The card shows the tail of a huge fish rising from West Okoboji Lake, with a comic verse: "This is the Tale of a big Fish. That broke my Line in West Okoboji Lake, Iowa." It is labeled "Part 1," the opening panel of a tall-tale series about a fisherman's lost catch. West Okoboji is one of the Iowa Great Lakes in Dickinson County, long a resort and fishing destination in northwest Iowa. The series came from a souvenir stand at Arnolds Park, the resort town on the lake.
Halftone screen visible; printed sideways on the sheet; light foxing spots and minor edge wear; no white border.
No postmark. Divided-back private postcard with green "Post Card" heading and stamp box; cream matte stock, series number "28 55" at top right. Unused — no message, address, or damage beyond light toning.
Cite this card
Tale of a Big Fish, Part 1, West Okoboji Lake, IA, circa 1910, postcard, c. 1907. PostalPast Collection. https://postalpast.com/postcard/tale-of-a-big-fish-part-1-west-okoboji-lake-ia-circa-1910. Accessed November 2, 2026.
