We are delighted to announce that the Lord Coutanche Library’s collection of Jersey postcards has been significantly enriched by the generous donation of more than 300 cards from the early twentieth century.
It is a remarkable collection. This generous gift provides a vivid window into life in Jersey at the time—its streets, buildings, events, fashions, and more. Several postcards were sent and bear stamps depicting King Edward VII and King George V, and many include personal messages offering an intriguing glimpse into what visitors thought of the Island.
A postcard addressed to a Miss Byrne in London in 1910 reads: “Everything here is lovely. I don’t want to come home again.” (1.11a)
Another, sent to a Mrs Hillman in Weymouth in 1912, highlights the Island’s agricultural life:
“…The highest cabbages I have seen so far are about five feet high. The potatoes are all dug up now. There are fields and fields of tomato plants in blossom. There are fields of oats just ripening and they will have a good crop of wheat as well…” (1.12)
A further card, addressed to Mr H. Williams in London and dated 14 October 1909, notes:
“…We are getting quite grand over here, with our motor buses. I have not been in one yet…” (10.6).
The first motorbus service was inaugurated in Jersey in October 1909.
The Librarian is now in the process of cataloguing the collection, and we look forward to sharing updates as the project progresses.
Once complete, visitors will have the opportunity to view these remarkable postcards firsthand and discover the fascinating history they reveal.
Valérie Noël, Librarian
