This is one vintage / antique trade card advertisement and map from the American Colony Stores in Jerusalem. It ...

This is one vintage / antique trade card advertisement and map from the American Colony Stores in Jerusalem. It measures 3 7/8" x 5 11/16" when folded.

The front has an image of the Dome of the Rock with steps from the Temple Mount and reads: Compliments of Vester & Company, The American Colony Stores, Oriental Articles of Every Description. Jaffa Gate, Jerusalem, Palestine.

The center has a map, Plan of Jerusalem, Issued by Fr. Vester & Co. American Colony Stores.

The back advertises: For General Information apply to Vester & Company, The American Colony Stores, Curios, Jewelry, Post Cards, Guide Books and Maps, Antiquities and Museum Specialties. Quality and Reliability. Jerusalem, Palestine. P. O. Box No. 19.

There is more information under each heading. The store also sold photographs produced by members of the American Colony Photography Department.

The American Colony was founded in 1881 as an independent utopian Christian sect, whose religious pilgrims emigrated to Jerusalem from the United States and Sweden. At the turn of the century, they became involved in the tourist trade and produced souvenirs, opened a store, and opened a hostel which later became the American Colony Hotel, which still exists today. Frederick Vester, who co-managed the store, was married to Bertha Spafford, the eldest surviving daughter of Anna and Horatio Spafford, the founders of the American Colony. The American Colony Hotel and other American Colony endeavors still operate in Israel today.