Piedmont & Northern Railway Postcard, Charlotte, NC

This is a postcard that reflects the vintage style that was prominent in the mid 20th century. This piece consists of vibrant colors and dynamic typography that varies by section in the artwork. The style resembles a comic book, showing prominent printer dots with bold colors and black lines that make up a shape and an object. It is unknown when this particular postcard was published, it was likely published between 1935-1955.  Historically, Piedmont and Northern (P&N), opening in 1912, was a public railway system that expanded from Gastonia to Charlotte. The P&N survived for nearly sixty years despite the intense competition from larger roads, the Great Depression, and being unable to further expand its railway system. It simultaneously operated as a freight road with diverse revenue sources and an interurban line serving communities between Charlotte and Gastonia. The rise in popularity of the automobile and road trucking soon began to take its toll on the P&N. By 1951, all passenger operations had ceased but continued operating for freight until it ceased operations completely and merged with Seaboard Coastline Railway in 1969. What was once the railway station in Charlotte is today a baseball stadium on Graham Street and Mint Street.