Épernay, France, ca early 1900s
This postcard produced by Catala Freres, Paris, features a black & white photograph of people enjoying a city park. The identifying number 78 and the title: Épernay -- Le Jard et le Kosque, are found at the upper center of the card. Edition: A. Rabat is printed at the lower right. This is an unused, divided back card and was found in a jumble of cards at an antique mall. France began issuing divided back postcards in 1904. Judging from the clothing of the women, we can estimate that the picture was taken around that time. On the reverse center line is: Catala Frères. Often the publisher or distributor is found along the center line.
It is always a treat to find pictures on old postcards that show ordinary people dressed in the styles of the day and doing everyday activities. A lady has a parasol, a man reading a letter or newspaper, children here and there. One can imagine that the kiosk may have been a place where musicians performed on summer evenings. Like some of the gardens or parks around palaces, this one also has statuary.
Berthaud Frères had a photo studio in Paris. The business expanded during the golden era of postcards into eight cities in France and was active from 1889 to 1908. Catala Frères succeeded Berthaud as owners but kept the same main address. It is not known exactly when Catala took over, but it was sometime during the first decade of the 20th century.
Épernay is a community about 80 miles or 130 km north-east of Paris. The town is on the left bank of the Marne River. From the 5th until the 10th century Épernay belonged to the archbishops of Reims. After that it become a possession of the counts of Champagne. It suffered heavy damage during the Hundred Years’ War and was burned in 1544 by Francis I. In 1642 it became part of the duchy assigned to the duc de Bouillon.
The oldest quarter of the town has narrow, irregular streets. As the town spread the surrounding suburbs are modern and spacious. This area is especially known for champagne wines. These are bottled and stored in large cellars built into the chalk rock on which the town is built. Other major industries include brewing, sugar refining, and the production of hats and caps. There are rail connections to Paris, Strasbourg, Reims, Metz, Nancy, and several regional destinations.
For additional information, see:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%89pernay
https://rthcards.co.uk/pclogos/data/BFPARIS/BFPARIS_01.html
