Mrs. George Martin lived in Warnerville, a hamlet in Schoharie County of central New York.

During the American Revolution, the threat of British-inspired indigenous uprisings resulted in a punitive military campaign against local tribes that destroyed dozens of villages and stores of food in this area.

Today, monuments to this “Battle of Cobleskill” are erected in Warnerville.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warnerville,_New_York

In July of 1910, Mrs. Martin received a postcard from Joe S.

The postcard was mailed from New York City.

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The face of the postcard is a photograph of the “U. S. Custom House, New York”.

This handsome building still stands at Bowling Green on the waterfront in lower Manhattan.

Today, it is near the terminal for the Staten Island Ferry and the small park where enraged citizens pulled down a statue of George III at the dawn of the American Revolution.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bowling_Green_(New_York_City)

As the busiest port in the nation (1910), New York collected significant tariffs and duties for goods entering through the harbor.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collector_of_the_Port_of_New_York

An earlier Custom House on Wall Street was replaced by this building which was proposed in 1899 and erected between 1902 -1907.

Fun Fact:  Herman Melville secured an appointment as a Customs Officer through the intervention of future President, Chester A. Arthur.  Melville worked in the Wall Street Custom House from 1866-1885; he spent much of his time writing short stories and his masterpiece, “Moby Dick”, while employed there.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Custom_House_(New_York_City)

The building in the postcard photograph was designed in the Beaux-Arts style by noted architect, Gilbert Cass.

The seven-story building, named in honor of Alexander Hamilton, has a steel frame and stone walls.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Hamilton_U.S._Custom_House

It has protected landmark status by the Federal government and by the City of New York.

Some years ago, I toured the Custom House during one of New York City’s “Open House” events – when historic buildings are opened to the public.

One climbs a grand staircase adorned with statues by Daniel Chester French, and enters a vestibule through which one proceeds to an oval rotunda illuminated by a skylight.

The ceiling is covered with murals by Reginald Marsh.

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On the reverse, Joe begins his message without a greeting.

He reports, “received your last letter some days ago”.

Joe promises, “Will write soon”, and closes the brief message with “Best Wishes.

Mrs. Martin preserved the postcard in very good condition throughout her life.

One hopes that Joe completed the promised letter and that he and Mrs. Martin maintained a friendly correspondence for many years.