Mrs. Joseph Wilson lived in Lakeland, a city in Polk County of central Florida.
Named for the number of lakes in the region, the city was first settled by Europeans in the 1870’s.
A significant number of Freedman created a thriving community in Lakeland, many of them workers on the railroad lines that reached the area is the 1880’s.
As in many other parts of Florida, railroads fostered the growth of vacation homes and winter cottages.
Lakeland also hosted thousands of soldiers who trained in Lakeland for the Spanish-American War, and was a winter training camp for the Cleveland Indians and, later, the Detroit Tigers.
Today, the boom years of the early 20th century are recalled in a number of historic properties in Lakeland.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakeland,_Florida
In December of 1913, Mrs. Wilson received a Christmas postcard from Frances & Paul – her niece and nephew.
The postcard was mailed from Lambertville, the charming city on the Delaware River in Hunterdon County of west-central New Jersey.
Developed initially as a ferry point for goods and passengers, Lambertville prospered with the opening of the Delaware & Raritan Canal – which expedited shipping between New York and Philadelphia.
Today, Lambertville and the town of New Hope, PA on the opposite side of the Delaware River, are resort towns with active arts communities and a variety of cultural offerings.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lambertville,_New_Jersey
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The face of the postcard is adorned with a watercolor view of a winter landscape.
In the foreground, a bridge arches over a steam bed – bare-limbed trees stand on either bank.
Across snow-covered fields, where plant stubble can still be seen, we discern a cluster of buildings comprising a rural village.
On either side of the drawing, sprigs of holly add bright color.
A gilded star on the right adds the only traditional symbol of Christmas to this mid-winter view.
The artwork is trademarked by “Gold Medal Art” – the logo of an owl holding a palate can be seen under the postcard message.
The postcard was published by the “Midland Publishing Co. of New York”.
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On the reverse, Mrs. Wilson is greeted as “Dear Aunt”.
The writers acknowledge “card rec’d” and express their happiness –“Glad you like it down there”.
Frances and Paul, “wish we could visit you.”
In closing, the relatives add “Hope you have a Merry Xmas”.
The postcard was sent, “Lovingly” – and Mrs. Wilson preserved it in good condition throughout her life.
One hopes that the extended family in Florida and New Jersey enjoyed a wonderful Christmas.
