Master Kinnard McCleary was growing up in Hagerstown, a commercial and transportation hub for the panhandle of western Maryland.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hagerstown,_Maryland
From other postcard stories, we know that Kinnard was only 2-3 years old, and that his father was a manager of the Railroad Depot.
In April of 1908, Kinnard received an Easter postcard from Margaret Bazel.
The postcard was mailed from Hagerstown, suggesting that Margaret lived nearby.
I have another postcard from Margaret to the McCleary family, but I have not done any research about her life or her relationship to Kinnard.
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The face of the postcard is a charming painting of a puppy peering through a arched opening.
It is not clear if the dog is looking out of his doghouse or if the puppy is watching his neighbors in a chicken coop.
In the foreground, four chicks surround a water dish.
Straw is scattered around the space and pussy willows adorn the Spring scene.
Above the friendly encounter is a printed greeting, “A Happy Easter”.
The art work is signed, but I have not identified the artist.
Like many of the best examples of original postcard art, this postcard was published by the German American Novelty Company and was printed in Germany.
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On the reverse, Margaret inscribes her name and the whimsical “From your girl”.
This postcard, like the large collection of McCleary family correspondence, was preserved in good condition throughout the life of Kinnard.
One hopes that Margaret and all the McClearys enjoyed a wonderful Easter.
