In honor of that dreaded phrase, “Back to School”—and the fact that Laurel’s early public schools actually had a number of picture postcards (many of which appear in the book)—you can order Postmark Laurel this week for $30! That’s a savings of 25%, or $10 off each book. But it’s this week only, so get it while you can!
Postmark Laurel, my new 280-page hardcover anthology of historic postcards from our hometown, has finally been printed and is in stock!
I’ve completed mailings to all the Kickstarter campaign supporters who helped make it possible, and it’s wonderful hearing how well the book is being received.
Of course, no compliment was greater than seeing my mom’s reaction when she realized that the book was dedicated to her.
If you have family or friends with a longtime connection to Laurel, I’m sure they’re going to enjoy this book. The postcards span a range from the early 1900s to the 1990s, and feature many buildings, businesses, landmarks you’ll remember—and many you’ve probably never seen before.
Order yours now at postmarklaurel.com, and get it while you can—the short run supply is limited.
After a successful Kickstarter campaign, I’m excited to report that my new book, Postmark Laurel, is being printed as we speak!
The book is a whopping 280 pages of historic postcards from Laurel, and every edition is hardcover.
You can pre-order to reserve your copy now through the PayPal link below.
Delivery is expected before July 2019. Supply will be limited, and orders will be fulfilled on a first come, first served basis.
$40 + s/h
Nearly five years ago, I launched a Kickstarter campaign that resulted in the successful publishing of my very first book—Lost Laurel. It was a tremendous experience; and the crowdfunding aspect allowed me to create a better product and make it available to a broader audience. In addition to selling the entire supply, I was able donate copies to Laurel High School and the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (where I worked throughout high school and college, shelving books!)
In the years since, many folks have asked me, “When will you create another book?” I’m happy to report that I’m doing exactly that. In fact, while there are three other books that I’m currently working on with the Laurel History Boys, I’ve officially launched the Kickstarter campaign for this one—Postmark Laurel: Historic Picture Postcards of Laurel, Maryland.
The book is a surprisingly diverse collection of over 120 different postcards from Laurel, dating from the early 1900s to the late 1980s, faithfully reproduced at full size—front and back.
In fact, the correspondence on some of the cards is often as charming as the cards themselves. Check out this one, and remember that it was mailed from laurel 110 years ago:
The Kickstarter campaign will help fund the printing and distribution of a first run of books, and it’s also a chance for you to have a part in its creation. As an early backer of the project, your name will appear printed in the book’s acknowledgments. There are also different pledge levels, in which you can not only purchase the book, but some of the original historic postcards themselves!
The campaign runs for 30 days, and is an all-or-nothing endeavor. So please make your pledges now, and share the link with friends and family to ensure that the minimum goal is met. If the goal is exceeded, I can upgrade the book—including making a hardcover edition.
If funded, all books should be printed and delivered by this July—plenty of time for Christmas gifts!
Click here or the image below to visit the official Kickstarter page and reserve your copies now!
Chances are, you’ve seen at least one vintage Laurel postcard in your life before. Maybe it was a 1950s picture of the Laurel (Tastee) Diner. Or more likely, it was a memento from Laurel’s most popular attraction throughout the past century, Laurel Park Racecourse.
Admittedly, I can’t recall having seen any postcards of Laurel while I was growing up there in the 1980s. By then, most had been relegated to personal scrap books (and unfortunately, quite a few probably ended up in garbage cans). The Laurel Historical Society has undoubtedly preserved many, and the Laurel Library has at least thoughtfully photocopied some of the oldest examples.
But what if I told you that there have likely been well over 100 picture postcards of Laurel, Maryland produced since the early 1900s? Many of them featuring motels, restaurants, and street scenes that have long-since disappeared… and a few that actually still exist today.
John Floyd II has amassed a tremendous collection of original Laurel postcards over the course of several years, and was kind enough to lend me his entire album to be scanned and shared. Here now are over 80 cards, front and back. Some bear interesting correspondence and postmarks, others are as blank as they were the day they were first purchased—undoubtedly in Laurel.
Lost Laurel 