Date of use : 1958, Germany
1958 Airmail to Eastman Kodak: Pioneers of Accessible Photography
An airmail envelope sent from Germany to the Eastman Kodak Company in the United States in 1958. Eastman Kodak Company was founded in 1888 by George Eastman in Rochester, New York. With its innovative approach aimed at making photography accessible to everyone, the company quickly achieved great success. The first Kodak camera, launched with Eastman's slogan, "You press the button, we do the rest," broke photography out of the hands of professionals and made it accessible to amateur users as well.
In the early 20th century, Kodak became a global leader in film production. The introduction of Kodachrome film in 1935 marked a significant milestone in the development of color photography. During this period, the company offered a wide range of products for both amateur and professional photographers. Particularly in the 1960s, the Instamatic cameras introduced by Kodak were widely embraced due to their simple usability.
Record Information
Title: 1958 Airmail to Eastman Kodak: Pioneers of Accessible Photography
Category: Photographic Industry History / Postal History
Subcategory: Corporate Correspondence / Transatlantic Airmail
Country: Germany (Origin) → United States (Destination)
🗺️ Show Route
City: Germany → Rochester, New York
Date of use: 1958
Company: Eastman Kodak Company (founded 1888 by George Eastman, Rochester, New York)
Recipient: Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester 4, New York
Object Type: International airmail cover / business correspondence
Postal Route ✈️: Germany → United States
Postal Features: "MIT LUFTPOST / PAR AVION / BY AIR MAIL" trilingual airmail label, German postage
Key Innovations: First Kodak camera (1888), Kodachrome color film (1935), Instamatic cameras (1960s)
Slogan: "You press the button, we do the rest"
Language: German / English
Material: Paper envelope
Dimensions: Standard airmail envelope format
Collection Theme: Kodak corporate history, democratization of photography, transatlantic commerce, mid-century airmail
Archival Significance: This 1958 airmail envelope documents international correspondence directed to the Eastman Kodak Company, the enterprise that fundamentally transformed photography from a professional craft to a universal hobby. The trilingual "MIT LUFTPOST / PAR AVION / BY AIR MAIL" label reflects the international nature of mid-20th century airmail. This item is a primary source for understanding the transatlantic business communications of one of America's most iconic companies during its golden age.
Research Note:
This article is based on historical research and independent analysis of the material in the author's collection. The text has been prepared as an original interpretative study and does not reproduce copyrighted material.
This item is documented as part of the Photography in Postal History research project.
For research context, see the Research Methodology.
For academic reference, please refer to How to Cite This Archive.
For research context, see the Research Methodology.
For academic reference, please refer to How to Cite This Archive.
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