This is simply one of the best photographs of Columbia Park, home of the Philadelphia Athletics from 1901-1908, existent. The note in the margin in the handwriting of the photographer mentions it depicts a game between Cleveland and Philadelphia, the Athletics are in the field in our image. It also mentions it was taken from the photographer’s window, which was likely in the apartments flats cattycorner across 28th and Columbia Avenue from centerfield.

Note the wonderful details such as the streetcar, the horse drawn carriage and the newsboy soliciting a customer with a paper. Also, note the flag at the right on the flagpole. According to the Hall of Fame, a fan had presented the club with a blue flag with the team’s white elephant mascot in the center and the stars and stripes in the corner. In our photo you can make out the stars and stripes in the corner and a white blob roughly in the shape of an elephant below.

This postcard has a divided back for the address and a message, this format started in 1907. The upper grandstand in our image has also been extended down the first and third base lines which only happened in the latter years of the park. 1908 was the last year the park was occupied by the Athletics so our postcard is likely circa 1907.