Postmarked & Tipsy

We had questions about National Postcard Week… so we asked one of the organizers.In this episode of Postmarked & Tipsy, we talk with Raina van Setter about the history of National Postcard Week, what people actually do during it, and why postcards are still relevant today.Topics include:📬 What National Postcard Week is (and how it started in 1984)📬 How people participate (designing, swapping, sending postcards)📬 What “deltiology” means📬 Postcrossing and global postcard exchange📬 Why postcards still feel personal in a digital worldWe’re also heading to the Boston 2026 World Expo—so this conversation is just the beginning.What would you write on a postcard knowing anyone could read it?🔔 Subscribe for more postcard stories, history, and questions

“We’re on our way… but we don’t know where we’re going.”In this episode of Postmarked & Tipsy, we explore a 1943 postcard from Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico—and it might be one of the most unsettling yet.The message is short, but loaded:“The car is packed clear up to the ceiling… we don’t expect to be there long… we don’t know where we’ll go from there.”That’s not a vacation.That’s a departure.🚗 Glen and Elsie: Leaving Everything BehindFrom what we can tell:• They packed everything they owned• They were heading to Salt Lake City• And they had no plan beyond thatWhich raises immediate questions:👉 Why leave so suddenly?👉 Why take everything?👉 Why not know where you’re going?It feels less like travel…And more like escape.🏜️ The Setting: Carlsbad CavernsThe postcard image shows flowing limestone formations—described as “fabric carved from stone.”A frozen, beautiful moment…In contrast to what feels like a very uncertain journey.🍹 Tavern Drink: Chimayó CocktailTo match the New Mexico setting, this episode features a Chimayó cocktail:• Tequila• Apple cider• Lemon juice• Crème de cassisTart, refreshing, and just a little unexpected.🚂 Cold Read: Travel Chaos ContinuesThe cold read adds another layer:• A fragmented message about train travel• Coffee, sandwiches, and not-so-great meals• And possibly… multiple postcards sent in sequenceWhich raises a different kind of question:👉 Were people documenting their journeys in real time?👉 And how many postcards did it take to tell one story?❓ Final ThoughtTwo people.A packed car.No clear destination.Did they make it?Because as always—we have questions.

“I thought you might like this for your collection…”In this episode of Postmarked & Tipsy, a simple postcard turns into something unexpectedly layered.This postcard from 1940 shows Bridal Veil Falls in Oregon…but the message is about something else entirely.A visit to Meier & Frank — one of the largest department stores in the country — becomes the real highlight.We explore consumer culture, travel, and what people chose to write about.

“Wouldn’t it be nicer… just family?”In this episode of Postmarked & Tipsy, a seemingly polite postcard reveals something much sharper underneath.This postcard from 1940 looks polite — but it’s doing a lot more than it seems.A message about a Bridge party turns into a masterclass in passive-aggressive communication.We break down what’s really being said… and what definitely isn’t.

“We’re so sorry we didn’t see you Sunday…”In this episode of Postmarked & Tipsy, we read a postcard where:Ginny had a choice.Option 1:Spend Easter with her mother.Option 2:Drive to the mountains.She chose the mountains.

“Crossed the lake last night… moonlight and everything.”In this episode of Postmarked & Tipsy, we read a 1939 postcard from the Warm Friend Tavern in Holland, Michigan—and what looks like a simple travel note quickly opens the door to something much bigger.

“I collect postcards, hankies… and pen pals.”In this episode of Postmarked & Tipsy, a postcard from the summit of Mount Washington sent in 1947 turns into something that feels less like a travel update… And more like a personal ad.

“I miss you… I love you… I’m having a great time.”In this episode of Postmarked & Tipsy, we read a 1939 postcard that feels… contradictory.The sender writes home to his family: “I miss you… I love you… I can’t wait to get away… I am having a great time.”Wait—what?

“We’re on our way… but we don’t know where we’re going.”In this episode of Postmarked & Tipsy, we explore a 1943 postcard from Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico—and it might be one of the most unsettling yet.