The Philadelphia Navy Yard -circa 1920
May 16, 2022
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When I was a child, one could still be impressed by the various ships anchored or in repair at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. The enormous
Postcard Categories
The Hubers Visit Philadelphia – Philadelphia, PA (1908)
May 16, 2022
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In the Fall of 1908, Mr. And Mrs. David Huber paid a visit to David’s cousin in Philadelphia. Upon their return to Lancaster, Mrs. Huber
A Drive Through the Mosquito Valley – Williamsport, PA (1908)
May 16, 2022
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Despite the unappealing name, the Mosquito Valley is a beautiful, mixed-forest, landscape on the north side of the Appalachian ridges in north central Pennsylvania.Located in
A Jolly Good Time – Bismarck, North Dakota (1908)
May 16, 2022
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Annie Robidou was a lively young woman. I have a dozen postcards that were sent to her by friends, relatives, and admirers – all the
The Waitress Has An Admirer – New York City (circa 1909)
May 16, 2022
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Miss Addie Hamilton was working at Smith & McNells – the hotel restaurant that pioneered 24-hour, high-volume, dining since the mid-19th century. Smith & McNells
Marriage is a Hard Way – 1906
May 16, 2022
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One can find many postcards from the early 20th century that reflect on marriage and marriage roles.Some of them, intended to be humorous, may be
The Valentines of Emily Wolf
May 16, 2022
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Around 1915 (based on the design of the postcard), Emily Wolf lived at 649 Vine Street in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Several friends presented valentines to her
Erin Go Bragh – Cornwall, PA (1909)
May 16, 2022
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Mr. Paul Hale lived in Cornwall, now a borough in southeast Lebanon County, adjacent to Lancaster County. In 1909, Cornwall was comprised of several villages,
“A Joyful Easter” to Miss Carrie – Brunnerville, PA (circa 1910)
May 16, 2022
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Miss Carrie Pfoutz lived in Brunnerville, PA, a populated place a few miles northeast of the town of Lititz, in Lancaster County. In the Spring
Miss Schade Receives an Easter Postcard – Toledo, Ohio (1918)
May 16, 2022
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Miss F.L. Schade lived in Toledo, the port city at the western tip of Lake Erie in northwest Ohio.In 1918, Toledo was already an important
“Blessed Be the Lord” – Holtwood, PA (1924)
May 9, 2022
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Mrs. Aldus Martin lived in Holtwood, PA, an unincorporated community along the Susquehanna River in southern Lancaster County. It is now the site of a
Hazel Misses Sunday School – Doylestown, PA (1932)
May 9, 2022
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In March of 1932, Miss Hazel Black lived on Harvey Avenue in Doylestown, PA. (Doylestown is a borough and the county seat of Bucks County.
“Where All the Swells Go” – Scranton, PA (circa 1910)
May 9, 2022
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It is an unfortunate fact that the congregations of many Churches in the early 20th century reflected specific socio-economic or racial subsets of the population.
The Black Hills – South Dakota (1910)
May 9, 2022
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Rising incongruously over the Great Plains, the Black Hills are the remains of prehistoric volcanic activity. Occupied by a succession of indigenous peoples over centuries,
Grand Lake and “Mount Baldy” – Colorado (1938)
May 9, 2022
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Geneva, Mrs. F.C.Brown, lived in Hays, Kansas. Hays is the largest city in northwest Kansas; it grew up around the railroad. It was a rough
Milly wants “All the News” from Wisconsin – Bismarck, North Dakota (1939)
May 9, 2022
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In September of 1939, Milly was living temporarily in Bismarck, North Dakota. She sent a postcard to her friend, Nora, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Milly
A Home for Kit Carson – circa 1936
May 9, 2022
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This linen postcard features one of the homes of Kit Carson, an iconic figure of the Western Frontier in the first half of the 19th
Sam Sends Viola a Picture of New York – 1931
May 9, 2022
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Miss Viola Jones lived at 37 East Philadelphia Street in York, PA.On May 21, 1931, Viola received a postcard from Sam who was in New
The TVA – 1938
May 9, 2022
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In the summer of 1938, Marie attended the NEA convention in New York City and took a long road trip to return to her home,
Spring Comes to the Western Slope – Grand Junction, Colorado (circa 1910)
May 9, 2022
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Grand Junction, 247 miles southwest of Denver, is the largest city in western Colorado.The ancient home of the Ute people, this area was not settled
Traveling the “Dixie Highway” – Melrose, Florida (circa 1922)
May 9, 2022
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Dr. Harry W. Ryman lived in Summit, New Jersey, a prosperous city on a ridge within the Raritan Valley and Rahway Valley of northern New
The Last Day of Camp Meeting – Pitman Grove, New Jersey (1907)
May 2, 2022
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The Last Day of Camp Meeting – Pitman Grove, New Jersey (1907)Although many of the historic “camp meetings” still assemble each summer, the events do
The Methodist Church – Arkansas City, Kansas (1915)
May 2, 2022
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On a Sunday in March of 1915, Mrs. Neill was visiting Arkansas City, Kansas.Arkansas City, in south central Kansas, is built on the site of
The Pastor Celebrates Four Years – Springfield, Ohio (1905)
May 2, 2022
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In October of 1905, the Rev. Marion Baker celebrated the beginning of his fifth year of service at HighStreet Christian Church.The church was located in
The Best for Thanksgiving in York?- Poth’s Beer 1909
May 2, 2022
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In November of 1909, Mr. Daniel Forry was living at 125 South Green Street in York.Daniel received an advertising postcard recommending the wares of two
The Knights of the Maccabees – Detroit, Michigan (circa 1910)
May 2, 2022
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One feature of American life that has changed significantly in the last century is the decline of social,fraternal, and mutual-aid societies.Earlier postcard stories noted the
Don McNeil and the Breakfast Club -circa 1948
May 2, 2022
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Don McNeil was born in Illinois, but grew up in Wisconsin (he was a first cousin to Casper Weinberger, with whom I would not have
Mr. and Mrs. Baker Took the Train – Norwood, Massachusetts (1906)
April 26, 2022
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In recent years of this century, I have ridden on Amtrak through the station at Norwood.Thus, I was excited to find this view of the
The Trolley Center – Westfield, Massachusetts (1910)
April 26, 2022
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Some weeks ago, we looked at the Train Station in Norwood, Massachusetts- from which friendsdeparted after a visit to that town.Westfield is a community, adjacent
Ogden, Utah – circa 1920
April 26, 2022
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A few weeks ago, we read about the “Overland Express” – the famed train from San Francisco to Chicago.One feature of that historic route was
The Snowy Village – Cuervo, Texas (1907)
April 25, 2022
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Spring is soon to arrive, yet snow covers the ground in many parts of the east coast today.This postcard illustration seemed appropriate for the appearance
The Bird and the Apples- Sunbury, PA (circa 1910)
April 25, 2022
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Foster Herman lived in Sunbury, PA, a city on the Susquehanna River in central Pennsylvania.Foster had a sister, May, who gave him a beautifully-illustrated postcard.The
Queen of the Carnival – Hagerstown, Maryland (circa 1908)
April 25, 2022
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Today is Mardi Gras: “Fat Tuesday”, or Carnival – literally, “farewell to meat”.For centuries in Christendom, this was a day of feasting and celebration as
Corning, New York (1909)
April 25, 2022
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Soon after Christmas in 1909, Miss Ermina Schroeder received a postcard from her friend, Hallie.The postcard photograph of Corning, New York was published by S.H.
Twenty-Third Street – New York City (1907)
April 25, 2022
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Today, Manhattan’s primary shopping district lies in midtown; in 1900, however, shopping destinationswere further downtown, near 23rd street.The area bounded by lower Fifth Avenue, Sixth
“Save a Setting of Eggs” – Union Deposit, PA (1908)
April 25, 2022
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We met members of the Bashore family in earlier postcard stories.Mrs. S.S. Bashore lived in Union Deposit, a community in southeast Dauphin County of centralPennsylvania.The
The Nightly Parade of Rolling Chairs
April 25, 2022
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The Nightly Parade of “Rolling Chairs” – Atlantic City (1912)Thousands of vacationers descended on Atlantic City each summer day in the early years of thetwentieth
“Feed the Brute” – Detroit, Michigan (1908)
April 11, 2022
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This English comic postcard published by G.D. & D. of London, provides humorous advice to a young woman – who may have been married very
A Valentine for Miss Humphreville – 1910
April 11, 2022
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Miss Witwer’s School – Lancaster, PA Miss Humphreville, who lived on West Vine Street, taught singing at Miss Witwer’s School. (We met Miss Margie Humphreville
Clara Sends Love to Stevens, PA – 1910
April 11, 2022
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Clara Smith was in Buffalo, NY where she was “having a good time this winter” with “snow two feet deep”. Clara’s friend, Frances Stover, lived
“Come Back to Erin” – Hummelstown, PA (circa 1910)
April 11, 2022
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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
“Montmartre is Old Paris” – Philadelphia, PA (1928)
April 5, 2022
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In August of 1928, Mrs. Zigenhorn was living in Philadelphia. She received a postcard from “A.K. McC.”, who was in France. The postcard, printed and
Aunt Mattie Is In Naples – Wyncote, PA (1905)
April 5, 2022
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Miss Natalie Tyson lived in Wyncote, a census-designated place bordering the northern boundary of the City of Philadelphia, at the southern tip of Montgomery County.
Munich Before the War
April 5, 2022
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The Trip to Munich – Germany (1932) Sometime last year, we shared an early 20th century photograph of the “Frauenkirche” – the iconic church in
The Inns of Court at Holborn
April 5, 2022
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From York to Reading, A Scene of Old London (1907) I thought it fitting that this old London scene was mailed between the Pennsylvania cities
Cousin Enos is in San Francisco – Strasburg, PA (1906)
April 5, 2022
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In January of 1906, Miss Ella Rohrer was living on a rural delivery route near Strasburg, Pennsylvania. Ella received a postcard from Cousin Enos who
Morris Sends A Postcard to His Mother – Kiamesha Lake, NY (1908)
April 5, 2022
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Mrs. C. Lawrence was in Chautauqua, the town and lake resort in southwestern New York. Because thousands of visitors vacationed in Chautauqua for the cultural,
The Whaling Museum – New Bedford, Massachusetts (1927)
April 5, 2022
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“Old Dartmouth” is the region on the south coast of Massachusetts that prospered, through the mid-nineteenth century, from whaling. New Bedford was the largest town
Something is Happening in Catlettsburg – Catlettsburg, Kentucky (1919)
April 5, 2022
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Catlettsburg is a small city on the Ohio River in northeastern Kentucky, where Ohio and West Virginia meet the border of Kentucky. The area was
The City at Night – Macon, Georgia (1908)
April 5, 2022
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Mrs. R.S. Giles lived in New London, a village in north central Ohio. (The name reflects the Connecticut roots of the early settlers, and the
Take the Roadster to Portsmouth
April 5, 2022
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Traveling in the Roadster – Portsmouth, New Hampshire (1911) We met Ermina Schroeder a few weeks ago; she was living in Hamilton Heights (Manhattan) and
Plan Ahead! – Newport News, Virginia (1907)
April 5, 2022
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Mr. Richard Cook had moved or traveled from Richmond, Virginia in July of 1907. A comic postcard that was mailed to him at a Richmond
An Affected Actress – Chicago (1906)
April 5, 2022
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Almost everyone, at some time, meets people for whom affectation and “drama” is a constant companion. Self-conscious actors and actresses may be especially prone to
“The Male is Late” – Perry, Kansas (1907)
April 5, 2022
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Effie Hart lived in Great Falls, a city on the Missouri River in west central Montana. The city now profits from hydro-electric dams that are
Escape Prohibition! – Niagara Falls, Ontario (1930)
April 5, 2022
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Jerome and Florence (with a third person whose name I cannot read – perhaps a child) were visiting Niagara Falls. From the Canadian side of
“All the Year, You’re in My Heart” – Columbia, PA (1921)
March 15, 2022
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Mrs. Philip Bard lived on a rural delivery route near Columbia, the lovely town above the Susquehanna River in central Pennsylvania. In February of 1921
Washington Birthday from Portland -Oregon (1910)
March 15, 2022
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What is the Matter with Edith? Edith Yoder lived at 507 West Walnut Street in Lancaster, PA. (The tidy, two-story brick home, built in 1900,
“A Token of Regard” – Paradise, PA (1906)
March 15, 2022
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Miss Caroline Powell lived in Paradise, an unincorporated community in the “Pennsylvania Dutch” country of eastern Lancaster County, PA. On February 14, 1906, Miss Powell
Mending a Broken Heart – Lancaster, PA (1907)
March 15, 2022
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Miss Esther Martin lived at 360 East Chestnut Street in Lancaster. (At this address is a large, handsome building, built in 1895, that now contains
The Birthday of Elizabeth Gallatin – Annville, PA (1907)
March 15, 2022
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In October of 1907, Elizabeth Gallatin of Annville, PA was celebrating a birthday. Elizabeth received a postcard greeting from Esther F., also of Annville. Annville
The Postcard from Wescosville – Anna Dreibelbis in 1910
March 15, 2022
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John Jacob Dreibelbis immigrated from Germany to Pennsylvania in 1732. His descendants, sometimes with variant spellings of the last name, can be found in many
Faithfully Yours in Paradise, Pa – 1908
March 15, 2022
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In October of 1908, Edith Hess of New Holland received a postcard from her cousin in Paradise, Pa. The face of the postcard is illustrated
Mrs. Stanley Receives a Big Bird from Her Sister – Pomeroy, PA (1907)
March 15, 2022
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Mrs. Emmer Stanley lived in Pomeroy, a small community of Chester County in southeast Pennsylvania. In the golden age of railroads, Pomeroy was the terminus
Basket of Flowers for Mrs. Schaum – Lancaster, PA (1909)
March 15, 2022
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Mrs. Schaum lived at 108 South Prince Street, which would have been close to the historic St. Mary’s Church. The house in which Mrs. Schaum
“Little” Harrison Writes to Uncle Joe – circa 1910
March 15, 2022
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Uncle Joe was celebrating a birthday and his nephew, Harrison, sent to him a beautiful postcard. The embossed postcard features large sunflowers atop a rural
Home of President Grant – circa 1925
March 15, 2022
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I have long been a fan of General Grant, resenting the defamation he endured at the hands of “Lost Cause” sympathizers and Confederate apologizers. Now,
Kit Carson – circa 1936
March 15, 2022
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Any collector of vintage postcards is likely to find numerous examples of lovely linen postcards printed by Fred Harvey Restaurants. What Howard Johnson’s restaurants were
The Rebels Burn Chambersburg – 1864
March 15, 2022
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I don’t know how many Pennsylvanians are familiar with the destruction caused by Confederate General, Jubal Early, in the month leading up to the Battle
The Longfellow House in Cambridge, Massachusetts (circa 1935)
March 15, 2022
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The works of Longfellow (1807-1882) are far less familiar and beloved than they were a hundred years ago. Well-educated (he was the first American to
The President’s Home – Oyster Bay, Long Island (1906)
March 15, 2022
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A few weeks ago, we read about the visitor to Bismarck, North Dakota who sent a postcard photograph of the rustic log cabin built by
Nathaniel Hawthorne and the Old Manse – circa 1920
March 15, 2022
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I have many postcards from the early 20th century that celebrate literary heroes. Longfellow, Whittier, Emerson, Louisa Mae Alcott, Harriet Beecher Stowe – each were
The “Firemens Monument” in York – 1909
March 15, 2022
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Miss Anna Gibble lived in Manheim, Pa (Lancaster County), and conducted postcard correspondence with a friend who lived in York. The friend in York, S.K.S.,
The Trolley Park at York Furnace, Lancaster County
February 22, 2022
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Because there is a “York Furnace” community in York County, I mistakenly assumed that this postcard photograph represented that place. I learned, from York County
The Wanamaker Store of Philadelphia-circa 1910
February 22, 2022
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Wanamaker’s, the gigantic department store filling an entire city block near City Hall, dominated the commercial landscape of Philadelphia for several generations. I did not
The Colonial Hotel in York – 1906
February 22, 2022
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The building of the Colonial Hotel excited great public interest during its construction in the 1890’s. It dominated Centre Square, later Continental Square, and was
The Majestic Hotel on North Broad Street – Philadelphia, circa 1920
February 22, 2022
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Looking at North Broad Street today, it is hard to imagine the grand buildings and private mansions that were erected there in the late nineteenth
“A Kiss Is a Peculiar Proposition…” Norman, Oklahoma (1907)
February 22, 2022
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Miss Etta Pelsey was living in Saint Marys, a small city in north east Kansas. The town grew up around the mission where the US
“Guessing” – Philadelphia, PA (1907)
February 22, 2022
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D. Hillson was a prolific postcard illustrator of the early 20th century; hundreds of his drawings are still available for purchase from purveyors of vintage
The Two Young Women – circa 1920
February 22, 2022
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This postcard photograph lacks any indication of time or place; the identities of the women are also unrecorded. They are dressed similarly, and have some
Naomi Dick – York, PA (circa 1915)
February 22, 2022
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In the early years of the twentieth century, the photography studio of Simon & Murnane was located at 227 West Market Street in York, “At
Ed Hille – Wisconsin or Indiana, circa 1910
February 22, 2022
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This well-preserved postcard photograph lacks a studio identification, suggesting that it was processed in a small, local shop. It is a very good photograph, so
Anna Hess Shaub (circa 1915)
February 22, 2022
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Rifling through a box of postcards at a recent exhibition, I was charmed by the bright, inquisitive face of this peering child. On the reverse,
Aunt Mabel Sends a Weighty Postcard – Shiremanstown, PA (circa 1910)
February 22, 2022
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Miss Clara Eby lived in Shiremanstown, a borough in Cumberland County, across the Susquehanna River from Harrisburg, PA. On-line, one can find a fascinating history
“Claire Louise” Was Born on Saturday – August 12, 1922
February 22, 2022
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Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Files (amended, “Filer”) were thrilled by the birth of their 8-pound daughter. The happy parents prepared birth announcements to share
Bouquets for Miss Sackett – Ilion, NY (1908)
February 22, 2022
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Miss Winafred (Winifred?) Sackett lived in Ilion, a village in central New York State. The area, settled by German immigrants around 1725, prospered with the
“Today, You Are 4 Years Old” – January 5, 1922
February 22, 2022
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A postcard greeting from exactly one hundred years ago. Young Henry Rohoem lived in Quarryville, Pennsylvania, a borough southeast of Lancaster. On January 5, 1922,
Aunt Anna’s Birthday – Neoga, Illinois (1914)
February 22, 2022
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Mrs. Anna Abernathy lived in Neoga, Illinois – a small city in central Illinois. Neoga developed as a center of the railroad in the state.
Anna Witmer Gives a Postcard to her Schoolmate – circa 1920
February 22, 2022
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Sometime around 1920, Anna Witmer attended school near Manheim. She gave a postcard, a hand-colored drawing of flowers, to her “schoolmate”, Anna Ober. The postcard
Claude Learns About the New Baby – Elmira, NY (1913)
February 22, 2022
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In June of 1913, Claude Mapes was hospitalized in Elmira, New York. The Arnot-Ogden Hospital (now the Arnot-Ogden Medical Center, and a part of Arnot
Monument to General Reynolds
February 14, 2022
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The Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the American Civil War, and the largest military engagement that has ever occurred in Pennsylvania. One
The Grave of Johnny Appleseed – Fort Wayne, Indiana (circa 1935)
February 14, 2022
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The American colonies, with an expanding frontier, offered a congenial home to many “characters”, some of whose eccentricities are captured in historical accounts and embroidered
A Monument to the Leg of Benedict Arnold – Saratoga, NY (circa 1935)
February 14, 2022
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Benedict Arnold, whose name is now synonymous with “traitor”, was once a hero in the fight for American Independence. His daring exploits for the Colonial
The Birthplace of James Buchanan – circa 1940
February 14, 2022
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Pennsylvanians have had (until the inauguration of President Biden) only one native son who became a US President. Unfortunately, the administration of Buchanan is one
Conrad Weiser – Reading, Pennsylvania (circa 1910)
February 14, 2022
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Today, the Episcopal Church commemorates Conrad Weiser, colonial peace-maker, city planner, administrator of justice, and Lutheran churchman. Although Conrad Weiser was not part of the
“Never Too Late to Mend” – Quarryville, PA (1906)
February 14, 2022
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R. F. Outcault was one of the greatest cartoonists in American history. He may have been the first to use a series of comic panels,
“Haven’t Got the Spinal Meningitis” – Atchison, Kansas (1912)
February 14, 2022
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Mr. Hugh Smith lived in Monrovia, an unincorporated community in Atchison County, Kansas. The town was platted along on the Missouri Pacific Railroad, but never
Over-eating at Thanksgiving – Media, PA (1914)
February 14, 2022
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Miss E. Garner lived in Media, PA, a borough 13 miles west of Philadelphia and the County Seat of Delaware County. In November of 1914,
Coming Your Way – 1906
February 14, 2022
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On October 11, 1906, H. H. Ziemen of Adamstown received a postcard from Cora, who might be a sibling. The postcard is badly worn and
That Moustache is a Nuisance! Columbia, PA (circa 1910)
February 14, 2022
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This comic postcard has an interesting pedigree. Douglas Tempest (born 1887) was a British illustrator and cartoonist who went on to become a pioneer in
“The Big Squeeze” – Comic Postcard circa 1935
February 14, 2022
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The wide range of comic postcards has never held much interest for me; but the genre has always been a considerable part of the postcard
Centennial of Abraham Lincoln Birthday
February 14, 2022
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Last year, I posted recollections of my childhood years during which we celebrated a separate birthday for Lincoln and for Washington. In Elementary School, ,
“Thanksgiving Joys” to York County – Dover, PA (1909)
February 14, 2022
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Mrs. Alice E. Frey lived in Dover, PA, a borough a few miles northwest of the city of York. In November of 1909, she received
“Thanksgiving Cheer” to Berks County – Reading, PA (1921)
February 14, 2022
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A hundred years ago, Mrs. M. Emma Dunn lived in Reading. (Her address is 1510 Hawk Street; I cannot find that the house is still
“Your True and Loving Friend” – Mountville, PA (1914)
February 14, 2022
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One of the delights of reading vintage postcards is reading the frequent expression of friendship and affection. It is not uncommon to find references to
We Cannot Drive from Hagerstown
January 31, 2022
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Snow Prevents Dinner in East Petersburg – 1935 Mr. Daniel Good, Jr. of East Petersburg had invited friends from Maryland to dinner in January of
Mrs. Rieber Visits Wildwood, New Jersey (1912)
January 31, 2022
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In August of 1912, Mrs. Rieber visited Wildwood, New Jersey – joining hundreds of thousands of other visitors who flocked to “the shore” on each
Jennie Sends a Postcard from Bethune – Bethune, South Carolina (1925)
January 31, 2022
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Jennie was traveling in the southern US, but she did not forget Norman Carpenter who lived in Rothsville, PA. While in Bethune, SC, Jennie mailed
For the Friends of “Farmer Boy” – Malone, NY (circa 1920)
January 31, 2022
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For those who grew up reading the stories of Laura Ingalls Wilder, the town of Malone, New York is remembered as the childhood home of
Mother Takes a Trip in the Harbor – New York City (1923)
January 31, 2022
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In April of 1923, Mother was visiting New York City. She sent a postcard to her daughter, Miss Genevieve Jones, in Depauville, New York. (Depauville
The Club Convention on Mackinac Island – Galesburg, Illinois (1913)
January 31, 2022
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In April of 1913, Hiram Morey received a postcard reminder of the upcoming Club Convention on Mackinac Island. The address is typed. Perhaps a secretary
Harriet & Henry “Get Around” – 1939
January 31, 2022
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Miss Freda Kunkle lived in Rohrerstown, PA, a small community west of Lancaster. I know that Freda had many friends, some of whom were well
The Capilano Suspension Bridge -Pedestrian Thrills of 1935
January 31, 2022
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In June of 1935, L.W. Burr (?) was traveling through Vancouver, British Columbia. One morning, L. W. visited the park where a suspension bridge had
Ida Writes from Assisi – 1922
January 31, 2022
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On a Sunday during the pandemic, it is refreshing (and frustrating) to think about Ida’s visit to Assisi in June of 1922. This postcard, with
Ella Hears from the “Old Country” – Berlin, Germany (circa 1905)
January 31, 2022
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Ella Bluhm lived in Deer Creek, a small city (population of 322) in west central Minnesota. The city is very close to the bordering states
Daddy is in Holland – 1937
January 31, 2022
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Helen and Esther Lineaweaver may have missed their father, who was in Europe during the summer of 1937. The sisters lived in Campbelltown, an unincorporated
Sara Hopes to see Allen – Lebanon, PA (1907)
January 31, 2022
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Sara lived in Lebanon, a city in the Lebanon Valley of south central, Pennsylvania – 26 miles east ofHarrisburg and 28 miles west of Reading.
The “Overland Limited” to Chicago – Floriston, California (circa 1920)
January 31, 2022
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The “Overland” railroad route between San Francisco and Chicago is one of the most-storied passages in US railroad history. After an intercontinental railroad line was
Taking the Train to New York – Allentown, PA (circa 1905)
January 31, 2022
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Harry S. may have intended to mail this postcard featuring a hand-colored photograph of the railroad terminal in Allentown. The photograph was made and published
“Kiss and Make Up” – circa 1910
January 31, 2022
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This comic postcard was not mailed, so we do not know if the message was intended for a particular person. It is an example of
The “Souvenir Spoon” – Storm Lake, Iowa (1906)
January 31, 2022
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The collecting of souvenir spoons, especially those made of silver, began in Europe among wealthy travelers of the mid-19th century. The custom was adopted by
Harold Offers Romance to Ethel – Galion, Ohio (circa 1915)
January 31, 2022
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Several months ago, we met a young woman of Galion, Ohio; she collected postcard photographs ofchurches. Her name was Emma Hankel. Today, we meet Ethel
The Sally Ann Furnace – circa 1920
January 27, 2022
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One forgets how important iron ore was to the growth and development of eastern Pennsylvania. Although the much larger and deeper deposits of iron ore
The York Manufacturing Company, York, PA (circa 1925)
January 27, 2022
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York was a center of the air-cooling and air conditioning industry in the early decades of the 20th century. Founded in 1874 as an ice-making
The Hotel Berkshire in Reading, PA – circa 1935
January 27, 2022
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Ground was broken for the Berkshire Hotel in December of 1913. A spell of extreme cold weather delayed construction for two months, but the hotel
The Remarkable Pool at Maple Grove
January 25, 2022
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The largest swimming pool in Pennsylvania, at 1.5 million gallons of water, opened to the public in 1912. This hand-colored photograph was printed circa 1920.
Drifton Coal-Breaker
January 17, 2022
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Vanished Businesses -circa 1910 Reflecting on the temporary closure of business and industry during the pandemic, I happened upon a postcard depicting an important industry
A Christmas Postcard to Mrs. Stroman
January 11, 2022
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Sarah Gives a Christmas Postcard to Mrs. Emma Stroman -circa 1920 About 1920, Mrs. Emma Stroman was living in Lancaster, PA. Her home was at
Jessie Sends Christmas Greetings from Portland – Osceola, Iowa (1912)
January 11, 2022
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Mr. And Mrs. Elijah Hart lived in Osceola, Iowa, a small city in south central Iowa. In December of 1912, the Harts received a Christmas
“Merry Christmas Greetings” – Factoryville, PA (1909)
January 11, 2022
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Mr. G.H. Walton lived in Factoryville, a borough of Wyoming County, in northeast Pennsylvania. The town was named for a woolen factory that once operated
Selina Sends an Embossed Parasol – Wilmington, Delaware (1909)
January 11, 2022
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Selina lived in Girardville, a borough in Schuylkill County, about 58 miles northwest of Reading, PA. In 1909, this region prospered from the mining of
“Christmas Greetings” to York County – Felton, PA (1908)
January 11, 2022
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Miss Ruth Hake lived in Felton, Pa, a borough in York County, not far from Red Lion. In December of 1908, Ruth received a Christmas
Russell Thanks His Grandmother – 1916
January 11, 2022
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Mrs. Harriet Borry of Stevens, Pa was fond of her grandson, Russell, who lived in Reading. For Russell’s birthday, Mrs. Borry sent him a new
Cousin Galen Greets Miss Warner – February, 1908
January 11, 2022
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In 1908, Miss Emma Warner lived in Gap, PA. Gap, a small community, is named for a break in the Mine Ridge at the eastern
Conrad Sends Pansies to Mrs. Wetter – Watertown, Wisconsin (1915)
January 11, 2022
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Mrs Frank Wetter lived in Watertown, a city on the Rock River in south central Wisconsin. This area was settled by families from New England,
Dara Writes to her Grandparents – Columbia, PA (1913)
January 11, 2022
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Mr. And Mrs. H.R. Bookman lived on Walnut Street in Columbia, PA (a beautiful town on the Susquehanna River). In February of 1913, the Bookmans
Will Bruce Come to the Fair? Dillsburg, PA (1910)
January 11, 2022
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Mrs. Bruce Wagner lived in Dillsburg, PA – a borough in northwest York County, very close to the borders of Adams County and Cumberland County.
Grandpa Sends Best Wishes to Harold – Middletown, PA, circa 1905
January 11, 2022
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It may have been the birthday of Harold Strayer when he received a postcard from Grandpa. Harold lived outside Middletown, PA (Rural Delivery Route #3),
“My Beloved Brother” – Sister Sends Birthday Greetings to Last Surviving Brother, 1922
January 11, 2022
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Martin K. Brubaker was a prosperous farmer, business owner, and local official in Mount Joy. (See, “Annals of Lancaster County”) His two brothers had died,
Aunt Tillie Sends a Postcard to Ruth – Berwyn, PA (1914)
January 11, 2022
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Berwyn, Pennsylvania is a census-designated place in Chester County, on the “Main Line” of suburbs stretching westward from Philadelphia. In February of 1914, Miss Ruth
The Railroad Station at Mount Gretna
January 11, 2022
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Robert H. Coleman, iron magnate and once the richest man in Pennsylvania, was largely responsible for the development of Mount Gretna. The lovely spot was
The Connecting Link – Boston to Concord (circa 1905)
January 11, 2022
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I am astonished and envious when finding memorabilia related to the nation’s incredible transportation systems of the early 20th century. Readers of these postcard stories
The Pennsylvania Railroad Low-Grade Bridge at Martic Forge- circa 1910
January 11, 2022
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The low-grade line across southern Lancaster County is one of the marvels of the Pennsylvania Railroad. I found this image with a lot of old
Visiting by Buggy -circa 1910
January 11, 2022
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In south central Pennsylvania, where one still sees the grey buggies of conservative religious sects, it may not be as hard to imagine how ubiquitous
The New Union Station in Baltimore – 1913
January 11, 2022
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This handsome Station in the Beaux Arts style was erected in 1911, so it was the “new” station when this postcard was mailed in 1913.
Entering Chester on the Boston & Albany RR
January 11, 2022
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Those of us who love to travel by train are often overcome by a deep longing to experience the days in which all major towns
The Old Port Railroad – circa 1905
January 11, 2022
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I found this postcard, an uncolored photograph without attribution of the photographer, in an antique shop in Columbia, PA. Historians in the Facebook Group, “Trolleys,
The Welcome Stream
January 11, 2022
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John Henry Sends “Welcome Stream” – December 27, 1912 In 1912, Miss Anna Weidman lived on Spruce Street in Lititz. On December 27, Anna received
The Sea Lions of San Francisco – circa 1940
January 11, 2022
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Sea Lions have lived in San Francisco Bay for millennia, feeding on the schools of anchovies that thrive there. At the time this postcard was
The Octoraro – 1906
January 11, 2022
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Several months ago, I posted a beautiful, hand-colored photograph of the Conestoga River that was on a postcard mailed to Bertie Kilbough in Peters Creek,
Papa Writes to His “Little Girlie” – Portland, Oregon (1911)
January 11, 2022
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In January of 1911, Papa was in Portland, Oregon, but he was thinking of his little girl in Ashtabula, Ohio. Ashtabula is a city in
Autumn in Pennsylvania – circa 1940
January 11, 2022
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Pennsylvania ranks within the top ten states in the percentage of land devoted to parks or wildlife preservation. Many Pennsylvanians are unaware that game, including
The Ancient Holly Tree of York County
January 11, 2022
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Estimated to be 300 years old, and partially dead, the Holly Tree at Indian Steps has been celebrated for more than a century. Identified as
Lunch in Carlsbad Caverns – 1934
January 11, 2022
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The large underground cave system near Carlsbad, New Mexico, was discovered by a local teen-aged boy in 1897. President Calvin Coolidge directed the development of
The Train in the City
November 15, 2021
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The Train in the City – Carlisle, PA (circa 1920) These postcard images of trains are often posted with feelings of regret that rail connections
A Truss Bridge Near Ephrata
November 15, 2021
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A Truss Bridge Near Ephrata, PA I found an uncolored postcard photograph of a “Rural Scene Lancaster County, Penna.” The photograph shows horses pulling a
The Railroad Station in Gettysburg
November 15, 2021
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The Railroad Station in Gettysburg – circa 1910 My laments about the tragic decline of railroad networks may be tiresome to readers. But, here is
Pennsylvania Canal and Bridge at Columbia
November 15, 2021
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Pennsylvania Canal and Bridge at Columbia This postcard, printed in the United States in the first years of the 20th century, bears a legend, “Pennsylvania
“We Are All Well”
November 15, 2021
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“We Are All Well” – York Springs, PA (1909) Miss Alice Cleaver lived in York Springs, now a borough in Adams County, Pennsylvania, not far
Flossie Goes to the Opera
November 15, 2021
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Flossie Goes to the Opera – Alliance, Ohio (1907) In November of 1907, Flossie Farmer was busy in Alliance, Ohio. Flossie sent a postcard to
Edward is Riding the Horses
November 15, 2021
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Edward is Riding the Horses- Jefferson, North Dakota (1910) Frankie Smith lived at 231 East South Street in York, PA. In June of 1910, he
Ina Sends a Gilded Birthday Card to Glen Rock
November 15, 2021
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Ina Sends a Gilded Birthday Card to Glen Rock – 1907 On April 30, 1907., Ina mailed a gilded Birthday postcard to Master Stacy McCubbins
Two Calves for Father
November 15, 2021
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Two Calves for Father – Corinth, NY (1911) In August of 1911, Allie wrote to her father from Gloversville, NY., a small city in the
Bertha Sends Love to Grandma
November 15, 2021
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Bertha Sends Love to Grandma – Walden, NY (circa 1910) Mrs. J. Hardy lived in Walden, NY, a village in southern New York State, northwest
Bernice Receives a Postcard Compliment
November 15, 2021
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Bernice Receives a Postcard Compliment – White Pigeon, Michigan (1908) Bernice Blue lived in White Pigeon, a village in southwest Michigan, near the border with
Evelyn Writes to Grandma
November 15, 2021
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Evelyn Writes to Grandma – Hametown, PA in 1910 This postcard traveled between two towns in York County, PA in the summer of 1910. Evelyn
A Butterfly to Walter in Vintage, PA
November 15, 2021
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A Butterfly to Walter in Vintage, PA – circa 1910 Sometime around 1910, Walter Denlinger received a postcard, perhaps in celebration of his birthday. Walter
Traveling to York from Brodbecks
November 15, 2021
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Traveling to York from Brodbecks in 1910 Sometime in 1910 (the postmark is distorted), Edna wrote from Brodbecks to her sister, Mrs. Ivan Butcher, in
Puppies for Ernest
November 14, 2021
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Ernest Receives Puppies from His Uncle – Christiana, PA (1908) Yesterday, according to Facebook, was National Dog Day. In October of 1908, young Ernest Chambers
A Brace of Setters
November 14, 2021
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A Brace of Setters – Cresswell, PA (1908) Cresswell, Pennsylvania is a small, unincorporated community in western Lancaster County. It lies east of the high
La Vache Echappe
November 14, 2021
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La Vache Echappe – Dresden, circa 1910 This beautiful example of postcard art was printed in Dresden (Germany) about 1910. I believe it was published
The Winding Stream
November 14, 2021
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“The Winding Stream” – Kennet Square (1906) For the Equinox, a nice example of postcard art illustrating the beauty of late Summer and early Fall.
The Pet Chicken
November 14, 2021
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The Pet Chicken (1906) Sometime around 1906, Olive Bealler received a handsome postcard print of a child with a pet chicken. We are not given
Boys at Play
November 14, 2021
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Boys at Play – Millstadt, Illinois (1908) Young Edmund Harnish was living in the big city of St. Louis when he received a postcard from
Rock Candy
November 14, 2021
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Rock Candy – Brooklyn (1894) At the turn of the 20th century, the Brooklyn waterfront was lined with industrial plants. Only in 2014 was the
Flooding during the Construction of the Holtwood Dam
November 14, 2021
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Flooding during the Construction of the Holtwood Dam On March 15, 1907, flood waters from ice jams on the Susquehanna topped a portion of the
Refined Sugar Comes to Market
November 14, 2021
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Refined Sugar Comes to Market – circa 1902 Sugar cane failed as a crop in the 17th century settlement of Jamestown, Virginia and Americans were
Ed Will Call at Your Print Shop
November 14, 2021
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Ed Will Call at Your Print Shop – Selling Ink, 1911 The distribution and sale of goods was very different in the early years of
Cora Sees Production of Shredded Wheat
November 14, 2021
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Cora Sees Production of Shredded Wheat – Niagara Falls, 1927 The story of many breakfast cereals begins in the late 19th century as part of
William Sends a Christmas Postcard to “Grandpaw”
November 14, 2021
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William Sends a Christmas Postcard to “Grandpaw” – 1914 Mr. William Gardner lived in Bridgeton, near Woodbine, in south- central York County. On December 15,
“Good Cheer” and a Red Cross Stamp
November 14, 2021
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“Good Cheer” and a Red Cross Stamp – 1927 In December of 1927, Susan presented a Christmas postcard to Franklin Eby of East Earl, PA.