In the digital age where communication happens at the click of a button, it’s easy to forget the charm and nostalgia associated with physical postcards. Whitley County, a great community with a rich history, has held onto this tradition of sending postcards to invite loved ones back to celebrate the settlement of their county. Today, we invite you to pick up your commemorative postcards at various locations in town and join the effort to preserve these cherished artifacts.
Preserving History at the Whitley County Historical Museum: The Whitley County Historical Museum has played a vital role in safeguarding the annual caricature postcards that have been part of the county’s tradition for over a century. These unique postcards capture the essence of the community and offer a glimpse into the past. However, the museum is missing a few postcards, and they need your help to locate them.
The Missing Postcards: The following dates have been identified as gaps in the collection and are of particular interest to the Whitley County Historical Museum: 1904, 1905, 1906, 1907, 1908, 1909, 1910, 1911, 1917, 1921, 1922, 1923, 1942*, 1943*, 1944*, and 2012.
*Note: Due to World War II, no postcards were produced in 1942, 1943, and 1944.
Picking Up Your Commemorative Postcards: To participate in this fantastic initiative, you can visit any of the following locations in Whitley County to pick up your commemorative postcards:
- Columbia City – City Hall
- Whitley County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center/ Post & Mail Office
- Whitley County Historical Museum
- Peabody Public Library
- Big G’s Sports Cafe
- Murphy Jewelers
- Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce
- Blue River Digital Columbia City and Warsaw Offices
By visiting these establishments, not only will you have the opportunity to own a piece of Whitley County’s history, but you’ll also be supporting local businesses and community organizations.
Preserving the Legacy Together: Your involvement in locating the missing postcards will contribute to the preservation of Whitley County’s legacy for generations to come. As the community bands together to unearth these valuable artifacts, we can gain a deeper understanding of our past and the people who shaped our county.
Imagine holding a postcard that your ancestors might have received over a century ago, capturing the spirit of the community at that time. By filling the gaps in the collection, we can paint a more comprehensive picture of the historical evolution of Whitley County and its residents.
Conclusion: Whitley County’s annual tradition of sending invitation postcards holds a special place in the hearts of its residents. By picking up your commemorative postcards today and joining the search for the missing ones, you become part of an important effort to preserve history and celebrate the settlement of this great county. Take a step back in time, connect with the community’s past, and be a guardian of Whitley County’s heritage.
