote: 'Cannery Row in Monterey in California is a poem a stink a grating noise a quality of light a tone a habit a nostalgia a dream.' - perfectly capturing the literary significance of this special place.
Historical Significance
This postcard captures Cannery Row at a pivotal moment in its history following its transformation from the gritty industrial sardine canning district of Steinbeck's era to a world-class tourist destination.
John Steinbeck immortalized Cannery Row in his 1945 novel of the same name creating one of American literature's most vividly described settings that continues to draw literary pilgrims decades later.
The postcard features the Monterey Bay Aquarium (opened 1984) built on the site of the former Hovden Cannery representing the area's evolution from commercial fishing to marine conservation.
The historic Monterey Canning Company building shown in the upper left has been beautifully preserved as part of the district's architectural heritage - a vanishing piece of industrial America that might otherwise have been lost.
The sender's handwritten note mentioning 'home of John Steinbeck' and the sea lions perfectly documents the visitor experience of this iconic destination in the mid-1990s - creating a time capsule of California coastal tourism.
Condition
This 28-year-old postcard remains in remarkable condition considering its postal journey across America.
The front images retain vivid colors with no fading perfectly preserving the brilliant blues of Monterey Bay the rich red brick of the canning company and the golden California sunshine.
The 32-cent 'Ferryboat 1900s' Transportation series stamp remains firmly affixed - adding cross-collectible appeal for stamp enthusiasts.
The clear June 5 1995 postmark provides perfect documentation of this card's authentic postal use during the Clinton administration.
The handwritten message remains completely legible documenting a visitor's authentic experience of the 'rugged coastline deep blue water with sea lions playing about.'
No significant damage folds creases or corner wear affect this well-preserved example - truly exceptional for a postally used card approaching three decades of age.
Age/Era
This postcard dates precisely to 1992 (publication) with documented postal use on June 5 1995 placing it squarely in the Clinton-era 1990s California tourism boom.
Published by Smith Novelty Company and distributed by Scenic Cards of Monterey this represents the high-quality commercial postcard production of the pre-internet era.
The modern chrome printing technology used represents the pinnacle of postcard production quality before digital photography would transform the industry.
The cars visible in the parking lot date to the late 1980s/early 1990s providing additional confirmation of the era depicted.
The 32-cent postage reflects the exact 1995 first-class postage rate in place from January 1 1995 through January 9 1999.
Rarity
While not among the rarest postcards these authentic documented examples of famous literary landmarks are being increasingly preserved in private collections gradually disappearing from the general market.
The combination of pristine condition complete postal documentation and multiple clear views of this iconic location creates a desirable collecting specimen.
The inclusion of the famous Steinbeck quote adds significant literary interest beyond typical tourist postcards appealing to book collectors as well as deltiologists.
The perfect preservation of all four photographic views without damage makes this an increasingly elusive example as the years pass.
This may be your ONLY OPPORTUNITY to acquire this specific multi-view documentation of Cannery Row with its authentic 1995 postal journey - once it's gone it's gone forever!
Collector's Note
This postcard represents a perfect convergence of multiple collecting interests - California tourism literary landmarks marine wildlife and 1990s Americana.
The card makes an excellent addition to collections focused on John Steinbeck California coastal history marine conservation or the evolution of famous American tourist destinations.
The mention of 'no earthquakes' in the message provides a humorous California-specific reference that adds unique character to this particular example.
As digital photography and social media increasingly replace physical postcards these authentic examples become increasingly significant as vanishing ephemera documenting how Americans once shared their travel experiences.
The combination of aquarium sea otter historic buildings and coastal views in a single card creates exceptional documentary value of this world-famous destination.
Shipping Information
Your Cannery Row postcard will be carefully packaged in an archival sleeve inside a rigid mailer to ensure its continued preservation for decades to come.
Buy multiple postcards and pay only ONE low shipping cost!
Don't miss this rare opportunity to own a piece of vanishing California literary history! This authentic 1990s multi-view card captures the essence of Steinbeck's famous Cannery Row in its modern incarnation - a perfect documentation of one of America's most beloved coastal destinations in pristine condition."
_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