Postcards in Time
In this issue of FLL, we’ve focused on how we—as a community—have come back from this overwhelming and historic pandemic. Books will be written and documentaries made on the various aspects of this plague. It has altered every aspect of our society, and we have each struggled to find a way to preserve what we value and to deepen our appreciation of those intangibles—love, connection, family, and friendships.
In 2020, both of my adult children were living across the country from me. Watching the news and anticipating a shut-down in March 2020, a few days before it went into effect, I wandered into a small booth in downtown Lancaster’s Building Character. I was on a mission to restock my vintage (or just old!) postcard supplies, so that each day I would be able to send a card to my children—making sure they felt our connection, but also tapping into events of the past to remind them: This too shall pass. People before us lived, loved, traveled, and sent messages to remind their loved ones that they were loved and thought of. I was going to do the same. Days turned into weeks, and as we all know, a year, and my daily postcard writing to my children expanded to my friends and other family. As we each assess what got us through this horrific period in our lives, mine would have to include my postcard ritual. I wanted to let the owner of this postcard, picture, and book shop know how much their wares meant to me. A little research and I found the proprietor: Erin Waters.
I discovered that Waters is much more than a seller of postcards. Her LinkedIn account details an extensive and varied educational experience—from Phillips Exeter Academy, to studying Russian at Hamilton College and Museum Studies at NYU. She interned at Sotheby’s, and volunteered for nearly two years with AmeriCorps. She speaks fluent Russian. And today, she makes her primary living not from selling my cherished postcards, but dealing in 19th and 20th century photographs (including what I have discovered are quite valuable daguerreotypes). I asked the very busy Erin Waters a few questions to explore the world of postcard and photography collecting and selling.
Fine Living Lancaster (FLL): Ms. Waters, thank you for taking a few minutes to explore the magic behind what many of us probably have tucked away in our basements or attics—old photographs, cards, etc. First I’d like to ask, how did you go from studying Russian history and language to being a dealer in the photography world?
Erin Waters (EW): Well, I was interested in photography and old photography before I started learning Russian. My dad was a professional photographer so I grew up in his studio and dark room. He began collecting daguerreotypes when I was about 8 and took me and my brother to shows and flea markets with him. That said, I didn’t make the decision to leave Russian behind until 2003, towards the end of my second year living there. That fall, I applied to museum school. I became a full time dealer after I graduated.
FLL: After first speaking with you, I did a bit of research into old photographs, and found that daguerreotypes can range in price from $12 to $20K. What I can’t find is why some are worth so much more than others. For the layman, can you briefly explain how we can recognize those diamonds in the rough (vs. just old photos of Aunt Lucy)?
EW: As a dealer and collector, learning how to develop your eye is something that takes time, research, and a lot of looking. For daguerreotypes especially, their condition matters a lot as they are very fragile. The content matters too; is it a famous person, a familiar location, an artistic masterpiece, by a desirable photographer? Then, there are the parts of pricing that are entirely subjective - how much do you like it, how does it stack up to other photos like that you have seen?
FLL: You’ve said that postcards are just a side hobby. Once again, I’d like to thank you for the joy you have given by providing my connections to my family and friends. When I visit your shop, I feel like I’m exploring unique pieces of history that I can gift to my loved ones. Which postcards do you delight in discovering?
EW: I’m really glad that you’ve been sharing the postcards in such a fun and meaningful way. Printed postcards are not what I specialize in, but I do have an extensive collection and inventory of real photo postcards. I specialize in ones of people. I like the weird and unusual, ones that have to do with photography, hand colored ones, cyanotypes, and lovely portraits.
FLL: Maybe it’s because I’m a history teacher, but when I see old photos and stare into the eyes of the individuals pictured, I often give them a name and begin to imagine their possible life story. Because you’ve dealt with so many photos over so many years, have you become desensitized—like when one works in a candy shop and is no longer tempted by the treats—to the effect, or do you also “time travel” when you see a new photo?
EW: I am not at all desensitized. I don’t ‘time travel’ with every photo because I wouldn’t get anything done, but I do sometimes get a little too invested. I research some of them if there is a name, date, or piece of tantalizing information written on the back.
FLL: Is there a single photo or postcard that has had the greatest effect upon you, the one you never stop thinking about?
EW: That’s a tough one. There can never be just one…
FLL: If you could give our readers one piece of advice about their old photos, what would it be?
EW: Be careful with them, especially daguerreotypes. Don’t attempt any restoration yourselves.
FLL: What is your favorite book?
EW: The best book I’ve ever read is probably The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck, but my favorite? I adored The Magicians by Lev Grossman because it was an inventive take on familiar themes. Another recent book I loved was Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel. Master and the Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov is also excellent.
FLL: What is your favorite travel destination?
EW: I went to Amsterdam in September 2019 for the first time and definitely want to go back. I love Paris and hope to go this coming fall. I love cities with good book shops and flea markets.
FLL: What is your favorite time period/event to study?
EW: Because of what I do, I’m very comfortable in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
FLL: What is your favorite way to connect with people?
EW: Chance encounters on a street corner.
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Erin Waters
erin@finedags.com
finedags.com
By Marian Pontz
