PostalPast
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Red Pennsylvania Dutch barn decorated with hex signs, Pennsylvania, circa 1960

Subjects
Agriculture & FarmsBarns & Farm Buildings
Card type
Chrome
Date
c. 1945 (Linen)
Front of Red Pennsylvania Dutch barn decorated with hex signs, Pennsylvania, circa 1960, c. 1945 chrome postcard
Front
Back of Red Pennsylvania Dutch barn decorated with hex signs, Pennsylvania, circa 1960, c. 1945 chrome postcard
Back

About this postcard

A large red frame barn, its gable end and long side decorated with white-painted star medallions — the "hex signs" or barn stars of the Pennsylvania Dutch country. The circular and teardrop-shaped panels enclose eight-pointed stars in contrasting colors, set against the red siding beneath a dark roof, with bare trees and a blue sky in the foreground. Such painted stars are a decorative folk-art tradition of German-speaking settlers in southeastern Pennsylvania, often popularly though loosely associated with good-luck or protective symbolism.

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. Color Photo by Jim E. Hess Pub. by JAMES E. HESS, Box 1402, Lancaster, Pa. PLACE STAMP HERE Post Card MADE BY DEXTER PRESS WEST NYACK, N.Y. 21048-B
Addressed to

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Postcard record

PublisherJames E. Hess
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

Red Pennsylvania Dutch barn decorated with hex signs, Pennsylvania, circa 1960, postcard, c. 1945. PostalPast Collection. https://postalpast.com/postcard/red-pennsylvania-dutch-barn-decorated-with-hex-signs-pennsyl. Accessed October 25, 2026.