Antique & Vintage Postcards

The warm red brick of the Wadsworth-Longfellow House fills the frame of this hand-coloured white-border postcard, while an oval inset portrait of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow — white-bearded, dignified, gazing into the middle distance — anchors the upper left corner, reminding the viewer that this Federal-style mansion on Congress Street was the boyhood home of America's most beloved nineteenth-century poet. Built by General Peleg Wadsworth in 1785–1786, it was the first brick house in Portland and the place where young Henry absorbed the New England landscapes and seafaring lore that would later animate "Evangeline," "The Song of Hiawatha," and "Paul Revere's Ride." Published by The Eastern News Co. of Portland, Maine, the card carries the catalogue number 28418 and features the company's charming trademark of a newsboy striding with papers underarm. Unused and clean, it would make a fine addition to any Maine history or American literary landmarks collection.