Mr. Harold H. Smythe lived in Brooklyn, the most populous borough of New York City.
In the early 20th century, the East River was lined with factories, and the borough contained a Navy Ship Yard.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brooklyn
In February of a year near 19110, Harold received a postcard from Della.
Unfortunately, the postcard is missing the stamp, and most of the postmark.
It appears that Della may be in Canada, but not clear that she is visiting a glacier in winter.
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The face of the postcard shows Glacier House, a railroad hotel in a pass through the Selkirk Mountain Range in British Columbia;
The first structure at this site was a dining cabin where passengers could eat, as the railroad could not easily pull dining cars across the mountain passes.
Noting the demand for accommodations in these scenic spots, the Canada Pacific Railroad created a series of Grand Hotels as an inducement for travelers to visit Canada by rail.
The first resort structure was erected in 1887, and enlarged by architect, Thomas Charles Sorby, in 1902.
Here is a photograph from the historical archives of the University of Washington:
(I have other postcards (unmailed) which were published by the CPR – including views of Banff and of Lake Louise.
Like the Union Pacific Railroad in the United States, the CPR showcased natural wonders that could be observed on a scenic train ride.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Canadian_Pacific_Railway
On the reverse, Della has penned a breezy message to Harold.
After inquiring “How be you these days”, Della mentions a recent trip made by Harold (presumably, to Cuba.).
She thanks him for a postcard, and tells him “It is the only one I have from Cuba.”
After the Spanish American War, US businesses dominated the Cuban economy and promoted robust tourism.
Della then begins teasing Harold about a photo -I believe that he has promised her a picture of himself.
If you were a pen pal or fellow postcard collector, sharing a postcard photograph was a common step in developing a more friendly relationship.
Della’s note lacks any comment about winter, glaciers, or Canada – and fuels my suspicion that she is not in British Columbia.
Nevertheless, Harold saved the postcard throughout his life.
One hopes that Harold sent a picture to Della, that she was pleased by it, and the two deepened their epistolary relationship.
(Sadly, Glacier House was demolished in 1929. There are other resorts in the area, although the glacier has retreated by several miles)
