In 1912, Franklin lived in Philadelphia; he sent Christmas greetings to his relatives.
On Christmas Eve, Franklin mailed a Christmas postcard to his young cousin in Camden, New Jersey.
Camden lies across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, so the postcard did not have to travel far before being delivered.
The cousin, Busty Spangler, is addressed as “Master” -a greeting typically used for boys younger than 12 years of age.
The postcard is a lovely scene of the Nativity: The Virgin, attended by St. Joseph, holds the infant Christ.
The Holy Family is framed by rough beams.
In the distance, palm trees and domed structures suggest the Middle East.
Franklin has a very beautiful hand – the letters are ornate, but crisply legible.
He writes, “Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy N. Year.”
One hopes that young Busty and Cousin Franklin enjoyed the celebration of Christmas in 1912.
