Memphis in Vintage Postcards

Book excerpt: Postcards are an important element of understanding our past, for they provide future generations a rare glimpse into a world that many times has disappeared under the aegis of expansion and progress. This book, containing over 175 vintage postcards, allows readers to see one of the South's most historic cities as it looked in the earlier part of the twentieth century--a time when the city was experiencing unparalleled growth. Memphis contains scenes of early river commerce, images of many historic hotels, such as the Peabody Hotel and Hotel Claridge, postcards of significant commercial buildings, as well as examples of the rapid development of downtown, showcasing Beale Street, Madison Avenue, and Main Street.