Greetings from New York World's Fair, 1939

The humorous multiple-choice postcard in the United States dates back to the early twentieth century when it was often called an "Australian ballot" (the early term used for a secret ballot, which was finally adopted by all states in time for the 1892 presidential election). Later, they were known as "busy person's correspondence cards" and "generic postcards."

This version was printed on a colorful linen postcard for the 1939 New York World's Fair. The message and checkboxes appear in the center of the card, while nighttime views of fair buildings appear on either side, with the Trylon and Perisphere on the left and the Hall of Communications on the right.

Greetings from New York World's Fair

Dear: Wife, Husband, Sweetheart, Mother, Dad, Friend, Folks,

Here I am at the world's fair: having a good time, making whoopee, doing the high spots.

So far I have seen the: amusement center, various exhibits, music hall, fireworks, lecture halls.

The fair is: exciting, thrilling, wonderful, amazing, dazzling, magnificent.

I urge you: not to miss the fair, tell your friends, bring your family, bring your bankroll.

I need: much more time, money, rest, loving, you.

I am: lonesome, happy, homesick, thinking of you.

I'd love to: stay on forever, have you with me, be with you, come home, visit you.

Yours: with love, sincerely, forever.