The Party Line

The stereotype of women being the only gender who enjoys a bit of gossip is one of the reasons I just love this postcard. The artist; John Morton, captures a bit of grin after the old man hears some juicy news and the name The Party Line is perfect.

Before World War II, most people who had telephone service in their homes were part of a party line. You would share a line with up to twenty people, each having their own "ring." Because this line was shared anyone on the same line could pick up their receiver and listen in on the conversation.

This postcard was reproduced from the October Cover of the Successful Farming Pub. Company of Des Moines, Iowa in 1914. A mainstay in most farmers homes the magazine featured new farming and animal advances, and for the ladies recipes and the latest home decorating trends. As was the custom of the day, postcards were given as small gifts or premiums with the added advantage of advertising their product.

I thought this postcard would be a great image for a vintage contact page so I scanned the card at 300 PPI for good resolution and then cleaned it up on Photoshop, this image is free for you to use and enjoy.