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Pennsylvania Dutch hex-sign barn, New Smithville, PA, circa 1950

Subjects
Agriculture & FarmsBarns & Farm Buildings
Card type
Chrome
Date
c. 1950 (Chrome)
Front of Pennsylvania Dutch hex-sign barn, New Smithville, PA, circa 1950, c. 1950 chrome postcard
Front
Back of Pennsylvania Dutch hex-sign barn, New Smithville, PA, circa 1950, c. 1950 chrome postcard
Back

About this postcard

A red Pennsylvania Dutch barn carries hex signs across its gable end and long side. Circular and teardrop panels hold eight-pointed stars in contrasting colors, set against the red siding under a dark roof, with bare trees and blue sky in the foreground. The printed caption calls this one of the many barns with "illustrious HEX SIGNS" seen throughout the Penna. Dutch Country and says it is probably the most acclaimed in the area, on U.S. 22 at New Smithville. Hex signs are a decorative folk-art tradition among German-speaking settlers in southeastern Pennsylvania, often popularly linked to good luck or protection.

Postcard Details

Message

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PublisherJames E. Hess
GREETINGS From "The Penna. Dutch Country" One of the many barns with illustrious HEX SIGNS displayed which can be seen throughout the Penna. Dutch Country. This barn is probably the most ac- claimed in the area and is located on U. S. 22 at New Smithville, Pa.
Addressed to

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Postcard record

PublisherJames E. Hess
Series21048-B
ConditionVery good
NotesScan is rotated 180 degrees; no printed text on the front; visible halftone screen of a color photo reproduction. No postmark. Chrome-era glossy postcard; divided back; printed caption and publisher imprint; no handwriting or address.

Cite this card

Pennsylvania Dutch hex-sign barn, New Smithville, PA, circa 1950, postcard, c. 1950. PostalPast Collection. https://postalpast.com/postcard/pennsylvania-dutch-hex-sign-barn-new-smithville-pa-circa-195. Accessed November 2, 2026.