This postcard was not mailed.

The engraving of the horse-drawn sleigh was copyrighted by the “Illustrated Post Card & Novelty Company” of New York in 1906.

I assume the postcard was given to Franklin Dunkel about that time.

Franklin S. Dunkel was born in Maidencreek Township of central Berks County in 1897 – he would have been about 9 years old when he received the postcard from “Abie”.

The postcard was well-preserved; the ornate, gilded border and the brightly-colored sprigs of holly are still vibrant.

Franklin’s parents were Charles Henry Dunkel and Lydia Cora Seidel, both of Berks County.

There were members of the Dunkel family in Maidencreek Township for many generations.

In 1918, Franklin married Grace Lurelia Rothermel in Reading.

One hopes that Franklin and his family, and all the members of their extended families across Berks County, enjoyed a wonderful Christmas in 1906.

Franklin died in Fleetwood, Pa in 1978 at the age of 81.

He is buried in Blandon, also in Maidencreek Township.