This remarkable real photo postcard captures a pivotal moment on April 3, 1911, as David MacFadyen embarks on an extraordinary cross-country journey. The image features MacFadyen, shaking hands with another individual, standing proudly beside his horse-drawn wagon. Prominently displayed on the wagon's canvas cover are the details of his epic trek: "DAVID MACFADYEN WALKING FROM STAUCH'S CONEY ISLAND N.Y. SAN FRANCISCO, CAL. APRIL 3, 1911." The backdrop includes a building with a visible "STAUCH'S NEWARK HOUSE" sign, likely marking a starting point or significant stop in Newark, New Jersey, for this ambitious undertaking that began in Coney Island, New York.
This early 20th-century photographic postcard, captured by J.A. Waters, offers a rare glimpse into a unique historical event of human endurance and adventure. The divided back design, typical of the era, includes a stamp box detailing postage rates for domestic and international mail. This piece is a fascinating collectible for enthusiasts of historical Americana, New York and New Jersey history, cross-country travel narratives, and the golden age of postcards, showcasing a determined individual's quest from the East Coast to the West Coast.