‘Historic PEI: Vintage postcards of Prince Edward Island,’ by Ed McKenna
A time capsule of postcards that reveal pieces of personal history across the province
While many are too busy instantly updating vacation details on social media, there was a time – not too long ago – when writing a tidbit on the back of a postcard and taking time to mail it was a genuine thrill. Edward (Ed) McKenna has an extensive collection of vintage postcards from the three P.E.I. counties – Prince, Queens, and Kings – including Summerside and Charlottetown. The postcards date back to the early 20th century, with scores of longgone scenes.
Some postcards contain an interesting memento handwritten or worded through a typewriter between sweethearts, relatives, friends, business associates, and even strangers on P.E.I. While others allow the picture to convey all the emotion such as, the burning of St. Dunstan’s Cathedral, dated 1913.
This collection of postcards will bring back memories of places such as Leo Coyle’s restaurant in Summerside, the old railway station, Shaw’s hotel in Brackley Beach, the interior lounge of the S.S. Charlottetown in 1932, crossing the Northumberland Strait by ferry, to name but a few.
Romantic postcards add to the collection. One is a colour view of a maid kissing a gentleman sitting at a table under the caption, “I like an appetizer before breakfast.” Another colour view is of a man on a rock holding a lady over the water under the caption, “I got a girl all my own in Kensington.”
Postcards are even dated during the First and Second World War. The romantic images and poetry on the front reveal hidden messages of the intense emotions felt, which were often too hard to capture in words or even forbidden from revealing.
McKenna has creatively shed light, with a personal touch, on the captivating and treasured past of P.E.I.
The Charlottetown author and avid postcard collector has scenes of sandy beaches, vessels locked in winter ice, vibrant local communities, and aerial views on the patchwork of farmlands. The small pieces of art include giddy romances, patriotism, and a look over the years at the distinctive Island architecture.
While studying his collection of over 3,000 postcards, it soon became apparent for McKenna that the most joy would come from sharing his interest with others. This nostalgic collection of postcards will not only interest Islanders, but tourists seeking a deeper appreciation for the heritage of P.E.I.