Port Huron: 1880-1960 by T. J. Gaffney
About the Author
This postcard book was written and researched by T. J. Gaffney, curator of collections
of the Port Huron Museum. The images seen here come from the postcard collection
that he and his late father, Thomas John Gaffney, have collected over the course
of more than 40 years.
About the Book
In this wonderful collection of images, discover Port Huron as it once was. Although
Port Huron is now referred to as the "Maritime Capital of the Great Lakes," its
initial growth happened because it was a point where roads, rails, and water all
met to create the center of commerce it became. Return to a time when people rode
streetcars and interurbans, took daytrips to Detroit on ships such as the Tashmoo
and Greyhound; when they worked and shopped in downtown stores; and when they lived
in diverse ethnic neighborhoods such as South Park and the First Ward. Many of the
postcards seen here were mailed at or near the beginning of the 20th century and
were a way to communicate basic information between friends and family. These images
have now returned to introduce a new generation to what Port Huron once was. In
an age where e-mails instantly travel back and forth, it can be hard to imagine
how those receiving these messages anxiously awaited what messages arrived with
these penny postcards.