Don Hill: Pick a card, any card

Don Hill

Card or cash? It is getting to be more cards than cash these days. Anyway, that started me thinking about cards.

You see how my old mind skips around. Well, let’s see a little history. I knew you wanted some.

Seems playing cards dates to the ninth century in China. Mostly woodblock printed. I have some that I brought back from Korea that are thin wood covered with rice paper.

I also have some Japanese Christmas cards printed with wooden blocks. Now during the 18th century when things were very formal, the calling card was popular. The card would have your name and title, if you had one, printed on it.

You would present your card at the door and place it in a silver tray. The butler (you know, like the one you have) would deliver it to the master or lady of the house. A coded system of folding a corner of the card meant various things.

The calling card developed into the business card. One way to get business is to let people know you are in business. It is used for introduction and for follow-up. “Here’s my card, give me a call.”

Of course, greeting cards also can be traced back to ancient China, but it really got going here in the U.S. with Hallmark back around 1880. Now, you not only have Christmas, Valentine’s and birthday cards, you can get one for all most any occasion, including getting divorced. Let’s not forget the report card.

You remember, the one with all A’s, or was it was the one where you carefully changed the F to a B? And I still have my “TS” card from my military days. It’s punched full of holes.

In case you weren’t in service, the TS card was used when you had a gripe or a complaint. The person you were complaining to would say, “Give me your TS card and I’ll punch it for you.” I won’t tell you all of it, but the initials stood for Tough ….! Did you save your baseball cards?

Check them out. You might retire early. I wonder if my Rickey Henderson 1980 is worth anything.

How about your Pokemon cards? I’m sure you have some. Do you belong to an organization?

If so, you probably have their membership card. For some, the dreaded draft card was sometimes burnt. Now back in my day, there were the penny postcards.

Yes, that’s what they cost. They were a blank card with the stamp printed on them. You addressed them on that side and wrote your message on the other.

It was simple, but of course, the mailman and anyone else could read your message. I think you can still get them but not for a penny anymore. How about getting your fortune told?

You can do it right here in good old Seymour with Tarot cards. They date back forever. Maybe the 15th century in Italy would be a starting place.

Usually, 78 cards will give you a general idea of your future. Probably when she turned my first card, she would say, “Oh dear!” Why not give your friends a gift card instead of getting them something they don’t need or want?

Let them buy whatever. Hopefully, they will do the same for you. Besides, you don’t need to spend a lot on wrapping.

Now, the wonderful plastic credit card. Nice and easy. Maybe too easy.

It all started with Western Union coming out with a metal card in 1914. Banker John Biggins came out with a card that was good within two blocks of his bank in 1946. Then came Diners Card in 1950, 1958 American Express, 1985 Discover, etc.

The magnetic strip was added in 1960. So much for buying stuff you don’t need. Nowadays, we must have a dozen or so in our billfolds or purses.

Insurance, driver’s license, etc. You can come up with many more. And I suppose all of those will be loaded onto your phone and carrying cards will be obsolete.

I’m too old to keep up on such things. Just put me in the obsolete category, as well. So since my neighbor, Joan, suggested I do a column on cards, there it is.

Don Hill is a resident of Seymour and a longtime volunteer for Southern Indiana Center for the Arts.

Send comments to [email protected]

fenty-beauty listed on couponmatrix.ukforever-love listed on couponmatrix.ukipark-airport-parking listed on couponmatrix.uklogitech-2 listed on couponmatrix.ukmazuma-mobile listed on couponmatrix.ukswift-direct-blinds listed on couponmatrix.uk
fenty-beauty listed on couponmatrix.ukFenty Beauty is probably the coolest beauty brand around. It’s cruelty-free, was created by Rihanna herself and has been commended for its diverse foundation shades and celebration of all kinds of beauty. Whether you want a fresh, no-makeup makeup look or bold eyeshadow game, Fenty Beauty has it covered with plenty of viral and TikTok trending products to explore. Add a Fenty voucher to your purchase or check out the Fenty sales to find your favourites for less – we’re tracking the best Fenty offers here at Groupon!
forever-love listed on couponmatrix.ukIf you love home fragrances and quirky gifts, there’s something for you at Forever Love. This family-owned shop is a haven of trinkets which don’t cost the earth, including candles and diffusers, Nomination charms and even fairy houses for your garden. Save money on your favourite things with a Forever Love discount code from Groupon – we’ve rounded up the best Forever Love deals on beautiful presents for birthdays, Christmas and other special occasions.
ipark-airport-parking listed on couponmatrix.ukIf you're looking for money off with Ipark Airport Parking, you've come to the right place. We have all the latest Ipark Airport Parking promo codes and deals to save you money on your next airport parking booking. Whether you're looking for long-term or short-term parking, we have an Ipark Airport Parking promo code to help you save. So before you book your next parking spot, be sure to check here for the latest deals. Groupon is always searching for the best promo codes to help you save money on Ipark Airport Parking products. We work closely with Ipark Airport Parking to ensure that we can offer you the most up-to-date and accurate promo codes available. When using a promo code from Groupon, you can be confident that you are getting the best possible deal on your next purchase. If you're looking for a promo code for Ipark Airport Parking, check out Groupon first! We regularly update our codes so that you can get the best possible discount on your next purchase. Be sure to try out a promo code today. Ipark Airport Parking offers a wide range of products to choose from, but one of their top-performing items is the Park & Fly package. This package includes everything you need for a hassle-free airport parking experience, and you can use an Ipark Airport Parking discount code to save even more money. Be sure to check out the Park & Fly package today and use your Ipark Airport Parking discount code to save. Thanks for choosing Ipark Airport Parking!
logitech-2 listed on couponmatrix.ukWhether you’re a tech guru or you’re taking your first steps into the world of computers and consoles, Logitech has an incredible range of products that are designed to streamline your life and keep you entertained. Be sure to apply a Logitech discount code when you’re making your next order and you’ll enjoy fabulous discounts across the different ranges of speakers, mobile devices, keyboards and more.
mazuma-mobile listed on couponmatrix.ukMazuma Mobile is your go-to for selling old or broken phones or tablets. If you've upgraded your device recently, chances are you've got unused electronics gathering dust at home—turn these into cash with a Mazuma Mobile discount code from us. This reuse and recycle scheme extends the life of old phones, diverting them from landfill and providing affordable second hand devices for those who need them.
swift-direct-blinds listed on couponmatrix.ukDecorate and illuminate your window fittings with Swift Direct Blinds, the Yorkshire-based business that offers all you need to keep your house full of light. From classic Venetian blinds to suede curtains and wooden shutters, kit out your home and use a Swift Direct Blinds discount code to secure savings on your fixtures of choice. Even if you’re on the lookout for skylight blinds or energy-saving alternatives, Swift Direct Blinds have an option for you.