Hopewell, VA RPPC 1915 - Amazing Busy Dirt and 50 similar items

Antique Real Photo Postcard, circa 1915. One of the most amazing early town views we have ever sold. Identified as Hopewell Street in Hopewell, Virginia. This extremely sharp image depicts a very busy dirt road business district, a mix of early automobiles and horse-drawn carts, throngs of town folk, and readable storefront signage. Card is numbered "28." Divided back, AZO stampbox, unused. Condition: This is an original photo postcard, not a copy or reproduction. The image side is in excellent condition, while some soiling is evident on the back. Comments: Hopewell, part of the Eppes' plantation, was developed by DuPont Company in 1914 as Hopewell Farm, an incorporated area in Prince George County. DuPont first built a dynamite factory there, then switched to the manufacture of guncotton during World War I. Nearly burned to the ground in the Hopewell Fire of 1915, the city prospered afterward and became known as the "Wonder City" as the village of Hopewell grew from a hamlet of 400 in 1916 to a city of more than 20,000 people in a few short months. (Note: Another card from the same collection, sold separately, and almost certainly taken on the same day, is dated August 8, 1915 and is numbered "27.")