Postcard Scenes

Sent to The Frederick Leader and The Frederick Press, September 6, 2011

Postcards showed early places and events

In the early years of the area’s settlement, it was very common for photos, drawings, or paintings of the city scenes, the countryside, or special events and activities to be produced on postcards. The cards, which could be mailed for one cent, were a popular and effective means of communication with family and friends in other parts of the country.

This week’s “Tillman County Chronicles” takes a look at four postcards from the early days of Frederick.

Click on photos to see larger.

First Baptist Church, 11th and Grand, photo circa 1910

11^th and Grand Avenue

This scene of the First Baptist Church at 11^th and Grand, looking northward on 11^th Street, was actually used on several postcards in the early days of Frederick. This particular card was mailed from Frederick in 1911. The First Baptist Church that is pictured here was destroyed by fire in 1931. The present First Baptist Church was built at the same site after the fire.

Frederick Community Band, 1909

Frederick Community Band

During Frederick’s first decades a community band was an important part of civic entertainment. This postcard, mailed in 1912, pictures Frederick’s community band marching in a parade, July 1909. The band is marching eastward in the 100 block of West Grand.

Early automobile race

Early Frederick Racetrack

In Frederick’s early days a popular racetrack was situated near the area where Bomber Bowl is now located. Horse races and early automobile races were held at the track. This undated postcard shows a racing automobile with a large crowd of spectators. Bomber Bowl was built at or near the old racetrack site in 1934.

Up, up, and Away. Frederick 4th of July.

Hot Air Balloon

This photo pictures a hot air balloon that was an attraction during an early Fourth of July celebration in Frederick. The year is unknown.

Joe Wynn is a member of the Tillman County Historical Society’s board of directors.