Site Images

We wish to thank Robert E. Benjamin for allowing us to use the beautiful historic postcards from his collection on this web site. When asked to provide us with background on the collection, this was his response:

In the spring of 1950 I was able to open the Mackinac shop that is now known as Benjamin's KODAK.  In February of that year I went to Chicago to order post cards and related items (folders, booklets, miniature cards etc) from Curteich.

George Wickman had operated the store for some 50 years and had published cards from a number of sources over the years. Curteich cards at that time were being printed in England and were of good quality. The cards were made from black and white photographs and the color was added by the printers. They could add clouds, an extra sunset or an added boat if that would enhance the view.

It was economical to reprint cards from existing plates if they were still appropriate. I began at once to modernize the card line with my own photographs, but continued to order those that he had found to be popular.  I was able to order 12 1⁄2 thousand of many cards for the season and as many as 25 thousand of others.

Curteich, over the years, has moved their office to California and is printing their cards from there. While I once presented slides for duplication, I have, in the last few years presented 4x6 colored prints. I now try to add a few new cards each year and retire a few to keep about 60 cards active in the racks.

Increased costs of cards and postage have decreased the total number of cards that are sold each year. Many visitors purchase cards for their scrap books rather than to be mailed.

It is fun to choose new views and enjoy their acceptance by the public.

Robert E. Benjamin
Wednesday, November 26, 2003

For more information on historic Mackinac postcards, we recommend reading the Mackinac State Historic Parks' publication by Steve Brisson, Wish You Were Here.