Far Eastern University is one of the colleges and universities that is popular feature in many postcard issuance. Her art deco architectural style was an icon during the times.
One of the earliest known postcard feature was from the Philippine Education Company Incorporated, Which is the leading school supply company about 60 years ago.
Far Eastern University -Nicanor Reyes Sr. Building Postcard
The 3 known art deco buildings within Far Eastern University that were featured by PECO.
1.) The most recognizable one were Nicanor Reyes Sr. Memorial Building, 2.) Arellano High School ( Boy’s High School) and 3.) Girl’s High School.
The vintage postcard was bought a couple of years ago at a local stamp bourse for an equivalent of 2 burger meals.
Technical Description
Divided Back (c. 1907-1915) could be reprinted until mid- 1960’s
Type: Printed (Lithograph)
Far Eastern University, Nicanor Reyes Memorial Hall, Manila, Philippines
The postcard is in used good condition. Genuine Curteich-Chicago “CT Photo Colorlit” No. 7B-H1061. Philippine Education Co., Inc. Manila, PI. No. 4028.
Produced with scalloped or straight edges and with a smooth or linen textured surface.
Philippine Educational Company Incorporated
Philippine Educational Company Incorporated(PECO) was the one stop shop for school supplies, postcards, books, magazines, pencils, drafting materials, toys, imported items among other stuffs. Our great grandparents, grandparents or even parents enjoyed the heydays of the premier business district in the country.
The original PECO shop at 101 Escolta Avenue, Manila was founded by Verne Miller, a Thomasite schoolteacher, who landed in the Philippines in 1901. Surviving the American, Japanese and destruction of the last world war.
Their business eventually moved out of the financial district by the mid- 1950’s to Makati Commercial Center and the operations spanned for more than 70 years.
One of the items which was quite popular was their postcards, Some of the postcards were even sold to nearby town, cities and provinces for students, tourists and postcard collectors.
PECO eventually folded-up by the mid -1970’s due to strict competition, import regulations and other problems which affected the operation of the company.
According to some resellers and old time postcard/ stamp dealers, PECO postcards circulated until the mid -1970’s in Metro Manila well up to early 1980’s for far flung provinces. A postcard then would only cost few centavos and some would be send abroad.
I have two aunts which collected stamps and postcards told me that majority of their collection were lost during the great Binondo fire in the late 1960’s.
Written Letter and Stamps
In a letter apparently from an exchange student and her host family back in Philadelphia: “Greetings from Manila. You really should visit these islands someday. It’s wonderful to be back home – my parents are both well, and the city has grown tremendously. There are many new buildings all over, but there is still a lot of poverty and the downtown section is as dirty as ever. Will write again. Best Love, Jo.”
The postcard was mailed from Manila to 9512 Hilspach St, Philadelphia, United States with 3 stamps which featured Marcelo H. Del Pilar ( 5 centavos face value per stamp) dated September 25, 1958.
Note: According to a stamp and postcard collectors- The Marcelo H. Del Pilar stamps were issued in 1952 and might have circulated until early 1960’s.
Sources and References:
American Regime Manila Thru Postcards (part 1)
American Regime Manila Thru Postcards (part 2)
American Regime Manila Thru Postcards ( part 3)
American Regime Manila Thru Postcards (part 4)
Personal interview from postcard collectors and dealers
Philippine Postcards page 130 to 137 Consuming Passions
Philippine Postcards.com:
Filed under: Place, postcards | Tagged: Arellano High School, Escolta, far eastern university, Girl's High School, Makati Commerical Center, Manila, Nicanor Reyes Sr. Building, PECO, Philippine Education Co. Inc., postcard, Quiapo | Leave a comment »
Collectors Connection 