The beauty of collecting vintage and secondhand postcards lies in the layers of history they occupy. Sometimes, a single piece of card acts as a bridge between three different eras: the time the photograph was taken, the moment the message was scribbled, and the present day where we rediscover it.
This addition to my collection—a charming scene of Old Cottages in Georgeham, North Devon—is a perfect example of this "temporal nesting." Purchased during my years of scouring antique fairs and paper ephemera markets, it tells a story of builders, long-delayed apologies, and the enduring appeal of the English thatched cottage.
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| Old Cottages, Georgeham, Devon |
The Scene: A Technicolor Devon Dream
At first glance, the front of the postcard transports us back to the late 1960s or early 1970s. The vibrant, slightly saturated colours are typical of the printing style of that era.
The image features a picturesque row of white-washed, thatched cottages in the village of Georgeham, nestled in the North Devon countryside near the surfing beaches of Croyde and Putsborough. Two classic cars dominate the foreground, acting as perfect date stamps for the photography:
A light blue Austin/Morris Mini with what looks like surfboards or kayaks strapped to the roof—a nod to Georgeham’s proximity to the coast.
A dark purple Vauxhall Viva HC Estate (registration FYG 328J, which dates to 1970/71), parked proudly in the lane.
The cottages themselves represent the quintessential Devon aesthetic. With their thick cob walls, "eyebrow" windows tucked under the thatch, and manicured gardens behind stone walls, they look like a film set for a rural drama.
The Message: "It Found Its Way Back Here!"
While the image is a window into the 70s, the reverse of the card brings us to June 26, 2004. Written from Ashford, the message is a delightful piece of social history. The sender, writing to "Ellen & Peter," offers a classic excuse for a late reply:
"We do apologize for lack of communication. Took this card to Devon, got busy with builders, & it found its way back here!"
There is something incredibly relatable about carrying a postcard around on holiday, intending to send it, only to find it at the bottom of a suitcase weeks after returning home.
Mapping the Home
What makes this specific card a gem for any collector is the annotated detail. The sender uses the postcard as a literal map to show their friends where they live (or perhaps where they were staying/renovating).
The handwriting identifies their specific portion of the terrace:
The Windows: From the right, upper windows 5, 6, 7, and 8 are identified as theirs.
The Entrance: The front door is noted as the "3rd porch over that blank wall."
The Architecture: They even drew a small "house" icon to show a section that "disappears behind yet another cottage."
The sender also notes with some surprise that this specific postcard design was "still available at local P.O. [Post Office] after 28 years!" This confirms the collector’s suspicion—the photo was likely taken in the mid-70s, but the card was still being sold off a rotating rack in a village shop three decades later.
Why This Card Matters to My Collection
I have purchased many postcards over the years, but I am always drawn to those where the sender interacts with the image. When someone circles a window or points to a garden gate, the card ceases to be a mass-produced souvenir and becomes a personal document.
It captures a moment in 2004 when a couple was navigating the stresses of "builders" and planning a visit for "Tues 28th until Tues 5th October." It’s a reminder that these chocolate-box cottages aren't just museum pieces; they are homes where people deal with renovations, missed mail, and the scheduling of reunions.
Georgeham: Then and Now
Georgeham remains one of North Devon’s most sought-after villages. Famous for its links to Henry Williamson (author of Tarka the Otter), it has retained its character despite the passage of time.
If you were to stand in this same spot today, you would find that while the cars have changed to modern SUVs and the thatch has likely been replaced several times, the "Old Cottages" remain virtually identical to the image on this card. That is the magic of Devon’s conservation—a continuity that makes a 1970s photograph of a 2004 residence feel relevant in the 2020s.
Tips for Postcard Collectors
If you’re looking to start your own collection of local history, keep an eye out for:
Street Scenes with Cars: These are the easiest way to date the photography regardless of when the card was posted.
Annotated Backs: Cards where the sender marks "our room" or "we sat here" add a layer of human narrative.
Local Post Office Editions: These often have smaller print runs than the big national publishers and capture more "niche" village corners.
