Seeing Tacoma Washington Trolley Tour Real Photo Postcard Conductors and Riders
$65.00
Condition: *Please* use the Hip photo magnifier to check for flaws on each picture, mouse over to zoom and ... Read more about the seller notes *Please* use the Hip photo magnifier to check for flaws on each picture ... Read More
Condition: *Please* use the Hip photo magnifier to check for flaws on each picture, mouse over to zoom and ... Read more about the seller notes *Please* use the Hip photo magnifier to check for flaws on each picture, mouse over to zoom and click to enlarge. Comes from a smoke free home. Common errors from the scanner vs damage are digital lines (usually grey or pink), cutting off the top of the card/words. Read Less about the seller notes
This striking real photo postcard (RPPC) captures a superb early 1900s streetcar scene from Tacoma, Washington, featuring a full group of trolley conductors, passengers, and city riders posed beside an open-air sightseeing car marked “Seeing Tacoma.” Cards showing organized city tour trolleys—especially with such a large, clearly visible group—are highly sought after by transportation, social history, and Pacific Northwest collectors.Image DetailsLocation: Tacoma, WashingtonType: Real Photo Postcard (RPPC)Back: AZO with four triangles up (approx. 1907–1918 production era)Car Number: 302 visible on the front panelSignage: “SEEING TACOMA” on both front and side destination boardsFormat: Unused, divided-back postcardThe photograph shows an open sightseeing streetcar, a popular feature in many growing American cities during the electric street railway boom. Tacoma’s trolley system—part of the expanding urban transit network in the early 20th century—operated extensive interurban lines that connected neighborhoods, parks, and waterfront attractions. “Seeing” cars were often used for civic tours, visiting dignitaries, and promotional rides to showcase Tacoma’s growth and scenery.Who’s in the SceneA full group of conductors and motormen in uniform standing proudly at the frontWell-dressed men and women in Edwardian clothing, including fashionable hats, long skirts, jackets, and waistcoatsPassengers seated inside the trolley, many looking toward the photographerCobbled street and early downtown architecture visible behind the carThe postcard captures not just transportation history, but the social customs, fashion, and civic pride of an era when streetcars symbolized progress and modern city life.Historical ContextBy the early 1900s, Tacoma operated one of the most important electric streetcar systems in the Pacific Northwest. Sightseeing cars like this were part of a national trend in which cities offered guided tours highlighting new business districts, port facilities, parks, and scenic overlooks. Tacoma’s “Seeing Tacoma” routes were often advertised to both tourists and newcomers arriving during the region’s population boom.Trolleys played a major role in shaping Tacoma’s neighborhoods and helped fuel economic growth before automobiles became the dominant mode of travel.ConditionExcellent contrast with crisp detail across the whole groupLight surface wear consistent with ageSharp edges and clean divided backNo writing or postal markingsWhy This Card Stands OutLarge, well-posed group of riders and conductorsOpen sightseeing streetcar—much scarcer than standard commuter carsStrong visual documentation of early Tacoma transportation historyBeautiful period clothing and architecturePremium real photo qualityA wonderful addition to collections focused on trolleys, Washington history, urban transit, Edwardian-era fashion, or Pacific Northwest ephemera.
This striking real photo postcard (RPPC) captures a superb early 1900s streetcar scene from Tacoma, Washington, featuring a full group of trolley conductors, passengers, and city riders posed beside an open-air sightseeing car marked “Seeing Tacoma.” Cards showing organized city tour trolleys—especially with such a large, clearly visible group—are highly sought after by transportation, social history, and Pacific Northwest collectors.Image DetailsLocation: Tacoma, WashingtonType: Real Photo Postcard (RPPC)Back: AZO with four triangles up (approx. 1907–1918 production era)Car Number: 302 visible on the front panelSignage: “SEEING TACOMA” on both front and side destination boardsFormat: Unused, divided-back postcardThe photograph shows an open sightseeing streetcar, a popular feature in many growing American cities during the electric street railway boom. Tacoma’s trolley system—part of the expanding urban transit network in the early 20th century—operated extensive interurban lines that connected neighborhoods, parks, and waterfront attractions. “Seeing” cars were often used for civic tours, visiting dignitaries, and promotional rides to showcase Tacoma’s growth and scenery.Who’s in the SceneA full group of conductors and motormen in uniform standing proudly at the frontWell-dressed men and women in Edwardian clothing, including fashionable hats, long skirts, jackets, and waistcoatsPassengers seated inside the trolley, many looking toward the photographerCobbled street and early downtown architecture visible behind the carThe postcard captures not just transportation history, but the social customs, fashion, and civic pride of an era when streetcars symbolized progress and modern city life.Historical ContextBy the early 1900s, Tacoma operated one of the most important electric streetcar systems in the Pacific Northwest. Sightseeing cars like this were part of a national trend in which cities offered guided tours highlighting new business districts, port facilities, parks, and scenic overlooks. Tacoma’s “Seeing Tacoma” routes were often advertised to both tourists and newcomers arriving during the region’s population boom.Trolleys played a major role in shaping Tacoma’s neighborhoods and helped fuel economic growth before automobiles became the dominant mode of travel.ConditionExcellent contrast with crisp detail across the whole groupLight surface wear consistent with ageSharp edges and clean divided backNo writing or postal markingsWhy This Card Stands OutLarge, well-posed group of riders and conductorsOpen sightseeing streetcar—much scarcer than standard commuter carsStrong visual documentation of early Tacoma transportation historyBeautiful period clothing and architecturePremium real photo qualityA wonderful addition to collections focused on trolleys, Washington history, urban transit, Edwardian-era fashion, or Pacific Northwest ephemera.
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- thepapergallery2 (2192)
- Registered Since
- 06/23/2010
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- The Paper Gallery
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- Item Location
- California, United States
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- Worldwide
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