Postcards from Prospect Park

When Prospect Park opened to the public in 1867, it instantly became a beloved destination for millions of visitors. Hundreds of postcards featuring the Park were produced and sent, accompanied by handwritten messages—often on the front of the card, as was the custom in that era. Each of these cards is a time capsule of 19th-century life. Here, read a few of the postcards collected in the Prospect Park Archives.

“This is where Minnie plays tennis from Decoration Day to Thanksgiving. Perhaps she is even in this picture.” 1905

Prospect Park Archives/Bob Levine Collection

“Dear Anna – This is one of the prettiest sights in the Park to me. This is ideal. We must spend some of our time together out there on your next visit.”  1905

Prospect Park Archives/Bob Levine Collection

“Will you come for a row with me?”  September 10, 1906

Prospect Park Archives

“Dear Mama,
We arrived safely after a very rough voyage. Almost everyone was seasick but I was fortunate and enjoyed the trip very much. The first thing I saw in N.Y. was a horse car.
Love, Edna” August 16, 1905

Prospect Park Archives

“Well Vivian this is all I have to do tonight is write cards – this is one of the most beautiful parks in Brooklyn. Clyde” 

See postcards and many more artifacts from Prospect Park's history in The Means of a Ready Escape: Brooklyn's Prospect Park, an exhibition at the Brooklyn Historical Society, on view now through September 2018. 

Binnen Bridge, 1908

Prospect Park Archives/Bob Levine Collection

Grand Army Plaza, 1905

Prospect Park Archives/Bob Levine Collection

"Greetings from Brooklyn"

Prospect Park Archives/Bob Levine Collection

Peristyle, 1922

Prospect Park Archives/Bob Levine Collection

Sheep grazing in the Long Meadow, 1924

Prospect Park Archives/Bob Levine Collection