1994 University of North Carolina UNC Bicentennial Playmakers Theatre Postal Car

---

"

USED 1994 UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA BICENTENNIAL PLAYMAKERS THEATRE USPS POSTAL CARD - COMPLETE POSTAL HISTORY WITH PERSONAL MESSAGE

DESCRIPTION

This official USPS commemorative postal card celebrates the historic Playmakers Theatre at the University of North Carolina as part of the university's bicentennial commemoration. The card features a beautiful color illustration of the neoclassical Greek Revival theater building with its distinctive yellow exterior and striking white columns.

Published by the United States Postal Service in 1993 (copyright mark visible) this 19¢ pre-stamped postal card was actually used for correspondence postmarked April 11 1994 from Lehigh Valley Pennsylvania. Unlike most collected postal cards that remain pristine and unused this example contains a real handwritten message and traveled through the mail system.

The illustration showcases the Playmakers Theatre (originally Smith Hall) built in 1851 and later designated as a National Historic Landmark. The theater is depicted in its full architectural glory surrounded by trees that frame the historic structure with steps leading to its columned entrance.

The sender identified as Nancy Rauch from Palmerton Pennsylvania mailed this to Joyce Steigerwalt in Andreas Pennsylvania – creating a complete historical record of communication between two real individuals in the early 1990s. This represents a vanishing form of personal communication that has been largely replaced by digital alternatives in our modern world.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The Playmakers Theatre at UNC-Chapel Hill stands as one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in the American South. Built in 1851 as Smith Hall it initially served as a library and ballroom before becoming home to the Carolina Playmakers theatrical group in 1923.

This postal card commemorates the University of North Carolina's Bicentennial (1789-1989) celebrating 200 years of history for America's first public university. The university's significance in American higher education cannot be overstated – it was the only public university to award degrees in the 18th century.

The Carolina Playmakers founded by Frederick Koch in 1918 became one of America's first state-supported theater groups and played a crucial role in developing Southern folk drama. Their legacy includes nurturing talents like Thomas Wolfe and helping establish the regional theater movement in America.

The building itself was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1973 recognizing its architectural significance and role in American cultural history. This postal card captures not just a building but a monument to American educational and theatrical development.

CONDITION

This postal card remains in good used condition despite having actually traveled through the mail system in April 1994. The front image retains vibrant colors with the yellow building and green trees showing excellent contrast against the blue sky.

The card shows expected minor signs of having been mailed and stored for nearly 30 years: slight edge wear minor toning/yellowing of the paper consistent with age and a few small colored spots that appear to be ink transfer from storage. These minor imperfections add character and authenticity to this genuine postal item.

Both the postmark ('LEHIGH VALLEY PA 11 APR 1994') and the handwritten addresses remain clear and legible. The pre-printed 19¢ postal imprint is intact and undefaced and there are no creases tears or significant damage to the card.

The handwritten message on the reverse is perfectly preserved and completely legible providing a touching glimpse into everyday correspondence from the early 1990s. Finding used postal cards with intact legible messages becomes increasingly difficult as digital communication replaces physical mail.

AGE/ERA

This postal card dates specifically to the early 1990s with the card itself issued in 1993 and used in April 1994. The postal card offers a snapshot of American postal history from the final decade before email and digital communication would dramatically reshape personal correspondence.

The 19¢ postal card rate reflected USPS prices from January 1991 through December 1994 placing this precisely within that postal rate era. The handwritten message is dated '10APR94' and the postmark confirms mailing on '11 APR 1994' from Lehigh Valley Pennsylvania.

While not 'antique' by traditional definitions this postal card has now existed for 30 years and preserves a communication method that has declined dramatically in the digital age. It represents the tail end of the era when people routinely sent handwritten cards to share news and maintain connections.

The design aesthetic printing quality and paper stock are characteristic of USPS commemorative postal cards from this period showing the transition to more colorful and detailed illustrations than earlier generations of postal stationery. The copyright mark '©USPS 1993' visible on the card front confirms its production date.

RARITY

While this specific UNC Bicentennial postal card is not rare in unused condition properly used examples with personal messages and clear postmarks have become increasingly scarce. Most commemorative postal cards were purchased by collectors and preserved unused never fulfilling their intended purpose.

This particular example has several factors that enhance its collectibility: it features a National Historic Landmark building it commemorates a significant university bicentennial it contains a personal message revealing social history and it has a clean legible postmark. These elements combine to make it more desirable than a standard unused example.

As digital communication continues to dominate physical postal artifacts like this become increasingly important historical documents. With each passing year fewer examples of these everyday communications survive as most are discarded or lost rather than preserved.

The complete postal journey documented on this card – from a specific sender to a specific recipient on a specific date – provides a tangible connection to communication patterns that are rapidly disappearing from American life.

COLLECTOR'S NOTE

There is something profoundly satisfying about holding an authentic piece of postal history that connects us to both architectural heritage and everyday human communication. This postal card offers multiple collecting appeals – university history architectural significance postal rates and personal correspondence all in one item.

For collectors of university memorabilia architectural postcards postal history or North Carolina items this card offers exceptional documentary value. The combination of the historic Playmakers Theatre illustration and the preserved personal message creates a multi-dimensional collecting opportunity.

In our increasingly digital world these authentic physical artifacts of communication become ever more evocative and meaningful. The tactile quality of the card the personality revealed in the handwriting and the official postal markings cannot be replicated in digital formats.

Whether your collection focuses on university buildings theatrical history postal stationery or American architecture this card offers genuine historical significance. It stands ready to become a cherished addition to your collection – a window into both UNC's architectural legacy and the personal communications of the recent past.

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 postal card 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 packaging.

DON'T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY TO OWN A PIECE OF UNIVERSITY AND POSTAL HISTORY!

As we move further into the digital age genuine examples of postal communication like this become increasingly difficult to find. This UNC Bicentennial postal card with its beautiful architectural illustration and authentic personal message represents a vanishing form of correspondence that future generations may only experience through preserved examples. Secure this meaningful piece of American communication history for your collection before it disappears 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.