Step back into the early 20th century with the personal postcard collection of Ada Louise Billings of Cassadaga, New York.

Beginning in 1906, when she was just 17, Ada began saving postcards given to her by family and friends. She preserved them carefully throughout her life, leaving behind a vivid snapshot of turn-of-the-century correspondence and design. The collection spans an array of subjects, from cheerful holiday greetings and charming animal illustrations to scenic views of towns and landscapes, along with rare real photograph postcards (RPPCs) that capture authentic moments from over a century ago.

What makes this offering truly exceptional is its documented provenance. The cards have remained in Ada’s family since the day she began collecting them, passed down through generations before arriving in our gallery. This unbroken chain of ownership ties each piece to the story of Ada herself — daughter of Orlin and Flora Billings, and later the wife of Arthur Cardot, a farmer in Arkwright, NY. Bidders will have the opportunity to acquire postcards not only rich in historical and artistic value, but also deeply rooted in American family history. High-resolution images and video features will be presented here as we count down to the auction.