Young Ralph Ludrick lived in Hummelstown, a borough (founded by two German brothers named Hummel in 1742) along the Swatara Creek in Dauphin County.

This area prospered with the digging of the Union Canal and, later, by the extension of the Lebanon Valley Railroad.

Ralph was given a postcard in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day.

Richly colored in green and gold, the illustration includes an Irish harp, a clay pipe, and a profusion of shamrocks.

A streaming legend and a sentimental verse invite one to “Come Back to Erin”.

(Once again, I am struck by the longing and homesickness for the “Old Country” that characterizes so many postcards among the Irish diaspora.)

The well-made postcard, lightly embossed, was presented by Reuben – who may be a brother or Ralph.  The postcard was not mailed.

NOTE

I can find an on-line reference to Ralph Ludrick who was born circa 1910, about the same time the postcard was printed.

Alas, without a subscription to a genealogy site, I was not able to learn more.

Other members of the Ludrick clan are found during the early years of the 20th century in New York State, Wisconsin, and Virginia.

One hopes that Ralph and Reuben enjoyed the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day.