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OverviewPostcards from Hawaii, particularly those with significant historical context like this one, are highly sought after by collectors. This exceptional example from 1943 is not just a beautiful view of Waikiki Beach, but a tangible piece of World War II history. Sent by a Private First Class in the Army Air Corps stationed at Hickam Field (APO 959), the card bears the classic markings of wartime correspondence: a U.S. Army censor stamp and a "Free Franking" mark in place of a postage stamp. The soldier's sweet message to his "honey" in Ohio provides a poignant, personal counterpoint to the global conflict.
Front of PostcardThe photograph shows a classic scene at Waikiki Beach in Honolulu. An outrigger canoe with a sail is landing on the shore, where beachgoers walk along the sand. In the background stands the magnificent Royal Hawaiian Hotel, with its distinctive Spanish-Moorish architecture. The beach is dotted with other canoes and umbrellas, capturing the lively atmosphere of this world-famous destination.
Printed Text on Front:Waikiki Beach, Honolulu
Reverse SideHandwritten Correspondence:P.F.C. James Stober Jr.A.S.N. 35093108Air Base DetachmentBox No. 11A.P.O. 959 % PostmasterSan Francisco, Calif."& Air Corp"
Hello honey;Thought you'd beinterested in this card, sinceyou love swimming so much,and this being the best swim-ming place in the world.Love,Jimmie
Jean Myers1279 Atwood ave.Akron, OhioU.S.A.
Postal History & Printed Details:
Postmark: A clear circular "U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE / A.P.O." date stamp from APR 30, 1943.
Stamp: No postage stamp is affixed. The mail was sent via the Free Franking privilege for military personnel during wartime, indicated by the "FREE" stamp in the upper right.
Censorship & Military History: This card is a unique piece of military postal history. The sender was a PFC in the Army Air Corps stationed at APO 959, the designation for Hickam Field in Honolulu. All mail leaving the territory was subject to review, and this card bears a clear rectangular "PASSED BY / U.S. ARMY EXAMINER" censor stamp with the examiner's number, 07087.
Layout: Divided Back.
Publisher Information: The publisher's mark, a stylized 'B' in a shield for the Hawaii and South Seas Curio Co., is visible on the front.
