Description
An evocative circa 1915-1920 real photo postcard of Deer Park Avenue in Babylon, New York, capturing an unusually detailed early commercial street scene during the transition from trolley transportation to the automobile age.
The photograph looks north along Deer Park Avenue and includes early automobiles, pedestrians, utility poles and wires, storefronts, awnings, and what appear to be trolley rails still embedded in the roadway. At right, the large “THE STAR LAUNDRY” sign and prominent striped barber pole provide especially appealing commercial-history detail.
The reverse identifies the card as a “GENUINE PHOTO” published by Smith and Salmon, Druggists, a locally significant Babylon business. The postcard is numbered 5850 and remains unused, with no message, address, postage stamp, or cancellation.
Important aspects:
* Original Real Photo Postcard / RPPC
* Deer Park Ave., Babylon, N.Y.
* Photograph/catalog number 5850
* Published by Smith and Salmon, Druggists
* Reverse states “THIS IS A GENUINE PHOTO”
* Circa 1915-1920
* Apparent trolley tracks visible running along Deer Park Avenue
* Early automobiles and pedestrians visible in the street
* Clearly readable THE STAR LAUNDRY business sign
* Large period barber pole prominently pictured
* Detailed early Babylon storefront and streetscape architecture
* Strong Babylon, Long Island, transportation, trolley and commercial-history appeal
* Unused and unposted
* No postage stamp was ever applied
* No identical example was located during our research, making this an especially scarce-looking Babylon view
Condition shows expected age and handling wear, including toning, scattered surface marks/soiling, edge and corner wear, some photographic fading, and a noticeable crease/bend at the lower-left corner. The principal image details remain clear, including the street caption, Star Laundry sign, barber pole, automobiles, buildings, and publisher information.
Please view all the photos carefully for the complete condition and the many small historical details visible throughout the image.
Single cover ships via eBay Standard Envelope (tracked). If you purchase 2+ covers/postcards or request rigid packing, I’ll upgrade to USPS Ground Advantage (tracked) and combine shipping.
