A. W. Lange lived in Princeton, a city in Bureau County of north-central Illinois.
This land was first developed by settlers from New England, very early in the 19th century.
The culture of Princeton resembled that of New England – many citizens were Congregationalists, the area supported schools, and the county was staunchly abolitionist.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Princeton,_Illinois
In January of 1908, A.W. received a postcard from R. E. Wood.
The postcard was mailed from Lynn, a city on the Atlantic Ocean in Essex County of northeast Massachusetts.
Settled by Europeans in 1659, Lynn was an early industrial center.
Lynn now boasts an historic downtown, a cultural district, a renowned city park, civic art, and nature preserves.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lynn,_Massachusetts
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The face of the postcard is a drawing of the Central Square in Lynn.
At the juncture of two commercial streets, one can see the trolley lines diverging in two directions.
On the raised sidewalks, some well-dressed citizens proceed with their business or with shopping.
In the distance, one can see some industrial buildings.
Printed in Germany, the postcard was published by “Reichner Brothers, Publishers” of Boston, Munich, and Leipzig.
On the reverse, we learn some clues that may explain the correspondence between individuals identified only by initials.
It appears as the two who exchange postcards have never met, and are introducing themselves to one another through the mail.
This was a common practice in the hundreds of postcard clubs that flourished at the time.
We learn that A. W. recently sent “postals” which seem to have included a photograph.
R. E. responds that “they are lovely”.
R.E. promises to “send you a picture as soon as I get time to have them taken…”
One hopes that R.E. fulfilled his plan, that A. W. found the pictures to be pleasing, and that the correspondents deepened their postal relationship.
