1971 Main Street USA Postcard
I love amusement and theme park postcards. These brief snapshots in time let you share the excitement and exhilaration of visiting an amusement park or exotic location. At the turn of the twentieth century, people sent millions of postcards annually, making them the social media of their day. They frequently mailed the one-penny cards multiple times a day to stay in touch with friends.
Postcards were also used as forms of advertising and to showcase the unique offerings of a geographical area. Running across a postcard that has a postmark and a short message on the back is a true treasure.
This post card showcasing Main Street, U.S.A. is spectacular on so many levels. Big-Brian’s WDW in Postcards website is a wonderful resource for researching Walt Disney World postcards. He shares insight about the card that we are covering: 01110201.
This is an odd image for Disney to share. Why, you ask?
As Brian surmises, this is probably a pre-opening postcard. The image could be from a cast member preview or a construction preview event. Regardless, you see a fairly uncrowded view of Main Street with two vehicles carrying passengers. There is a large group of guests on the right side and I assume they are waiting on a character meet or a tour guide. Outside of the Emporium are several castmembers with long, dark skirts; presumable Emporium staff.
It’s simply not very crowded, which would not be the case during the first few months of operation.
Back of the Postcard
The back of the 1971 Main Street USA Postcard has the amazing Vacation Kingdom of the World logo and the cute pipe stove. The quote at the bottom:
MAIN STREET, U.S.A.
Chugging horseless carriages, gas lamps, and “Seaboard Victorian” elegance are all part of Main Street, U.S.A., where turn-of-the-century America lives again.
Postcards like this 1971 Main Street USA Postcard are more than just souvenirs—they’re windows into a magical past. They capture the charm, excitement, and nostalgia of a time when visiting Walt Disney World was a brand-new adventure. Holding one in your hands or even just seeing an image can transport you back to the sights, sounds, and feelings of Main Street, U.S.A. in its earliest days.
Do you collect vintage Disney postcards or have a favorite memory of Main Street, U.S.A.? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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