“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,
Postcard Categories
“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.
“Christmas Birds for Ada Diehm” – Lititz, PA (1908)
November 14, 2021
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Ada Diehm lived in Lititz, the hsitoric and handsome community of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lititz,_Pennsylvania I have posted other correspondence with Ada Diehm (and with
The Christmas Cards of Daisy Holzworth
November 14, 2021
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The Christmas Cards of Daisy Holzworth – 1908 In the early 20th century, Daisy Holzworth lived at 435 West Orange Street in Lancaster, PA. She
A Christmas Card of Daisy Holzworth
November 14, 2021
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A Christmas Card of Daisy Holzworth – 1909 In the early 20th century, Daisy Holzworth lived at 435 West Orange Street in Lancaster, PA. She
Carlton Receives an Invitation to the Dance
November 14, 2021
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Carlton Henry was living in Plattsburgh, a small community within Clark County – in west central Ohio. (The post office in Plattsburgh was closed in
Love’s Alarm
November 11, 2021
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“How Could I Suffer Love’s Alarms…” (circa 1910) For many years, I avoided postcards that appeared overly sentimental or “sappy”. I have seen hundreds of
A Valentine for Mr. Burger
November 11, 2021
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Ada Sends a Valentine to Mr. Burger – Etters, PA, 1908 This romantic tale straddles the Susquehanna River in south central Pennsylvania. Ada lived in
Sending my heart to Oregon, PA
November 11, 2021
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Sending my heart to Oregon, PA The small town of Oregon once boasted a mill, a school a church, and (from 1846-1912) a post office.
In Memory of a Young Teacher
November 11, 2021
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In Memory of a Young Teacher – 1898 Some paper ephemera can be linked to sad stories, and this is an illustration of that phenomena.
Sickness and Sale
November 11, 2021
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Sickness and Sale Mrs. Fenstermaker Hears Bad News from Her Son -1911 (This collection has several postcards from the Fenstermaker family.) This postcard is from
The Great Flood of Dayton
November 11, 2021
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The Great Flood of Dayton – March, 1913 Dayton, in southwest Ohio, lies at the juncture of three tributary rivers flowing into the Great Miami
Explosion in Washington Boro
November 11, 2021
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Explosion in Washington Boro – 1907 Beginning in the 1890’s, some homes and businesses were lit by acetylene lamps. Before home electrification was common, acetylene
Nashville – 1922
October 25, 2021
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Nashville – Shopping in 1922 I spent a lot of time in Nashville during the early years of the 21st century, and I have many
The Churches of Miss Emma Hankel
October 21, 2021
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The Churches of Miss Emma Hankel – Galion, Ohio (1911) In 1911, Miss Emma Hankel lived in Galion, Ohio, a small city midway between Columbus
Threshing with Horses
October 21, 2021
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Threshing with Horses – Orillia, Washington (circa 1905) In February of 1905(?), Bessie Hill (?) was in Orillia, Washington. Bessie sent a postcard to her
The Underground Rathskeller
October 21, 2021
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The Underground Rathskeller – Cleveland, Ohio (circa 1940) Throughout the Midwest, wherever the Germans settled (later, the Poles, the Czechs, and others), there were beer
Middlesex Fells
October 21, 2021
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Middlesex Fells – 1907 Like New York City, Boston protected its fresh water reservoirs with a large nature preserve north of the city. The Middlesex
Grace Visits Asbury Park
October 21, 2021
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Grace is spending the Summer at Asbury Park – 1908 Asbury Park, the small city on the New Jersey shore, was developed by entrepreneurs from
Mary Sends a Box of Oranges
October 21, 2021
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Mary Sends A Box of Oranges – Elizabethtown, PA (1914) From the early 20th century, one can find an abundance of memorabilia celebrating the tropical
Annie Writes from Attleboro
October 21, 2021
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Annie Sends Greetings from Attleboro, Mass. (1907) Annie Jette lived in Attleboro, a city in southern Massachusetts, closer to Providence, Rhode Island then to Boston.(Attleboro,
Beatrice Kennedy & St. Patrick
October 13, 2021
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Beatrice Kennedy Receives St. Patrick’s Day Greeting from Grandma – 1912 Grandma was in Toronto, Canada when she mailed a St. Patrick’s Day postcard to
The Valentine Skater
October 13, 2021
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The Valentine Skater -1926 On February 12, 1926, Vera Wenzel sent a postcard valentine to her teacher, Miss Verna Graybill. Miss Graybill had been ill,
Clementine at New Year
October 13, 2021
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Clementine Wisner in the New Year – 1907 Miss Clementine Wisner lived in the first block of North Mulberry Street, not far from the famous
Lincoln’s Birthday, circa 1910
October 13, 2021
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Lincoln’s Birthday – circa 1910 I did not know, until looking it up, that Lincoln’s Birthday was never made a federal holiday. Commemoration of the
A Valentine for Martha Oberholtzer
October 11, 2021
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On February 13, 1926, Martha Gill sent a valentine postcard to her cousin, Miss Martha Oberholtzer of Manheim, PA. The postcard, featuring an illustration of
The Terrible Battle of September 11
October 11, 2021
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The Terrible Battle of September 11 – Chadd’s Ford, PA At the time of the American Revolution, Philadelphia was the largest and most prosperous city
The Conestoga from Rocky Springs
October 11, 2021
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The Conestoga from Rocky Springs – 1909 Mr. Guy Dunlap was living in Wilkinsburg, Pa when he received a postcard from his friend, M. I.
The Conowingo Dam
October 11, 2021
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The Conowingo Dam – circa 1950 The Conowingo Dam is the third of the three great hydro-electric dams on the lower Susquehanna. Constructed between 1925
The New Grandstand at York Fairgrounds
October 11, 2021
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The New Grandstand at the York Fairgrounds – York, PA (Postmark 1934) Some time ago, I posted memorabilia related to the York Fair, one of
“Keller’s Mountain” Lititz, PA (1906)
October 11, 2021
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Miss Mollie Gable lived in Schaefferstown, an unincorporated community in Lebanon County of central Pennsylvania. This area boasts several historic homes and businesses – it
A Comic Postcard to Walter
October 11, 2021
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A Comic Postcard to Walter. – Elkhorn, Wisconsin (1906) This is another light- hearted postcard that has a sorrowful aftermath. In April of 1906, Walter
Tallest Sycamore Tree in PA
October 11, 2021
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The Tallest Sycamore Tree in Pennsylvania – Berks County circa 1920 Like many nature-lovers, I am moved by the enormity and grace of large trees.
The Swannanoa River
October 11, 2021
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The Swannanoa River – North Carolina (circa 1935) The Swannanoa River arises near Black Mountain, NC and flows westward through a picturesque valley to Asheville,
Laurel Falls-Great Smoky Mountains
October 11, 2021
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Laurel Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park – circa 1940 The Great Smoky Mountain National Park was dedicated by President Franklin Roosevelt in
The Guadaloupe Range
October 11, 2021
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The Guadeloupe Range of West Texas and New Mexico – circa 1940 As much of the nation is blanketed by snow and freezing rain, I
You Nut!
October 11, 2021
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You Nut! 1916 Ray Peterson of Cannon Falls, Minnesota had been away, visiting the brother of E. Miller; Ray received belatedly the postcard sent by
Great Games in York
October 11, 2021
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“Great Games in York” – circa 1910 I believe that this is a comic card, picturing a card shark luring pedestrians to a rigged game.
It’s Crowded in Atlantic City
October 11, 2021
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It’s Crowded in Atlantic City — 1932 In the summer of 1932, Mrs. Lee Wolf was living in Ephrata, PA. Mrs. Wolf received a comic
The Comic Drunk
October 11, 2021
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The Comic Drunk – 1919 This comic postcard from the era of the first World War reminds us how views of public intoxication have changed.
The Cornwall Cousins
October 11, 2021
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The Cornwall Cousins – circa 1910 Wes Cornwall and William B. Cornwall were cousins. Sometime around 1910, they shared a visit, and celebrated their time
The Young Man of Sioux City
October 11, 2021
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The Young Man in Sioux City, Iowa – circa 1915 An unknown young man, wearing a light-colored suit with a tie, sat for a photographic
Ezra Hartman of Reading
October 11, 2021
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Ezra Hartman of Reading – circa 1910 It never fails; soon after finding one photograph from a studio previously unknown to me, I find a
The Gipe Family of York
October 11, 2021
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The Gipe Family of York – circa 1915 Sometime around 1915, Jacob and Minnie (Mundis) Gipe had a family portrait made at the Pen Park
Flora Hays of York
October 11, 2021
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(NOTE: Alert readers noted that this is Flora Hays Grim.) Sometime around the turn of the twentieth century, Flora Hays sat for a photographic portrait
The Winter Attire of Auntie Kate
October 11, 2021
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The Winter Clothes of Auntie Kate – circa 1910 Sometime around 1910, Auntie Kate sent a postcard photograph to her nieces, Carol and Esther. I
Reverend Summerfield
October 11, 2021
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Rev. Summerfield – circa 1910 I have several postcard photographs of clergymen; most of them show the placid features of a calm and scholarly man.
Clarence and Alice
October 11, 2021
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Although snow fell during the night on parts of the east coast, I don’t believe there was sufficient accumulation to permit sleighing. It would be
Grandma Alger
October 11, 2021
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Grandma Alger – circa 1910 There is a trace of a smile on the face of Grandma Alger as she sits with her children and
Santa Margherita Ligure
September 8, 2021
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Santa Margherita Ligure – Italy, circa 1936 This municipality (“commune”) lies on the Italian riviera in northwest Italy. After centuries of invasions by Mediterranean pirates,
Locarno
September 8, 2021
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Locarno Circa 1935 For Sunday, a restful view of Lake Maggiore at Locarno. Locarno is a small city at the foot of the Swiss Alps,
Ride A Burro at the Seaside
September 8, 2021
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Ride A Burro at the Seaside – England (1907) This English postcard was mailed to Miss Mary Hall in Marlboro, Connecticut on March 26, 1907.
Aunt Carlotta Receives a Postcard from Italy
September 8, 2021
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Aunt Carlotta Receives a Postcard from Italy – New Providence, PA (1924) Mrs. Carlotta Stager lived in New Providence, Pennsylvania, a village in southern Lancaster
The Sorbonne
August 23, 2021
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View of the Sorbonne For Bastille Day, a vintage postcard scene from France. The sepia-toned photograph of Paris, with an ornamental fountain and distant view
Zeppelin Over Lake Lucerne
August 23, 2021
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The Zeppelin over Lake Lucerne – 1911 It seems that Katie visited Switzerland in 1911; her signature appears on a souvenir postcard presented to Mr.
The Durer Haus
August 23, 2021
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The Durer Haus in Nuremberg (circa 1910) Albrecht Durer, perhaps Germany’s most famous artist, purchased a house in Nuremberg in 1509 and resided there for
Salzburg
August 23, 2021
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Salzburg, Austria – circa 1910 There are places in the world of such beauty that one hopes to visit again and again. One of these
The Military Band in Paris – 1918
August 23, 2021
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The Military Band in Paris – July 4, 1918 On July 4, 1918 huge crowds of French citizens hailed the US military band performing before
The Frauenkirche
August 23, 2021
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The Frauenkirche of Munich – circa 1908 For this Sunday, a postcard photo of an unusual European church that I visited many years ago. In
St. Germaine l’Auxerrois
August 23, 2021
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St Germain l’Auxerrois in Paris -circa 1910 This postcard photograph, a night view taken more than a hundred years ago, is not the best way
Neueschwanstein Castle
August 23, 2021
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Neuschwanstein Castle -circa 1910 The profile of this modern castle is recognized throughout the world and has become beloved, although the construction is a jumble
Charlotte Flirts by Mail
August 23, 2021
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In September of 1915, Charlotte sent a postcard from Elizabethtown to Mr. John Buchmoyer of Manheim. The hand-colored photograph shows a well-dressed suitor bending over
Spooning in Smoketown
August 23, 2021
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Suggestive comic postcards were common in the early years of the 20th century. Enterprising printers could order blank templates and add the name of the
The Lady in Red
August 23, 2021
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The Lady in Red – 1911 Cousin Nellie lived in the hamlet of Shushan, a small community (with an historic covered bridge) in east central
Rip Van Winkle Driven Away
August 23, 2021
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Rip Van Winkle Driven Away – illustration circa 1920 In the story by Washington Irving, the shiftless Rip Van Winkle is driven from his home
Ida Writes from Assisi
August 23, 2021
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Ida Writes from Assisi – 1922 On a Sunday during the pandemic, it is refreshing to think about Ida’s visit to Assisi in June of
I Want to Be a Farmer
August 23, 2021
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“I Want to be a Farmer” – York, PA (1906) In 1900, almost 40 per cent of the people in the US lived on farms.
Edna Receives a Hunting Scene
August 23, 2021
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Edna Receives a Beautiful Card in La Parke – 1906 In an earlier post, I mentioned the difficulty in finding an exact location for La
Late Autumn
August 23, 2021
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Late Autumn – circa 1905 This postcard is a companion illustration to the postcard featuring an Autumn scene of golden fields and colorful trees. Both
Early Autumn
August 23, 2021
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Autumn – German American Novelty Company circa 1905 In earlier posts, I have referred to the German American Novelty Company which published some of the
The Art Postcard to Mankato
August 23, 2021
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The Art Card to Mankato – 1909 This is an exceptionally- beautiful postcard, unfortunately worn by time and careless storage. The face has three different
The Allegory of War
August 23, 2021
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The Allegory of War – Grottger, circa 1910 I have not published many museum cards, the reproductions of art works that can be purchased by
Swift’s Premium Meat
August 20, 2021
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It is interesting to note how large food companies have promoted their health, safety, and quality procedures through the early 20th century. Many advertisements for
The Purina Feed Man Cometh
August 20, 2021
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In April of 1909, an enterprising feed salesman took advantage of the popularity of postcard photographs to enhance his business. The salesman, a Mr. Mosher
Leinbach’s Daylight Department Store
August 20, 2021
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Some time ago, this establishment was noted on one of the Lancaster history sites. The store closed in 1949, years before I was born, and
Thanksgiving Greetings from the “Eyesight Specialist”
August 20, 2021
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Thanksgiving Greetings from the “Eyesight Specialist” – circa 1910 This advertising card, printed circa 1915, was not mailed. Promoting “Rinkenbach’s Eyesight Specialists” of Harrisburg, the
Red Lion
August 20, 2021
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In October of 1914, Mrs. Matilda Shoff of Red Lion (Route I) received a postcard from her son, Christ. Christ and his family had moved
The Sesquicentennial Arches of York
August 20, 2021
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The Sesquicentennial Arches of York – 1899 In 1899, the city of York celebrated the 150th anniversary of its founding. Large memorial arches were erected
Market Square, Manheim
August 20, 2021
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Market Square, Manheim, circa 1920 This hand-colored postcard photograph was made about 1920. The postcard, not mailed, was printed by N.A. Trimmer of Lititz and
East King Street
August 20, 2021
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This hand-colored photograph shows East King Street in Lancaster, PA. Taken from the location of the Courthouse, the view extends westward toward Penn Square. The
Market Street in Elizabethtown
August 20, 2021
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Market Street in Elizabethtown – 1907 On January 8, 1907, Ed sent a postcard to Miss Annie L. Landis at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Lancaster.
Roses to John Herr
August 20, 2021
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In February of 1907, John Herr received a postcard from an unknown correspondent in Lancaster, PA. The postcard displays a bouquet of roses and is
News from Peoria Reaches Lititz
August 20, 2021
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News from Peoria Reaches Lititz – 1906 In May of 1906, Mr.Jacob Bomberger of Lititz received a postcard from a friend who was in Peoria
Ralph Gives a Postcard to His Classmate
August 20, 2021
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Ralph Gives a Postcard to His Classmate – circa 1920 Ralph K.G. and Norman Heck were classmates at school near Ephrata. Sometime around 1920, Ralph
Grandfather Sends a Birthday Greeting to Ralph in Terre Hill
August 20, 2021
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Grandfather Sends a Birthday Greeting to Ralph in Terre Hill – 1907 On February 19, 1907, Master Ralph Myers received a birthday greeting from his
Girls from Lititz “Splash in the Ocean”
August 20, 2021
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Girls from Lititz “Splash in the Ocean” -1938 In July of 1938, Luella and Eva Hershey were not able to join the other members of
Scottish Linens at the January Sale
July 28, 2021
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Scottish Linens at the January Sale – Harrisburg, PA in 1906 In December of 1906, Mrs. Newman of Harrisburg received a postcard from Scotland. The
Wooden Shoes
July 28, 2021
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Wooden Shoes from Holland, Michigan – 1942 In the 1840’s, a number of Dutch immigrants settled in western Michigan and the settlers became the dominant
The Reineberg Boot Shop
July 28, 2021
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The Reineberg Boot Shop in York, PA – circa 1915 Members of the Reineberg family operated shoe stores in York for more than a hundred
Manufacturing a Plymouth
July 28, 2021
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Manufacturing a Plymouth – 1936 Carl was buying a new Plymouth; he and Harry were at the plant in Detroit to pick up the brand
Barry & Zecher
July 28, 2021
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Paper memorabilia can lead one into all kinds of interesting areas. Here is an advertising postcard, circa 1910, for the Barry & Zecher Company. There
Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep
July 28, 2021
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Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep – circa 1895 A few weeks ago, I posted a child’s bedtime prayer in the German language. This
Remember the Sabbath
July 28, 2021
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Remember the Sabbath – circa 1910 I love Sunday mornings, often the most quiet and peaceful hours of the week. In New York, my apartment
Lead Us Not Into Temptation
July 28, 2021
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Lead Us Not Into Temptation – circa 1910 For this Sunday, another illustration of a phrase from the “Lord’s Prayer”. This phrase is problematic, theologically,
A Primitive Angelus
July 28, 2021
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In 1914, Katie Kramer lived near Mount Joy. In December of that year, she received a postcard from her friend, Anna, in Middletown. Anna typed
The Guardian Angel of the Trolley Track
July 28, 2021
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The Guardian Angel of the Trolley Track – Marietta, PA (1908) The concept of a guardian angel or tutelary being is found throughout the ancient