Historical information

Postcard shows cable trams and many pedestrians in Collins St. 'The Block' described the buildings and footpaths in the area bounded by Collins St, Elizabeth St, Bourke St and Swanston St. From the early years, this was the commercial heart of Melbourne, where the well-off promenaded (walked) to see and be seen by other notable people and where before cable trams the network of horse omnibuses drove in a loop to collect passenger.

Before the telephone, postcards were often used to send brief personal or business messages to others in Melbourne or further afield. There were eleven postal deliveries each week (two on weekdays, one on Saturdays) and postcards were cheaper than telegrams.

Significance

Yields information about Collins St, The Block and the use of postcards for short messages.

Physical description

Coloured postcard with title on front and detailed personal message, delivery address but no stamp on rear.

Inscriptions & markings

On front 'Collins Street The Block' and 'Melbourne'. On rear is a long hand written personal message written in ink, postcard markings and 'Ward, Lock & Co Ltd'.