Description
Historic, early undivided-back postcard showing the Atlantic City drawbridge wreck of an electric train from Camden on Sunday, October 28, 1906. Mailed soon after the disaster and carrying the correct 1¢ postcard rate.
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Front caption: “Wreck of Electric Train from Camden, on Atlantic City Drawbridge, Sunday, October 28, 1906.” (small “11” series number at lower left)
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Publisher imprint (back left): John M. O’Donnell, Post Cards, 123 N. Vermont Ave., Atlantic City, N.J.
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Postmark: Camden, N.J., Nov 7, 1906; addressed to Mrs. Harry B. Ballinger, 106 W. Central Ave, Moorestown, N.J.
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Message: vertical ink on the picture side reads “With love + Harry.”
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Stamp: 1¢ Benjamin Franklin (Series of 1902, Scott #300)-the proper domestic postcard rate at the time
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Collecting themes: Railroad disaster, Atlantic City & Camden, New Jersey history, early electric rail
Condition (please view all photos): light stain at top of image, lower-left corner crease, missing layer in areas on upper left hand side, mild edge/corner wear and age toning; printed halftone (not an RPPC). Solid survivor with strong topical appeal and desirable publisher imprint.
A compelling piece of New Jersey railroad and Atlantic City history, postally used within two weeks of the event and tied to a known local publisher-exactly the kind of early disaster postcard many regional and rail collectors seek.
#147
