Antique & Vintage Postcards

Draped in tropical lushness — coconut palms swaying overhead, bougainvillea blazing at the gate, louvered shutters thrown open to the Keys breeze — the Little White House at Key West, Florida exudes the languid ease that made it President Harry S. Truman's favorite presidential retreat. Truman visited eleven times during his presidency, conducting official business from this modest two-story clapboard house at the U.S. Naval Station. This chrome-era card captures the building in its Truman-era prime, the iconic "SLOW" warning sign visible at the street corner. The back is densely written sideways in a flowing hand by a traveler to their friend back in Attica, Indiana, describing beautiful weather, a pleasant motel, and "dinner and dancing" outings around Miami. Postmarked February 26, 1952 — just months before Truman's presidency would end — with a patriotic "New Hope for Hearts — Support the Heart Fund" machine slogan cancel.