Parris Island

By Karen S. Montano

In 1891, U.S. Marines were originally stationed on Parris Island to protect life and property as part of the Naval Station, Port Royal. In 1915, Parris Island officially became a Marine Corps Recruit Depot. Women became a permanent part of the U.S. Marine Corps in 1948. Today Parris Island boasts a historic district with homes and military structures built between 1891 and World War I, many of which are on the National Register of Historic Places. These postcards track the history of Parris Island and the rich heritage, character, and changes that mark it as the oldest major post in the U.S. Marine Corps.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Arcadia Publishing
• Release date: Jun 16, 2008
• ISBN: 9781439635506

Karen S. Montano

Author Karen S. Montano has collected and interpreted postcards to document the history of Parris Island through what was once America�s most popular form of communication. She is a member of the Parris Island Historical and Museum Society, the Historic Beaufort Foundation, and the Historic Port Royal Foundation. Montano has utilized the resources of the Parris Island Museum and the memories of many U.S. Marines to bring these postcards to life.

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Introduction

In the United States, the formal name for postcard collecting is deltiology. Deltiology is one of the largest collectable hobbies in the world. Postcards are popular because of their broad subject appeal. Almost any subject at one time or another has been portrayed on a postcard. They continue today to be the most popular form of souvenir for travelers, as well as a great means of communication for both personal and business use.

The postcards represented in this book are divided into eras. The undivided era covers the years 1901 through 1907. In the year 1901, the U.S. government allowed the use of the words Post Card on the back of printed cards; all the writing was limited to the front. As postcards became more popular, the back of the card started to be divided, which allowed for writing on the left-hand side and the address on the right. Millions were bought.

The divided back era covers the years 1907 through 1915. Because Germany was considered to have the best printing methods, most postcards were printed there during this period. World War I and other concerns brought an end to this era.

The early modern era (also called the white border era) covers the years 1916 through 1930. The majority of the postcards from this era were real-photo postcards, or postcards made with actual photographs. Technology and demand led to the American production of many postcards during this era.

The linen card era covers the years 1930 through 1945. During this time, publishers were printing cards on linen-tipped paper using vivid colors. The most popular postcards of this era are the political humor cards of World War II.

The photo chrome era covers the years from 1939 to the present. These postcards represent the best reproductions and are still popular, especially with rising postal costs.

The following postcards convey the feel of life on Parris Island over the years.

STANDING TALL. The yellow footprints are located in front of the receiving barracks. Recruits are rushed off the bus with screams from the drill instructor to stand at attention. This practice started in the early 1960s and gave the recruit their first chance to learn where and how to stand in formation. The Receiving Barracks have fortress-like doors. Inscribed above the doors is the following: Through these portals pass prospects for America’s finest fighting force—United States Marines.

One

EARLY HISTORY OF PARRIS ISLAND

MARINES’ HYMN. In 1929, the Marines’ Hymn became the official hymn of the U.S. Marine Corps, but it had been in use as early as the mid-1800s, making it the oldest official song in the U.S. Armed Forces. Oddly enough, no one knows who wrote the hymn, but some believe its origin belongs to a Spanish folk song. When the hymn is played, U.S. Marines stand at attention, showing their pride for their country, for their corps, and for their fellow marines. In 1942, a change was approved in the words of the fourth line in the first verse to read In air, on land, and sea, as a tribute to the addition of air power to the arsenal. Note that this postcard is before the change. The line Here’s health to you and to our Corps is often stated in the form of a toast at important events such as the U.S. Marine Corps birthday, which since 1921 has been celebrated on November 10. This postcard is from the linen card era.

Reviews for Parris Island

[Marita Lackey · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It’s a great book 5 stars