Clyde A. Laughlin
This site is dedicated to the memory and work of Clyde A. Laughlin, "Postcard King of Cumberland Valley", hailed by many as the best photo viewcard producer of his time in the country. CA lived and worked in the Shippensburg, Pa area from the early 1900s until his death in 1969. His work has given us an extensive view of the southcentral part of Pennsylvania through the first half of the last century.
His postcards are readily identifiable. While his career spanned several eras of postcards, his work was done exclusively in the undivided-back or divided-back style and is easily identifiable by the "full bleed" image, sepia toning and his distinctive inscription lettering. A large portion of his work is numbered within the description which ran across the bottom of the image. He also signed most postcards with one of several inscriptions in the lower right corner.
A more complete account of his life can be read in his biography "Clyde A. Laughlin: Postcard King of Cumberland Valley" written and published by his grandson, Walter Lewis Cressler, Jr. in 2000. This work also contains a checklist of most of his known postcards. Copies of his book are available here or from the author.
The purpose of this site is to provide an online account and description of these cards. As we acquire copies, we will be posting images of them on these pages. We will gratefully accept any information on missing cards. We are also active purchasers/traders of all Laughlin cards. Please feel free to write with your want lists. As this site matures, we hope to list not only our needs and extras, but to list other Laughlin collectors needs.
Though art was a significant part of his entire life, retirement allowed him the time to become an accomplished artist. Here is a partial listing of this phase of his work. Click here...
I would like to thank Lewis for his exhaustive work in bringing us his account of his grandfather and for his checklist which was the extensive basis for this site.
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