QSL Card of W6CZ (Raleigh W. Wiston, Los Angeles, California), 1924-1943

It was customary for ham radio operators (hams) to exchange these "QSL cards" with one another through the mail after their first conversation. Long-time hams amassed collections of thousands of cards, some from far-flung places. There is a story embedded in each example: the ham's call sign dominates the design, with additional details about location, reception reports, and weather conditions.