Description:

This collectible phone card, valued at $5, features a striking artistic depiction titled "Rails To Tidewater," showcasing a historic steam locomotive crossing a wooden trestle. The centerpiece is a powerful black and red train engine with prominent red wheels and brass mechanical details, evoking the majesty and strength of early American rail travel. The train is depicted as stationary on weathered railroad tracks, emphasizing the intricate craftsmanship of the girders and planks. The artwork captures a nostalgic moment, reflecting an era when trains symbolized progress and expansion.

In the background, a majestic tall ship sails through New York Harbor, reinforcing the theme of American transportation history and commerce. The ship’s towering masts and billowing sails contrast with the steam engine, blending two iconic modes of travel and trade from different yet overlapping periods. This juxtaposition highlights the card’s celebration of Americana and the evolution of industry and transportation. Rendered in a soft, sketch-like style with delicate light effects, the ship conveys a sense of motion despite the scene’s stillness, creating a serene and vivid maritime atmosphere.

In the foreground, three figures dressed in period attire—likely railroad workers or travelers—introduce a human element that animates this historical snapshot. Standing near the tracks, they appear engaged in conversation, perhaps discussing train logistics or awaiting departure. Their clothing and posture suggest a mid-19th-century setting, anchoring the image in a specific historical context. This small group embodies the personal stories intertwined with the booming railroad industry, emphasizing not only technological progress but also the people who built and relied on these systems.

The card also bears markings identifying it as a promotional item for the Telecard World ’94 Conference and Exposition, held at New York City’s Jacob Javits Convention Center from late September to early October 1994. The inclusion of the AmeriVox logo, featuring an eagle and the American flag, connects this collectible phone card to a telecommunications event celebrating innovation and connectivity. The artwork, credited to James R. Williamson, masterfully blends artistic expression with Americana themes, commemorating the convergence of transportation history and modern technology at a landmark industry gathering.

Since we have the world's largest inventory of USA phonecards for collectors, you will not necessarily receive the identical serial/batch/PIN number that we have scanned/pictured.