As August rolls around, we are now in the thick of summer vacation season. And here I open my sixth postcard post with a destination that sees a lot of tourism this time of year. I’m talking about Florida, the land of sunshine, Disney World, beaches, Everglades, Cape Canaveral, hurricanes, political dysfunction, climate change endangerment, sink holes, and crazy tabloid news stories not involving celebrities. Florida is a state with something for everyone unless you’re into stuff like winter, higher elevations, dry land, Medicaid expansion, social justice for poor and minorities, fair election practices, home owner’s insurance, ecological stability, or any sense of normalcy. Let’s just say it’s a great place to visit but not somewhere I’d want to live. Still, I probably have more crazy vintage postcards on these kind of posts than from any other state. Mostly because Florida has always been a huge tourist destination since the early 20th century thanks to Gilded Age railroad construction, a couple real estate booms, and the inventions of air conditioning and highways. But even before Disney World, it had seen a lot of vacationers. Another reason is that a lot of these postcards contain a lot of weird shit. Still, I can show you some picturesque vintage postcards which will bore you to tears. So I’ll stick to the crazy postacards instead for your reading pleasure. Enjoy.
- In 1962, Seattle was home to the world’s largest birthday cake.
And no, it wasn’t for Bill Gates or Starbucks either. Still, you could probably feed all of Seattle with it.
2. A long hoagie like this would make Subway seethe with envy.
Yet, George didn’t hide his disdain having to assemble that sandwich on minimum wage. I’m sure we’ve been this guy at one point in our lives.
3. Matanuska is well-known for its large cabbage.
Actually it’s a place in Alaska known for its glacier and Sarah Palin. But you wouldn’t know that from the postcard. Also, you can see Russia from it.
4. Ladies and gentlemen, I bring you Tony Canepa and his dancing family.
He and his wife always dreamed of having as many children for their own football team. That or they wanted a chorus line.
5. Washington state’s Cape Disappointment surely lives up to its name.
Well, at least the name’s honest. Caption reads: “Rugged outcropping of land guarding the mouth of the Mighty Columbia River. This area is referred to as the ‘Graveyard of the Pacific’ and here is seen the lighthouse to guide the sailors.”
6. Of course, not everyone can smile when their dad runs for office.
Only the St. Bernard seems happy in this photo. I can totally understand why the guy’s family wants to be supportive. Yet, on the other hand, it might mean lots of adjustment.
7. How about a big “howdy” from Texas?
That has to be one of the freakishly horrifying giant cowboys I’ve seen in my life. For the love of God, take that down before it haunts my dreams.
8. Who remembers the Acromaniacs a.k.a. The Three Little Bakers?
Or as some call them, “Those three rich assholes who saw themselves better than anyone. And would shove people into lockers when no teacher was looking.”
9. At this little mini town, Sadie can now emulate Raquel Welch from Attack of the 50 Foot Woman.
Okay, I’m just kidding on that one. But still, I wouldn’t trust a kid near stuff like that.
10. Crawford’s Market brings the World Largest Cheese to the LA County Fair.
Still, you don’t see Alice in Dairy Land cut the cheese. For a silent and deadly stench may doom us all.
11. Cash will always make the holidays happier.
From Bad Postcards: “It looks like the girl is getting ready to vomit on her brother’s present.” The dad doesn’t seem too thrilled either.
12. Looks like it’s happy hour wherever this guy is.
Looks like someone’s cocktail could use a little more cowbell. Not sure how that would work out.
13. “This Attractive New Work Handling Equipment Cuts Work Handling Costs!”
That slogan sounds redundant and vague. Also, that woman looks like she wants whoever’s talking to shut up.
14. “Oh, Suzy, why do you always have to look at trains? It’s most unladylike.”
“Why can’t you be normal and read magazines other girls like such as celebrity tabloids? Or ones catering to feminine insecurities?”
15. Bonat hair dryers are fit for any beauty salon these days.
After all, on the Enterprise, you’d need different dryers for different kinds of hair. Not sure which one a Klingnon would use.
16. This BTC Beverage Cooler chills up to 288 bottles.
Also great for freezing the remains of your dead husband you murdered for the insurance money. I’m no one will recognize Charlie after Mildred has chopped off his limbs and torso.
17. Nobody could ever resist Halliday plastics for the home.
From Bad Postcards: “I’ll take two plastic dresses, a plastic clown, and the stackable plastic bowls. Figure my bill, please. I’m running late for a Tupperware party.” Available at your local landfill, ocean, or beach.
18. The ADDO-X Plus is a well tuned adding machine.
Though Adelaide has thoughts about dropping it on Nancy after work. Because Nancy always has to be better at crunching numbers than her in accounting. She must be stopped.
19. A secretary is never happy without two typewriters on her desk.
She uses one for her office related tasks. And she uses the other for recording thoughts of existential dread in her soul crushing existence.
20. Caryl Richards WIDE WIDE WAVE gives your hair more body to style your hair your way.
Of course, she received her new do from one of Whoville’s finest hair salons. And she looks utterly fabulous.
21. You’re in for a jolly Roger good time with a Pirates of the Caribbean themed bachelor party.
Drinks available will be Captain Morgan and Bacardi rum. Stay for a visit from Captain Jackie Sparebra. So you can yo, ho, ho all night with these ladies.
22. In Washington state, it’s apple picking time.
But keep in mind a woman’s lipstick has to match the color. Also, this could’ve been taken anywhere.
23. In the summertime, there’s nothing more fun than zip-lining. Women love zip-lining.
And she has to do it wearing no helmet whatsoever. Not necessarily a stellar example in safety.
24. Hairstyles Unlimited: for your constant loveliness.
Or the kind of salon you’d imagine Willie Wonka run if he worked as a hairdresser instead of a confectioner. He’d still have slave labor doing the actual styling though.
25. “Millionaire softened water makes me feel so good all over-why not try it?”
Still, how did she get out of the bath with full makeup, perfect hair, and high heeled shoes? I don’t understand it.
26. Huntington Maintenance and Sanitation products ensure quality cleanliness.
Still, this guy is just full of himself. For God’s sake he has his one image on a barrel.
27. “Seasons Greetings from Texas.”
Does it even snow in that state? Cause that just doesn’t look like Texas to me. To think this snow scene is from Texas defies all logical explanation.
28. This bamboo rake will rake in profits for you.
Like you didn’t know money grows on trees. Also, that background looks fake.
29. A beach vacation will always give you fun in the sun.
But with the right hairspray, your hair will be perfect even after hit by a tidal wave. Also, she has bad tan lines that I almost thought her swimsuit fell apart.
30. Here we have a Native American brave emerging from his wigwam.
Now this would be fine if this postcard came from the Midwest. But it’s actually from New York state. So why he’s wearing a warbonnet is beyond me.
31. Always fight for God, country, and flag.
Yet, this kind of imagery reflects the white Christian nationalism that got Donald Trump elected. And despite the pageantry, Trump doesn’t go to church, isn’t a patriot, and sure doesn’t respect the flag.
32. Electrolux gives you cleaning pleasure.
Like how is that a thing? I can’t even fathom that. Vacuums are incessant noise machines, damn it!
33. Behold, the world’s first automatic post office.
Guess this doesn’t make the postal workers happy. Automation has killed a lot of jobs for decades.
34. “How about I aim for that rabbit over there?”
Looking at their faces, I’m not sure if they know what they’re doing. Then again, they may not be aiming at an animal.
35. Come to Ralph’s Restaurant, home of the char-glo steaks.
What’s a char-glo steak? Is it a piece of steak grilled over uranium? Cause I’m not sure if I want to eat that.
36. You don’t know the real meaning of emancipation until you see the giant Abraham Lincoln statue.
On the bright side, at least this cartoonish statue isn’t in Gettysburg. And no, old Abe isn’t giving the finger despite your initial impressions.
37. Beauty Line shutters provide a perfect, “finishing touch.”
For some reason, advertisers seemed believe they can use scantily clad women to sell anything. Also, shutters are mostly considered window dressing these days anyway.
38. Kenny Kangaroo is here to give you fond memories.
For the love of God, keep your kids away from this costumed kangaroo. He may seem friendly but you’ll soon find yourself in a windowless van headed for some rich guy’s sex dungeon in who knows where.
39. Hi there! Heard you missed Sunday school last week.
Courtesy of the First Methodist Church of Stepford, apparently. I think they might be robots. Or folks who lure black people for seniors to assume their identities.
40. Here we come to a man sitting near a world class polar bear from Siberia that he shot and mounted.
Posing with a polar bear might make him feel like a badass. But in reality, he’s probably compensating for something. Seriously, that’s not cool.
41. You’ll always have a ball at the beach.
But it’s all fun and games until little Timmy shits his pants. Then he gets very cranky.
42. The lily pond always has the prettiest flowers.
Yet, she doesn’t seem the least bit disturbed about being a smorgasbord for mosquitoes. And let’s just say you don’t want to get malaria or Zika.
43. At the beach, there’s always “fun among the sea oats.”
You can get plenty of innuendo in this one. Are you feeling the oats?
44. Strategy in WWII hasn’t been brought to life like this before.
This wax display doesn’t seem lifelike at all. Dwight Eisenhower doesn’t seem to be contributing much at all. He’s in the right corner by the way.
45. Crazy Johnnie’s taxidermy has everything for your big game decorating needs.
This is kind of disturbing. Even more disconcerting are the bear stuff and the baby seal mount. Seriously, what monster would kill a baby seal?
46. “Have you had your thermal bath?”
Neither woman seems to mind being wrapped cocoons. For all they know, the staff could kill them in their sleep and throw them in the river.
47. This woman has kind of a cheesy disposition.
Wallace, may I introduce you to the perfect woman. She has all her curds in the right places. So who am I to diss a brie?
48. And you thought a car ride was too much to bear. Not anymore.
Though that bear is kind of small. But I sure don’t want that guy being behind the wheel. Might become lunch on the way.
49. Looks like Wally finally caught that big fish.
However, it makes catching big tuna seem way too easy than it really is. Still, hope that beach doesn’t have a catch and release policy.
50. Come to Groton, Connecticut, “The Submarine Capital of the World.”
The postcard would be fine if it had shown an actual submarine. This is a motorboat. Guess a sub wasn’t available for the photoshoot.
51. Here we witness a dramatic reenactment of the Cherokee Harvest Dance.
Chief Kevin was unimpressed by Pete and Bob’s imitation of Cirque du Soleil. Yet, Margaret was absolutely bored out of her mind.
52. Come to Kalaska, Michigan for the National Trout Festival.
Tonight we feature giant zombie trout that devours fishermen whole with impunity. Many fishing enthusiasts don’t dare face the dreaded fish for fear they’ll never be seen again.
53. Greetings from Daytona Beach, the world’s most famous beach.
And here we have a line of women in swimsuits to entice men to go there. And all pretty much have to look somewhat the same but not wear the same outfit.
54. This little girl caught a fish that couldn’t fit in her wagon.
Sure it’s about as big as she is. And yes, she probably had help from her parents. But can’t you let a little girl be proud of her achievements for God’s sake?
55. “We are looking for you this Sunday.”
Funny how such illustrations in these church postcards make you wonder if there’s something sinister going on. Those people’s faces are incredibly creepy.
56. This Christmas, let R&R Toy be your Santa and make your seasons jolly.
Oh, hell no! Not nightmare Santa Claus. Why the hell is he near that kid? Doesn’t anyone have any idea how dangerous he is around children?
57. Jesus can show you the way toward life.
Because the road to death only leads to a long drop from a cliff. So yes, Jesus saves and not just a lot on your car insurance.
58. Bible Land brings you to a Garden of Life.
Still, admission to this place isn’t cheap. In fact, it will cost you 5 loaves, 2 fishes, and firstborn. Though you can slaughter a lamb and put its blood on your door to avoid paying the last part.
59. The diver has a rather spongy disposition.
Yes, those are some sponges. And no, you shouldn’t use them to clean your house or dishes.
60. An Alaskan wolf is a particularly vicious beast.
Sorry, but taxidermy just doesn’t make this animal look at all intimidating. Besides, wolves aren’t that ferocious except when protecting their cubs.
61. Come to behold the scenic beauty of Balanced Rock.
That’s just a huge boulder. Why the hell does this make a worthy postcard? I don’t understand.
62. Come to Chappaquiddick, Massachusetts to admire the wondrous Dyke Bridge.
You remember this one-lane bridge as the place where Ted Kennedy nearly destroyed his political career. Heard they have a guide to show you where Mary Jo Kopeche died while being trapped in her car.
63. It’s always a magical visit to the Castle of Gnomes.
Don’t worry, kids. They’re just made of porcelain. No, they’re not trying to kill you or haunt your dreams. You just have a vivid imagination. Nothing to see here.
64. You can meet the deer close up at Mt. Rainier National Park.
Still, if a deer loses its fear of humans, that’s not good. Also, that girl, well, I heard her dad’s supposed to be a hairy sasquatch wandering the woods and eluding anyone trying to look for him.
65. Behold, the majestic beauty of the Blowing Rock.
Once again, that’s just a rock. There’s nothing remarkable about it. Besides, how is it supposed to be “blowing?”
66. “Greetings from Kansas.”
Doesn’t look very exciting does it? For God’s sake I think it could attract tourism it included at least a tornado.
67. The Salesmate is a new portable audio-visual selling tool.
You mean they had portable TV you can fold up from a suitcase? Why haven’t I heard of this?
68. “Howdy from Nevada.”
Seems like it consists of a long stretch of a desert highway. Though the purple mountains majesties are pretty. But that’s not why most people go to Nevada.
69. Candle Art Creations always try to please.
I’m sure acid had something to do with some of their designs. Not sure if I’d want any of these in my home.
70. Flower Fresh Cleaning keeps your living room as good as new.
From Bad Postcards: “Housewife Winifred notices that Hank, her Duraclean Man, looks tired from a long day of cleaning and offers him a chair massage. Hank, always the willing reciprocator at house calls, offers Winifred a “special” foot bath that will satisfy two of his fetishes: suds and feet.”
The Lone Girl in a Crowd 