In the 19th century, a “seminary” was the name often given to educational institutions for women – whether or not the course of study involved religious education.

In our story today, the Seminary was associated with a religious denomination – although the school provided only secondary education and college preparatory courses, and did not prepare students for ordination.

In September of 1906, Miss M. Silverbrand received a postcard at the Pentecostal Collegiate Institute.

The Institute was located on a rural campus in North Scituate, Rhode Island, about 10 miles west of Providence.

The institution had been founded in Saratoga Springs, NY, but some leaders of the Association of Pentecostal Churches of America purchased the neo-classical buildings of the former Lapham Institute in North Scituate and opted to develop the school there.

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

The Institute struggled with financial and leadership issues throughout its existence, 1902-1918.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecostal_Collegiate_Institute_(Rhode_Island)

The postcard to Miss Silverbrand was sent by Charles, from Brooklyn, New York.

The face of the postcard is a photograph of the “Chrysanthemum Display” of Bronx Park.

I believe that this is related to the renowned Bronx Botanical Garden which still attracts many visitors today.

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

The postcard was published by the Illustrated Post Card Company of New York.

Charles was able to write a message only on the margin of the face.

The message is sparse, and formal: “Best Wishes from Charles”.

One hopes that Miss Silverbrand was pleased to received the hand-colored greeting, that she succeeded in her studies, and that she and Charles maintained a warm relationship for many years.