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"AUTHENTIC 1995 LA JOLLA POSTCARD - VANISHING PIECE OF CALIFORNIA COASTAL HISTORY!
You're viewing a genuine piece of 1990s California coastal ephemera - a used and postmarked aerial view of the magnificent La Jolla coastline in San Diego! These authentic documented postcards from the pre-digital era are rapidly disappearing from the collector market!
Featuring professional photographer Dean Hurd's stunning aerial perspective of one of America's most scenic coastal highways this postcard captures a moment in time when the La Jolla cliffs remained in their more natural state. This may be your ONLY CHANCE to own this perfect time capsule of Southern California's legendary coastline before further development!
Description
This vibrant chrome postcard showcases a breathtaking aerial view of the iconic La Jolla coastline with its dramatic winding coastal road hugging the Pacific Ocean shoreline.
The sweeping perspective captures the entire coastal community built along the magnificent cliffs showcasing the delicate balance between human development and natural beauty that defines this treasured stretch of California coast.
The deep blue Pacific Ocean contrasts dramatically with the golden-hued cliffs and tawny California landscape creating a color palette that perfectly embodies the unique Southern California coastal aesthetic.
The distinctive coastal road (Coast Boulevard) curves gracefully along the rugged cliffside revealing the engineering marvel that made this spectacular oceanfront accessible to visitors and residents alike.
The residential community sits nestled among the natural contours of the landscape showing how development had integrated with the natural topography by the early 1980s - a fascinating historical snapshot of La Jolla's growth.
The image is beautifully framed by a distinctive blue border design with rounded corners with 'SAN DIEGO' prominently displayed at the bottom in white outline text against a rich blue background.
Historical Significance
This postcard captures La Jolla during a pivotal period in California coastal development documenting the area before some of the more recent building and environmental changes transformed parts of this famous coastline.
The early 1980s image (copyright 1983) shows La Jolla at a specific moment in its developmental history making this a valuable historical document of how this premium coastal real estate appeared forty years ago.
Dean Hurd the credited photographer was known for his exceptional aerial photography that documented California's rapidly evolving coastline during this period making his work increasingly valued by collectors.
The handwritten message on the reverse provides fascinating cultural context mentioning a family visit to SeaWorld San Diego and expressing enthusiasm about the whales - inadvertently documenting public attitudes toward marine animal attractions before later controversies emerged.
This postcard represents a physical connection to California tourism during the mid-1990s just before the digital revolution would transform how people shared travel experiences making it a tangible piece of pre-internet vacation correspondence.
Condition
This 28-year-old postcard remains in remarkably good condition with the vibrant colors of the La Jolla coastline still clear and captivating.
The image shows minimal fading with the distinctive blues of the ocean and the natural tones of the coastal cliffs retaining their original impact and visual appeal.
Some very light scan lines are visible upon close inspection but do not detract from the overall clarity and quality of this professional aerial photograph.
The corners show only slight wear despite having been mailed across the country testifying to the superior quality of Impact Southern California's printing and production.
The reverse side is equally well-preserved with the personal message address postmark and 32-cent flag stamp all clearly visible and intact.
Overall condition is very good to excellent making this an especially desirable example for collectors who value both image quality and documented postal use.
Age/Era
This postcard can be precisely dated to October 4 1995 based on the clear Santa Ana CA postmark with the sender's handwritten date of '10-2-95' confirming its mid-1990s provenance.
The card features a 32-cent US flag design stamp from the 1995 definitive series further authenticating its exact period of use during the Clinton administration.
Though mailed in 1995 the card bears a 1983 copyright date indicating that the aerial photograph was taken approximately 40 years ago making it an even more significant historical document.
The distinctive 'California' logo with palm tree graphic and the card's printing style are quintessential examples of premium 1990s California tourism ephemera.
The card's production information ('Printed in Japan') reflects the international printing practices common for high-quality chrome postcards during this period before digital printing became standard.
Rarity
While La Jolla postcards are not uncommon this specific aerial view by noted photographer Dean Hurd with complete documentation of use is becoming increasingly difficult to find in such excellent condition.
Used postcards with legible postmarks and personal messages about tourist attractions have growing collector value as they document not just the location but the complete tourist experience of the period.
As physical postcards continue to fade from use in our digital era these authentic examples from the 1990s become more significant as disappearing pieces of travel history that captured how Americans shared their vacation experiences before smartphones existed.
The card's specific numbering (#3722 in the La Jolla Coast Line series) makes it identifiable to serious California postcard collectors who may be seeking this exact image to complete their collections.
This may be your ONLY OPPORTUNITY to acquire this specific numbered Dean Hurd aerial view with documented 1995 usage - once it's gone it's gone forever!
Collector's Note
This postcard would make an excellent addition to collections focused on California coastal views San Diego history La Jolla topography or the evolution of American tourism in the pre-digital age.
The combination of the spectacular aerial perspective and the personal message about visiting SeaWorld creates a complete time capsule of California tourism during the mid-1990s.
The 'recycled paper' notation on the reverse reflects the emerging environmental consciousness of the period adding an interesting cultural dimension for collectors interested in the evolution of eco-friendly products.
The handwritten message provides a touching human connection to this coastal scene with the sender expressing love for both family and the famous SeaWorld whales that were a defining part of San Diego tourism during this era.
As La Jolla continues to change with coastal erosion and ongoing development this frozen moment from 1983/1995 becomes increasingly valuable as a historical reference point for one of America's most beautiful and exclusive coastal communities.
Shipping Information
Your vintage La Jolla postcard will be carefully packaged in an archival sleeve and shipped in a rigid mailer to ensure safe arrival.
Buy multiple postcards and pay only ONE low shipping cost!
Don't miss this rare opportunity to own a piece of vanishing California coastal history! This authentic documented postcard captures both the timeless beauty of La Jolla's dramatic coastline and a precious moment in American tourism that becomes more historically significant with each passing year."
_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.