This postcard was neither addressed nor mailed, so we know only the first names of two women at an unidentified place.
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The face of the postcard is a humorous drawing of figures on a lakeside path.
A woman in a striking blue “sheath gown” promenades past a couple that seems to have been admiring the view from the water’s edge.
The young man turns away from his partner to stare at the slender limb (clothed in white hose) that is exposed by the slit of the sheath gown.
A printed title in script declares, “This view is beautiful”.
The comment could be ascribed to the young woman still turned toward the landscape, or to the young man bewitched by the daring exposure of a leg.
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The “sheath gown” is a fitted, straight cut dress, usually nipped at the waist without a waist seam.
Since ancient Egypt this type of “column dress” has been found with multiple cultural variations.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheath_dress
In the late 19th century, Alexandra, Princess of Wales, was associated with the style – although a form not containing the long skirt slit.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandra_of_Denmark
The dress featured on the postcard was a Parisian design of 1908 that became popular with wealthy Gilded Age woman who looked to Paris for fashion inspiration.
This postcard image was copyrighted in 1908 by a publisher whose name is blurred.
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On the reverse, the message is addressed to “Dear Lena”.
The writer is Bertha, who asks “if you can get off next Tuesday …to go to the theater.”
Bertha plans to “take Willie” and would like Lena to “let me know at once” if Lena can participate in the excursion.
The message concludes with a hope that “all are well” and an inquiry about “Charlie’s finger”.
At the top of the card, Bertha has added, “How do you like my sheath gown” and “(ain’t they the limit)”.
One hopes that Lena could arrange the time off, that the party enjoyed the theatrical event, and that the friends exchanged many more postcards.
