Old Absinthe House New Orleans French Quarter Corner Building Postcard
$ 5.28
Description
Old Absinthe House New Orleans French Quarter Corner Building Postcard. The caption notes “Erected in 1798,” emphasizing the building’s deep colonial-era roots. Offered here is a vintage printed postcard depicting the Old Absinthe House , one of the most famous and enduring landmarks of the French Quarter in New Orleans . The front features a beautifully colorized street-corner view of the historic two-story Creole building, complete with: Wrought-iron balconies Tall shuttered doors and windows Arched ground-floor entrances Brick street paving and utility poles reflecting early 20th-century urban life The caption notes “Erected in 1798,” emphasizing the building’s deep colonial-era roots. The postcard was copyrighted in 1903 by the Detroit Photographic Company , one of the most important early American postcard and photo publishers, known for its richly hand-colored images. Historical Context: The Old Absinthe House dates to the late 18th century and became legendary in the 1800s as a gathering place for artists, writers, politicians, and travelers. It is closely associated with the history of absinthe , the famed anise-flavored spirit popular in New Orleans prior to its early 20th-century ban. Over the years, the establishment has been linked—both historically and by tradition—to notable figures such as Mark Twain, Oscar Wilde, and other literary and cultural icons who passed through the Crescent City. This postcard captures the romantic, Old World atmosphere of the Vieux Carré at the height of the postcard publishing era, offering a glimpse of New Orleans before modern renovations and tourism reshaped the Quarter. Postcard Details: Type: Printed postcard (not a real photo postcard) Era: Early 1900s, postcard era Publisher: Detroit Photographic Company Process: Phostint postcard (early colorized photo process) Card Number: 7021 Stamp Box: One-cent domestic / two-cent foreign, indicating pre-World War I usage Condition: Light age toning and minor surface wear consistent with age; no major damage noted. Please review scans closely for condition specifics. A standout piece for collectors of New Orleans history , French Quarter architecture , bar and cocktail memorabilia , or early American postcards . Ships securely and with care.
