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
Postcard Categories
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
Marriage Is Hard
July 28, 2021
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Marriage is a Hard Way – 1906 One can find many postcards from the early 20th century that reflect on marriage and marriage roles. Some
Life Overtakes Art
July 28, 2021
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Life Overtakes Art – circa 1910 The naive artist, standing in the meadow to paint a picture of a bull, is forced to flee when
Summering in Mount Gretna
July 28, 2021
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Summering in Mount Gretna – 1910 I have posted several postcard stories related to the beautiful town of Mount Gretna. This postcard photograph of the
The Mountain Springs Resort in Ephrata
July 28, 2021
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In the mid-19th century, the Mountain Springs Resort was a popular destination for well-to-do visitors seeking a country retreat with salubrious natural springs. Presidents Buchanan,
Harrisburg At Night
July 28, 2021
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Night Scene in Harrisburg – circa 1950 Many years ago, I visited Harrisburg regularly; I took graduate courses at the old Armory when Temple University
Mount Joy – 1907
July 28, 2021
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In March of 1907, John Smeltzer was staying at the Hotel Calvert in Snow Hill, Maryland. (Snow Hill, a community of about 1800 persons in
Clarendon Gorge – Brandon, Vermont (1937)
July 21, 2021
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At the end of August in 1937, the Pecks were in Brandon, Vermont. They wrote to Joe McAllister in Glendale, Arizona to describe their trip.
Morning in Pennsylvania
July 21, 2021
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Morning in Pennsylvania – 1935 On a bright morning like today, this postcard seemed appropriate. The postcard is interesting both for the pleasant view of
Nettie Visits Lancaster
July 21, 2021
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Nettie Visits Lancaster – 1924 I found this postcard, sent by “Nettie” from Lancaster, delivered to Elva Beck in Lewisburg. The month and date are
Birthplace of Joseph Heister
July 21, 2021
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Birthplace of Joseph Heister – Fifth Governor of Pennsylvania I confess that, despite my mandatory High School course in Pennsylvania history, I did not recall
Edith Gets to Lancaster
July 21, 2021
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Edith Gets to Lancaster – Circa 1920 I am not sure what joke underlies Edith’s trip to Lancaster, but she alludes to one when she
Cousin Emma Vacations in “Splendid” Mount Gretna
July 21, 2021
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Cousin Emma Vacations in “Splendid” Mount Gretna -July, 1923 I spent many happy days of summer in beautiful Mt. Gretna, and have a deep love
Shoot the Chutes at Pendora Park in Reading
July 21, 2021
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Shoot the Chutes at Pendora Park in Reading – 1912 I regret that I never had the opportunity to “Shoot the Chutes”. The toboggan ride
Highland House on Neversink Mountain
July 21, 2021
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Highland House on Neversink Mountain – 1907 The city of Reading, PA once had a railroad that wound up Neversink Mountain to the hotels, dance
Dorothy and Eddie Visit Chambersburg, PA
July 21, 2021
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Chambersburg, a borough and county seat of Franklin County, lies midway between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh in southern Pennsylvania. A frontier settlement of Scotch-Irish immigrants, the
A Sunday Visit to Mexico
July 19, 2021
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A Sunday Visit to Mexico – 1938 On January 28, 1938, a friend of Virginia McAllister was again in Nogales, Mexico. I posted another postcard
The Woodpecker
July 19, 2021
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The Woodpecker – 1907 Mr. Frank Wilson was living in Albia, Iowa in 1907. (Albia is a small city in south central Iowa, the seat
The Seaside Shanty for Christmas
July 19, 2021
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The Seaside Shanty for Christmas – 1908 My Robert Hamilton lived in Port Jervis, New York. Port Jervis lies at the confluence of the Neversink
We Are Coming For Those Dahlias
July 19, 2021
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“We Are Coming For Those Dahlias” – Middletown, PA (1914) In April of 1914, Elizabeth Caley sent a postcard to Mrs. Ben Caley of Middletown,
Charles will meet Mamie at McCall’s Ferry
July 19, 2021
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In June of 1908, Mamie Wenger received a postcard at her home in Lancaster, PA. The face of the postcard contained a medallion illustration of
The Birthday of Florence Vollertsen
July 19, 2021
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Mrs. Frank Vollertsen lived near Rothsville, PA, the small community between Lititz and Akron on the Rothsville road. On July 16, 1912, she received a
The Flower Seller
July 9, 2021
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The Flower Seller – Art Postcard, circa 1910 This postcard, never mailed, features an illustration of an English flower vendor. Produced in Berlin, the postcard
Romance in Middletown
July 9, 2021
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Sporting on the Swatara – circa 1905 This uncolored postcard photograph was printed circa 1905. There is no printers mark, which is a shame as
Wilt Thou Be Married
July 9, 2021
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Wilt Thou Be Married? Circa 1910 I cannot guess why Miss Barringer of Schenectady, NY received a postcard that urged one to memorize marriage vows.
The Flirt
July 9, 2021
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The Flirt – 1907 Not long after the celebration of St. Valentine’s Day in 1907, this comical illustration of a coquette was mailed to L.
Sending Love to Long Level
July 9, 2021
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Sending Love to Long Level – 1907 On the West Bank of the Susquehanna, a few miles below Wrightsville, is an area known as “Long
How Did Blanche Respond
July 9, 2021
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How did Blanche Respond in 1910? Long before dating became a digital parade of photos to which you swipe right or swipe left, ardent suitors
Courtship of Shepherds
July 9, 2021
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Courtship of Shepherds – Art Postcards to Blanche Copeland – 1907 Several months ago, I posted an example of postcard art – original works (many
“Lovers Part in the Mountains” – Columbia. PA (circa 1909)
July 9, 2021
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Miss Blanche Copeland lived in Columbia, the pretty borough and center of commerce and transportation on the Susquehanna River of central Pennsylvania. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbia,_Pennsylvania Blanche’s residence
Grandpa Climbs Into the “Room Tree”
July 9, 2021
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Grandpa Climbs Into the “Room Tree” – circa 1938 There were many natural attractions at Sequoia National Park and vintage postcards captured a few of
In Praise of Forests
July 9, 2021
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In Praise of Forests – circa 1940 Come to the woods, for here is rest.” ― John Muir Pennsylvania (“Penn’s Woods”) was once covered entirely
Travel to Mount Rainier
July 9, 2021
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Travel to Mount Rainier – circa 1924 I love to travel by train and consider it the best way to become familiar with our large
The Prothonotary Warbler
July 9, 2021
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The Prothonotary Warbler – Audubon Society circa 1930 Sometime before the quarantine began, I picked up a small collection of bird pictures. The illustrations were
A Christmas Postcard from Jane – Brooklyn, NY (1908)
July 9, 2021
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We met Mrs. Eli Hess in an earlier postcard story. Mrs. Hess lived in the rural borough of New Holland, in Lancaster County of southeast
Lydia Receives a Late Christmas Card – Talmage, PA (1907)
July 9, 2021
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I was happy to find a Christmas postcard mailed, belatedly, on December 26. “A Friend” mailed a Christmas postcard to Lynda Zook on December 26,
An Artful Forest for Christmas – New Holland, PA (1908)
July 9, 2021
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Mrs. Eli Hess lived in New Holland, a rural borough in Lancaster County of southeast Pennsylvania. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Holland,_Pennsylvania On December 21, 1908, Mrs. Hess received a
Nora Decker
July 9, 2021
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Nora Decker – circa 1910 I purchased a small lot of postcard photographs on-line because several of the postcards had inscriptions on the reverse. Among
Daddy
July 9, 2021
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“Daddy” in York – circa 1910 Sometime around 1910, this portrait was made by the photography studio of Simon & Murnane at 227 West Market
Art & Katie
July 9, 2021
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The Adventures of Art and Katie (circa 1910) Sometime in the early twentieth century, young Art and Katie were photographed outdoors. I assume the two
Bowles Family
July 9, 2021
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Willard Gets A Name – circa 1918 Ted and Mabel Bowles had a son; the small family was photographed at an unknown studio about 1918.
Lucy Nelson
July 9, 2021
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Lucy Nelson is “Doing OK” in Lincoln, Nebraska- circa 1910 Sometime around 1910, Lucy Nelson mailed a postcard photograph to her brother and his wife
Lydia Livingston
July 9, 2021
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Lydia Livingston of Gap At an antique mall near Strasburg, I found an old photograph from the Saylor Studio of Lancaster. The reverse of the
The Ladies Raise a Glass
July 9, 2021
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The Ladies Raise a Glass – celebration on June 14, 1911 I wish I knew more about this stately al fresco event. More than a
Daisy Stumph Sends a Postcard to Her Teacher
July 9, 2021
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Daisy Stumph Sends a Postcard to Her Teacher – July 4, 1911 Daisy Stumph was fond of her teacher, Birdie Bricker. During July of 1911,
Celebration of February 22
July 9, 2021
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February 22 I am engaged in a solitary crusade to restore separate birthday celebrations for Abraham Lincoln and George Washington. Here is a postcard, circa
Birthday of Abraham Lincoln
July 9, 2021
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Birthday of Abraham Lincoln Many of us can recall celebrating a separate birthday for Lincoln and for Washington in my childhood. In Elementary School, we
Wilford Sends Thanksgiving Greetings
July 9, 2021
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Wilford Sends a Thanksgiving Postcard to Grandma Olsen -circa 1915 Sometime around 1915, Grandma Olsen received a Thanksgiving postcard from her grandson, Wilford Nash. On
Peaceful Thanksgiving
July 9, 2021
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A “Peaceful Thanksgiving” in Florin – 1915 On November 25, 1915, Miss Miriam Guhl of Florin received a Thanksgiving postcard from N.L.V. The postcard, mailed
Gideon and the Trumpets
July 9, 2021
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The Trumpets of Gideon – Sunday School circa 1905 I have posted Sunday School material from a variety of Protestant denominations. Today’s example is from
Roger Markey on the Cradle Roll
July 9, 2021
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Roger Markey’s Birthday 1913 Roger Eugene Markey was born in 1910 and added to the “Cradle Roll” of the United Evangelical Church in Jacobus. In
Hallowed Be Thy Name
July 9, 2021
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“Hallowed Be Thy Name” – circa 1910 This beautiful card was printed in Europe (note the variety of languages on the reverse) sometime around 1910.
Rally Day in Penryn
July 9, 2021
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Rally Day in Penryn – October 24, 1926 Ninety-two years ago, Sara Long received her invitation to Rally Day at the Penryn Lutheran Church. Penryn
Old Grace Lutheran Church
July 9, 2021
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“Old” Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church” circa 1906 I found recently a postcard photograph of Grace Lutheran Church and the pastor, the Rev. C.E. Haupt. The
The B & O Railroad
July 9, 2021
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The B & O Railroad – circa 1910 Many people remember the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad only as one of the four railroads in the
Riding a Bicycle
July 9, 2021
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Riding a Bicycle – York County (1908) Until the automobile became ubiquitous, the bicycle was the favored form of mechanical travel in the US. Improvements
Union Depot in Erie, PA
July 9, 2021
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Harry Kendig Writes to His Mother in Safe Harbor, PA – 1913 In September of 1913, Harry Kendig was in Erie, Pennsylvania and “so busy
Lil Explores the Mountains
July 9, 2021
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Lil Explores the Mountains of Colorado – 1925 Lil was in Denver for a few days, but she was planning rail excursions into the mountains.
Rotary International Convention
July 9, 2021
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The Rotary International Convention -1926 Rotary Clubs are found around the world, bringing together professional people in many disciplines to support civic improvements and to
The Party Line
July 9, 2021
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The Party Line – circa 1918 The magazine, “Successful Farming” was first printed in 1902, at a time when only 8% of US households had
Young Clifford and the Bee
July 9, 2021
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Young Clifford Receives a Comic Postcard – Oil City, PA (1917) Master Clifford Huff lived in Rocky Grove, PA, a small community adjoining the larger