Provincetown MA Cape Cod 1984 Mural Postcard Whaling Captains Commercial St

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1984 PROVINCETOWN INN MURAL COLLECTION POSTCARD - 'WAY UP A'LONG' - HISTORIC CAPE COD SCENE - COMMERCIAL STREET WITH WHALING CAPTAINS' HOMES #13 OF 21

DESCRIPTION

This beautiful unused postcard captures a nostalgic scene of old Provincetown as interpreted through artist Don Aikens' stunning mural work. Part of the sought-after Provincetown Inn Mural Collection (card #13 of 21) it depicts 'Way Up A'Long' - a charming view of Commercial Street looking west showing the homes of old whaling captains circa 1905.

The colorful rendering shows Victorian-era Provincetown with several figures in period attire strolling along a wooden boardwalk that runs parallel to the dirt road. A horse-drawn carriage appears on the left near a red brick building while the right side reveals rolling green countryside with what appears to be a large structure on a distant hilltop.

The scene brilliantly captures Cape Cod's whaling heyday with meticulous attention to historical details like the wooden boardwalk period clothing and architecture of the whaling captains' homes. The composition with its bright blue skies and picturesque elements creates a romantic window into Provincetown's rich maritime past.

This postcard represents a fascinating multi-layered historical document: a 1984 printed reproduction of a 1966 mural that was itself based on a c.1905 photograph. It preserves not just an image but a moment in time when Provincetown was transitioning from its whaling past to its artistic future.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The back of the postcard provides valuable historical context explaining that artist Don Aikens painted the Provincetown Inn murals in 1966 using early 20th century postcards as reference material. Local townspeople modeled for many of the characters depicted creating a direct connection between Provincetown's past and its mid-century community.

The scene specifically shows Commercial Street looking west from a photograph dating to around 1905 featuring the homes of several whaling captains. The title 'Way Up A'Long' preserves local linguistic heritage as this was a colloquial phrase meaning 'up the street' used by Provincetown residents during that period.

Provincetown's whaling history is central to Cape Cod's development and cultural identity. From the early 1800s through the early 20th century Provincetown was a significant whaling port with many sea captains building the distinctive homes shown in this mural.

The Provincetown Inn itself has been a landmark since 1915 and these murals have become an important cultural touchstone for visitors to Cape Cod. Don Aikens' artistic work in creating these murals represents an important mid-century effort to preserve and celebrate local history through art.

CONDITION

This postcard remains in excellent unused condition despite being nearly 40 years old. The colors maintain their original vibrancy with no significant fading showing the scene in all its intended detail and brightness.

The card has never been used for correspondence - there is no writing no postal markings and no cancellations. The address lines on the back remain clean and unmarked with the 'PLACE STAMP HERE' box empty.

There is very minimal edge and corner wear with just the slightest age toning/yellowing consistent with a well-preserved card from the 1980s. All printed text remains perfectly clear and legible.

No creases tears folds or significant damage are present. The glossy surface has maintained its finish with minimal wear. Finding Provincetown ephemera in this pristine condition becomes increasingly difficult with each passing year.

AGE/ERA

This postcard dates precisely to 1984 based on the copyright date printed on the back. This places it squarely in the Reagan era during a period when Cape Cod tourism was booming and interest in preserving local history was growing.

While the scene depicted references the early 1900s and the mural itself was created in 1966 this postcard represents 1980s commercial printing and design aesthetics. The detailed publisher information notes it was 'PUBLISHED FOR THE PROVINCETOWN INN BY TOWER DESIGN GROUP INC. © 1984' and printed in the USA by Gannett Graphics.

The design elements including the whale logo for the Provincetown Inn and the typography used for 'POST CARD ' are characteristic of 1980s graphic design. The inclusion of toll-free telephone numbers with '1-800' prefixes further confirms the 1980s dating.

As we approach the 40th anniversary of this card's production it has crossed the threshold from simply being 'old' to becoming genuinely vintage preserving multiple layers of Cape Cod history within a single collectible item.

RARITY

While individual cards from the Provincetown Inn Mural Collection are not extremely rare complete sets of all 21 cards have become increasingly difficult to assemble. As time passes these visual documents of Cape Cod's rich history are disappearing into permanent collections or being lost entirely.

Tourism postcards from the 1980s were produced in substantial quantities but unlike fine art prints they were rarely preserved with care. Most were used for correspondence subjected to postal handling or simply discarded after serving their purpose as souvenirs.

This specific card representing Cape Cod whaling history and depicting a specifically identified street scene would appeal to specialized collectors of Massachusetts history whaling memorabilia and Cape Cod ephemera. Its pristine unused condition makes it especially desirable.

The card's numbering (13 of 21) suggests it was part of a curated series that told a specific visual story about Provincetown's history. With each passing year fewer complete sets remain available to collectors making individual cards like this increasingly valuable as historical documents.

COLLECTOR'S NOTE

There is something uniquely satisfying about holding a piece of Cape Cod history that connects multiple eras - from whaling days to mid-century art to 1980s tourism. This postcard offers a tangible connection to Provincetown's layered past that digital images simply cannot replicate.

For collectors of Massachusetts history maritime memorabilia or Cape Cod ephemera this card represents a perfect intersection of multiple collecting interests. The combination of artistic merit historical documentation and pristine condition makes it suitable for even the most discriminating collection.

In our increasingly digital world these authentic physical artifacts of local history become ever more evocative and meaningful. The postcard preserves not just an image but local terminology ('Way Up A'Long') architectural details of whaling captains' homes and a moment when Provincetown was consciously celebrating its own history through art.

Whether building a collection focused on Cape Cod whaling history American maritime communities or simply beautiful vintage scenes this card offers exceptional documentary and aesthetic value. It stands ready to become a treasured addition to your collection - a window into Provincetown's storied 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 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 packaging.

DON'T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY TO OWN A PIECE OF CAPE COD AND MARITIME HISTORY!

As we approach the 40th anniversary of this postcard's production and the 120th anniversary of the original scene it depicts these well-preserved visual records of Provincetown's whaling heritage become increasingly difficult to find. This pristine example from the Provincetown Inn Mural Collection offers both historical significance and artistic beauty in a single well-preserved collector's item. Secure this exceptional piece of Cape Cod memorabilia for your collection today before it disappears into someone else's permanent collection!"

 _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.