A large portion of the Stewart-Swift Research Center Postcard Collection consists of black and white real photo postcards (RPPC) produced using a continuous-tone photographic image printed on postcard stock, a technique introduced by Kodak in the early 20th century. A smaller number of postcards were produced through the lithographic or offset printing processes and are often in color. In general, the images reproduced on postcard stock were generated for commercial dissemination not as unique views.
The Center’s collection comprises of over 800 items dating from early 1900s to the present. Most depict Addison County and Middlebury views, sites, events and buildings. A smaller number relates to greater Vermont, out-of-state subjects, and others topics of interest to local citizens. Many of the photo postcards were published by local studios, such as: Gove Photo Studio; H.H. Stone; C.F. Rich; L.E. McShane; Frank James, Jr.; Ruby M. Rodgers; Ida Waugh; H.B. Dutton Co. and others.
Note: Additional postcards that contain information relevant to individual family manuscript collections are stored as part of these collections and may be searched through the Center’s online catalog.
