During the early part of the 20th century, technological advances
in the printing industry spawned a new fad: postcard collecting.
Publishers dispatched photographers to communities throughout the
country and produced iconic images that formed a portrait of the
nation. Travelers used postcards to communicate with friends and
family and to maintain a visual record of their itineraries.
Although the fad was short lived, thousands of postcards and, in
some cases, entire collections survive to this day. Through vintage
postcards, South Boston shows one of Bostons most beautiful
neighborhoods with miles of sandy beaches, shaded thoroughfares,
and well-kept brick and wood frame homes. South Boston is an Irish
American enclave that has probably undergone fewer physical and
social changes than any other section of the city.
