If this is Thursday it must be postcards, 717

 

 

 

 

 

Bronze statue of Ii Kamonnokami, Japanese statesman

 

This is an unused color-tinted postcard printed in Japan.  The blurb is found at the upper right corner on the front of the card and reads in English and Japanese:  “The bronze statue of Ii-Kamonnokami the famous statesman served for the opening the Port of Yokohama, rested on Mt. Kamon, Yokohama.  The card was found in a jumble box at a local antique mall.

 

Ii Naosuke (Kamonnokami) was born in 1815 and assassinated in 1860.  He held the position of Tokugawa shogunate, Japan, from 1858 until his death in 1860.  Most famous for signing the Harris Treaty with the United States that granted access to ports for trade with American merchants and seamen, he was also an accomplished practitioner of the Japanese tea ceremony.  At least two of his written works were about the tea ceremony. 

 

Ii was the youngest of 14 sons and not in line for a prominent position.  As a result, he was sent at an early age to a Buddhist temple where he lived on a small stipend from his family.  All 13 of his elder brothers either were adopted into other families that needed an heir or died before their father.  When his father died in 1850, Ii was called back from the monastery and reclaimed the Ii name.  He then became eligible for a position in the bakufu, council of the shogun’s advistors.  He became involved in politics and rose in power.   He alienated many reformists and ended up being assassinated by a group of Satsuma samurai on March 24, 1860.

 

The Treaty of Amity and Commerce of 1858 allowed the formal opening of Yokohama for foreign trade in 1859.  The port was a center for silk exports. 

 

The park where the statue is located on a hill in the city of Yokohama.  Although the statue was removed by the government’s metal recovery instructions in 1954, the city of Yokohama rebuilt it for the 100^th anniversary of the opening of the country.  There were about 200 cherry trees planted in the park in 1996. 

 

For additional information, see:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ii_Naosuke

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamonyama_Park

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_of_Yokohama

https://www.tota.world/article/339/

 

 

If this is Thursday it must be postcards, 716

 

 

 

 

 

La Cattedrale di San Giusto, anteriore al 1840 [Saint Justus, Trieste Cathedral, exterior ca 1840]

 

This is another postcard of three cards from a booklet set that was sent by my friend who lives in Italy.  There is no blurb on the reverse, only the title at the upper left corner.  On the reverse center line: “… Tipografia Villaggio del Fancliullo – Trieste” [printing or publishing house, Villaggio del Fancliullo, Trieste].  The featured illustration on the card looks as if it may be a watercolor painting.  Once again the picture includes people dressed in the clothing of yesteryear that provides us a glimpse of what it might been like in the mid 1800s.

 

This cathedral is one of the historical monuments in Trieste.  My friend says that even though the city has completely changed since the 13^th century, some buildings from that era are still standing including this one. 

 

The first religious building was constructed on this site in the 6^th century using part of an existing Roman structure.  Remains of the original mosaic flooring has been integrated into a modern floor.  Also, markings from the original Christian building can still be seen on the outer walls.  Between the 9^th and 11^th centuries two basilicas were erected on the ruins of the old church.  One was dedicated to Our Lady of Assumption and the second was dedicated to Saint Justus (San Giusto).  Then in the 14^th century more changes were made when one nave was demolished and the two basilicas were then joined.  This resulted in the construction of a asymmetrical façade, a Gothic rose window, and a new bell tower.  Romanesque debris stones were used in some of the remodeling.  In the 1930s archaeological excavations exposed more of the remains of the Roman forum and civic building.  Two lower-floor columns have been reconstructed.  

 

 

I found it fascinating and interesting that items from previous buildings were incorporated, saved, or reconstructed to enhance and preserve the history of the site and the building.  As always, thank you to my friend for sharing the card.

 

For additional information, see:

 

https://en.wikipedial.org/wiki/Trieste_Cathedral

 

If this is Thursday it must be postcards, 715

 

 

 

 

 

The Ducal Palace, Nevers, France, ca 1906 to 1915

 

The two unused postcards shared this week were part of a booklet set, consecutively numbered 6 and 7, found at the lower left.  The title centered at the bottom and the publishing house identified by the logo, letter P with ND in the middle and “hot.” under the top part of the letter P [ND Phot.].  The cards have divided backs and the typical greenish color common on vintage cards from France.  Not visible on the card are the fine perforation marks along the left margin where the cards were removed from the booklet set.  These two black & white postcards feature the city of Nevers and the Ducal Palace.

 

The Ducal Palace seen on the first card served as the residence castle of the counts and dukes of Nevers in the 15^th and 16^th centuries.  It is on the list of French historic monuments for 1840.  Built on a hill where an old fortress used to be, it is considered the first of the Loire castles.  It has been rebuilt and restored more than once during the intervening years.  The restoration project in the 1980s provided space for a town hall that included the mayor’s office and council chamber.  There are also a tourist office, exhibition halls, a reception area, a permanent exhibition on the history of the city, and an aquarium featuring Loire fish.  Pieces of 14^th century artillery were found during the restoration in 1988. 

  

 

 

Nevers, France, General View, ca 1906-1915

 

The general view of the city of Nevers is featured on the second card.  Nevers was first named Noviodunum and later Nevirnum by the Romans.  In 52 BCE Julius Caesar used this convenient position on the banks of the Loire River as a depot.  As a result, medals, coins and other Roman Antiquities have been found on the site.  At the end of the 5^th century, it became a seat of a Roman Catholic bishopric and it still is today.  Charters were obtained by the citizens in 1194 and 1231 and for a brief period the town was home to a university.  In 1565 the town became the seat of a branch of the Gonzaga family.  The Gonzaga Dukes of Nevers died out in 1708.  A number of products, such as porcelain, agricultural implements, glue, iron goods, boots, shoes, fur garments plus other things, are produced in the town which support the economy. 

 

 We can estimate the date to between 1906 and 1915 when the company was using the ND Phot. Logo; although, it is possible it was reprinted after the company combined with L.L. but continued to use the old logo.

 

 

Logo of the Neurdein postcard company

 

The photographer, Étienne Neurdein (1832-1918), established his business in 1864 and began publishing postcards in 1875 under the name Neurdein et Cie.  His brother, Louis-Antonin Neurdein (1846-1914), joined him in 1885 and together they owned and ran the company now called Neurdein Frères.  By 1906 they were using the ND Phot. logo.  Lévy and Letellier (L.L.) acquired existing Neurdein postcard plates and continued to offer them under the Neurdein ND logo but also under the L.L. logo.  In 1915 the name changed to Neurdein and then from 1916 to 1918 it was Neurdein & Cie.  The French government began funding the production of Algerian images to promote colonial tourism and private investment.  The cards had views of major cities and types and costumes of the local people.  Emile Crété acquired both companies in 1920 and published some cards under both ND and L.L.  Then in 1932 the joint company was further consolidated by Compagnie des Arts Potoméchaniques (CAP) although it remained at the same address.*

 

For additional information, see:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palais_ducal_de_Nevers

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nevers

https://www.archnet.org/authorities/9539

 

 *  *  *  *

 

  *[see also Reference:  Rebecca J. DeRoo “Colonial Collecting: French Women and Algerian Cartes Postales” in Postcards: Ephemeral Histories of Modernity, David Prochaska, and Jordana Mendelsohn, eds. (State College, Penn., Penn State University Press, 2010), 159-71]

 

 

 

If this is Thursday it must be postcards, 714

 

 

 

 

 

Wailua Falls, Maui, Hawaii

[Photograph by R. Wenkem]

 

Today’s unused postcard features a color photograph by R. Wenkem of Wailua Falls, Maui, Hawaii.  Published by Ray Helbig’s Hawaiian Service, Honolulu in 1951 the card has S-116 on the reverse center line at the top.  It is Mirro-Krome card by H.S. Crocker Co., Inc. of San Francisco, California.  It is identified as a Natural Color Card, Nani Li’I “Hawaiian for ‘Little Beauty.’”  At the upper left on the reverse is the blurb:  “Wailua Falls, Maui . . . near Hana; the falls are one of the many cascades that plunge into the sea from the Haleakala slopes, and provide a beautiful setting for camera fans stopping at the distinctive Hotel Hana-Maui.”  The card was most likely a souvenir available at the hotel.

 

The Hana Highway, also called The Road to Hana, connects the town of Hana to east Maui.  This highway is 64.4 miles long.  It is narrow and winding, so it takes about 2.5 hours to travel from Kahului to Hana by car.  One report showed 620 curves all through lush tropical rainforest.  There are bridges dating from 1910 that are still in use.  In 2000 President Bill Clinton designated it as the Hana Millennium Legacy Trail.  There is a stone monument and a Zero Mile marker at the junction of routes 36, 360, and 365.  In 2001 the highway was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Today the Hana Highway is a popular tourist attraction with many waterfalls and other attractions.  There are scenic turn outs including one for Wailua Falls. 

 

Haleakala crater is an active shield volcano located in East Maui.  It forms about 75% of Maui. The tallest peak is 10,023 ft or 3,055 m.  The last time it erupted was estimated in 1999 by the U.S. Geological Survey to have occurred between 1480 and 1600.  Even though it has not erupted in recent times it is still considered dormant rather than extinct.

 

Robert George Wenkam was a photographer, author, and book producer born in 1920 in Oakland, California.  He worked as a civil engineer with the Army Corps Engineers from 1941-1946.  In 1947 he worked as a civil engineer for Bogert Childs Association, of New York City.  Then in 1948 as an architect, designer for various firms in Honolulu.  From 1949 to 1976 he was an independent photographer.  In 1976 he was the owner, writer, photographer, of Wenkam/Candere Books, Honolulu.  Wenkam died in 2000 at the age of 80.

 

For additional information, see:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hana_Highway

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haleakal%C4%81

https://prabook.com/web/george.wenkam/358294

 

If this is Thursday it must be postcards, 713

 

 

 

 

 

San Giacomo [St. James], Trieste, Italy, 1854

 

This is one postcard in a booklet set.  It features a painting of San Giacomo, or St. James, church and part of the surrounding area.  My friend who lives in Trieste recently sent this card and two others from the set.  The only information about the picture is printed on the back of the card at the upper left:  “Nuova Chiesa di s. Giacomo in Trieste, 1854.”  My friend’s note on the card provided some additional information.  He says in part:  “This hill was a good place to see afar and protect the town from raids.  The neighborhood is very old around the cathedral. … It is a very urbanized quarter [now] so all the trees and field have disappeared, alas.  But it is quite lively, with foreign communities from the Balkans and it is a popular neighborhood, not yet gentrified or overwhelmed by tourism.”

 

Notice the detail on the church, the people’s clothing, the horse and wagon, and the hint of the landscape in the background.  The square in front of the church is called Campo San Giacomo.  The church was built between 1851 and 1854.  It seems likely that this picture on the card is representative of the way the church and square appeared when the church was new.  Today this part of the city, near the center of Trieste, is the most populous and houses about one quarter of the city inhabitants.  The neighborhood has every service from supermarkets, bars, taverns, restaurants, to schools.  There is also a “washhouse” that can be visited where a permanent exhibit tells the story of the washerwomen.  This same building is also a venue that can be used free of charge as a meeting place for citizen events and hosting cultural associations.

As always, thank you M for sending the card!

For additional information, see:

 

https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Giacomo_(Trieste)  [select translate option for English]

 

 

If this is Thursday it must be postcards, 712

 

 

 

 

 

 Woodland Park Zoo, Snow Leopard, Aibek

 

This week’s postcard was purchased at the Woodland Park Zoo gift shop and features the male snow leopard named Aibek.  The number 96583-46 is at the lower left corner on the reverse.  No photographer is credited nor is there an information blurb on the card. 

 

Bob and I have a friend who volunteers at the zoo.  She had been showing us pictures of the animals, including the snow leopards.  She said she didn’t have regular days or hours at the zoo but was often there.  We crossed our fingers and chose a sunny day to visit the zoo, hoping that she would be there.  And, she was!  She explained that leopards are solitary in the wild; therefore, Aibek, the male, and his mother, Helen, came out at different times.  While Marai, mate of Aibek, and the 3 cubs came out as a group.  All of the snow leopards are not out at the same time.  We asked if there was a time of day when it was most likely to see the mother and cubs.  She said it was not always at the same time. 

 

When we got to the snow leopard area viewing station, we could barely see Aibek who was sleeping on top of a rock with the sun on his back.  Our friend said she could tell which leopard it was by the pattern of spots on his coat.  The volunteer on duty came over to talk to her and explained that Aibek had been taking a snooze up there for more than an hour and a half.  Just at the moment, Aibek stretched and ambled down from the rock, posing briefly before moving to a less visible area in the enclosure.  We did not get to see the cubs, Lenny, Phillis and Raya, but we will go back another time and hope to see them also. 

 

 

Aibek coming down from the top of the rock where he had been taking a long nap

 

 

Aibek looking right at us

Since 1981 Woodland Park Zoo has been a conservation partner with the Snow Leopard Trust.  The zoo participates in a Snow Leopard Species Survival Plan working with other accredited zoos to ensure a healthy population.  In the wild their native home is in the high mountain ranges of Russia and in countries like Afghanistan, China, Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, and Pakistan. 

 

For more information about Woodland Park Zoo, see:

https://www.zoo.org/

https://www.zoo.org/snowleopards

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=Woodland+park+snow+leopards

 

If this is Thursday it must be postcards, 711

 

 

 

 

 

Giant City State Park, Makanda, Illinois, ca 1950

 

This used Genuine Curteich, “C.T. Photo-Finish” postcard features a black & white photograph of Shady Lane Drive in Giant City State Park, Makanda, Illinois.  The date 5-7-50 is handwritten at the center back above the message.  The photographer is identified as Bill Hedrich of Hedrich-Blessing Photographers.  This card does not have an information blurb; however, the title at the bottom on the front of the card shows the location of Shady Lane, Giant City State Park, Makanda, Illinois.  

. 

Giant City State Park was established in 1927 on more than 1100 acres acquired near Makanda, in Southern Illinois.  Makanda is a small village of about 550 people and was named after a local Native American chieftain.  A lodge and six cabins were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps [CCC] in 1934-1935 using harvested lumber and locally quarried sandstone.  The CCC also built the furniture for the lodge.  In 1985 the cabins and lodge were added to the National Register of Historic Places.  That same year the original cabins were replaced by replica cabins and several new cabins were added.  The lodge now houses a restaurant and gift shop.  The cabins are available as rentals for visitors to the park.  Today the park spans 4000 acres in Jackson and Union Counties.  It is a popular destination for hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, and rock climbing. 

 

The Hedrich Blessing Photographers company was founded in Chicago, Illinois in 1929 by Ken Hedrich and Henry Blessing.  It originally produced architectural photos.  A 50-year (1929-1979) collection of the pictures can be found at the Chicago History Museum.  The University of Chicago also as a collection in its photographic archive.  Although Blessing left the firm in 1931 the business continued to operate under the Hedrich-Blessing name.  Henrich’s two new partners were his brothers, Ed and Bill.  Bill is the person credited with the picture on this week’s card.  Later a third brother, Jack, joined them and was an administrator and the president for about 40 years.  Hedrich-Blessing continued as a family-run business until Jim Hedrich, Ken’s son, retired in 2003.  The studio finally closed in 2017. 

 

For additional information, see:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Makanda,_Illinois

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_City_State_Park

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hedrich_Blessing_Photographers