“The Libby Steps” – March, 1918
October 30, 2023
No Comments
Although this image is not as sharp as we might wish, it commemorates very well a family who lived in Maine circa 1918. This postcard
Postcard Categories
The Self-Composed Gentleman -circa 1910
October 30, 2023
No Comments
Sometime around 1910, a young gentleman had his photographic portrait made an unknown studio. The photo was printed on postcards, but the studio not named.
Joys and Pleasure for Mrs. Goetz – Tiffin, Ohio (1915)
October 29, 2023
No Comments
Mrs. Elizabeth Goetz lived in Tiffin, a city on the Sandusky River about 55 miles southeast of Toledo in north-central Ohio. In the early twentieth
A Gilded Toadstool for Herbert – Martins Creek, PA (circa 1910)
October 29, 2023
No Comments
Mr. Herbert Fisher lived near Martins Creek, a census-designated place in the Lehigh Valley of east-central Pennsylvania. Through the first half of the 20th century,
Paul Sends November Greetings to Mother – Germantown, PA (1908)
October 29, 2023
No Comments
Mrs. L. Tritschler lived on the High Street of Germantown, now a neighborhood within Philadelphia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germantown,_Philadelphia Germantown, as the name suggests, was a very early
Appreciation of a Teacher – Pennsylvania (circa 1910)
October 29, 2023
No Comments
Mr. B. F. Hartman was a school teacher; I have postcards addressed to him in several places of central Pennsylvania, including Shippensburg and Harrisburg. We
“My Underalls” – Copyright 1906
October 26, 2023
No Comments
Some time ago, we saw the postcard drawing of a girl in blue, faded overalls. The artwork was titled, “My Overalls”. This postcard is a
How to Have Friends – Inspirational Motto of 1909
October 26, 2023
No Comments
Here is another example of an inspirational postcard motto; this one featuring a decorative border of Art Nouveau designs that prefigures the Art Deco movement.
“My Overalls” – copyright 1906
October 26, 2023
No Comments
It is unfortunate that this cute postcard was never mailed. While sending it through the post office increases the chances of a disfiguring mark or
Ella’s Horse is “Too Wild” – Lockport, Illinois (1913)
October 26, 2023
No Comments
Miss Glen. Schwabe lived in Plainfield, a village in northeast Illinois. Plainfield is between the cities of Naperville and Joliet. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plainfield,_Illinois (The name of our
Marjorie Visits London – New Haven, Connecticut (1939)
October 24, 2023
No Comments
In January of 1939, Marjorie was in London – months before the outbreak of World War II. Marjorie mailed a postcard photograph to her friend,
Shakespeare’s Parish Church – Niagara, North Dakota (1914)
October 24, 2023
No Comments
Mr. R. D. English lived in Niagara, a very small city in the rural area of northeast North Dakota – not far from Grand Forks.
The Magnificent Church of St. Etienne-du-Mont – Paris (circa 1920)
October 24, 2023
No Comments
This postcard was not mailed, so the provenance cannot be established clearly. It is in the style of souvenir postcards published circa 1910-1920, but I
Mr. Hatton Orders an Engine from Sears – Coatesville, PA (1914)
October 15, 2023
No Comments
Mt. William T. Hatton lived in Coatesville, a center of steel manufacturing in Chester County of southeast Pennsylvania. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coatesville,_Pennsylvania In July of 1914, Mr. Hatton
“A Future Begins” – Fidelity Trust Company (circa 1922)
October 15, 2023
No Comments
In the early 20th century, it was not uncommon for companies to advertise their products or services through examples of postcard art. The Fidelity Trust
Congratulations from the Barber – Oberlin, PA (1911)
October 15, 2023
No Comments
Mr. John Pittinger lived in Oberlin, an unincorporated community in Dauphin County of central Pennsylvania. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oberlin,_Pennsylvania In April of 1911, Mr. Pittinger celebrated a birthday.
Grandmother Sends a Boy on Skates – Atglen, PA (1932)
October 11, 2023
No Comments
Elam Kennel lived in Atglen, a borough of Chester County in southeast Pennsylvania. Before the first European settlers arrived in 1717, the place was a crossing
Shares of Love & Stocks of Cheer -Dixmont, Maine (1920)
October 11, 2023
No Comments
Because they were plentiful and ubiquitous, postcards illustrate the changes in culture and the popular enthusiasms of the early 20th century. In other postcard stories
A Floral Frame for Mrs. Kelley – Roslyn, Maryland (1908)
October 11, 2023
No Comments
Mrs. Thomas Kelley lived in Roslyn, a populated place (near Pikesville) in Baltimore County, Maryland. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pikesville,_Maryland In September of 1908, Mrs. Kelley was celebrating a
A Pair of Squirrels for Ralph – Ottumwa, Iowa (1914)
October 11, 2023
No Comments
This charming postcard was exchanged between two boys, each named “Ralph”. I believe that both correspondents are boys as the sender notes, “I go to
A Christmas Quotation for Josie – Zion City, Illinois (1910)
September 30, 2023
No Comments
Miss Josie Mengel lived in Falls, an unincorporated community on the Susquehanna River in northeast Pennsylvania. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falls,_Pennsylvania In December of 1910, Josie received a Christmas
A Jolly Yule for Anna – Hicksville, NY (circa 1910)
September 30, 2023
No Comments
Miss Anna Voigt lived n Hicksville, a hamlet on Long Island – east of New York City. Today, the hamlet (within Oyster Bay) is a
A Winter Sunset for Inez – Plattsmouth, Nebraska (circa 1910)
September 30, 2023
No Comments
Mrs. Inez Thompson lived in Plattsmouth, the county seat of Cass County in east-central Nebraska. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plattsmouth,_Nebraska Sometime near Christmas, in a year near 1910, Mrs. Thompson
The Blessed Fireside – Paw Paw, Michigan (1912)
September 30, 2023
No Comments
Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Cornell lived in Paw Paw, a rural village on the Paw Paw River in southwest Michigan.The area is known for the
A Mission to Coeur d’Alene – Circa 1910
September 30, 2023
No Comments
Miss Stella Dunlap lived in Coatesville, the steel-making city along the Brandywine River in Chester County of southeast Pennsylvania. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coatesville,_Pennsylvania Miss Dunlap was an avid
An Offering of Hymns – circa 1910
September 30, 2023
No Comments
For this very warm Sunday in late summer, a look at one of the phrases of the Lord’s Prayer. In earlier postcard stories, we saw
George Receives Trinity Church – Newport, Rhode Island (1907)
September 30, 2023
No Comments
Mr. George Smyser Agnew lived in Philadelphia, PA. In September of 1907, Mr. Agnew received a postcard from a friend known only by the initials,
Miss Silverbrand Goes to Seminary – North Scituate, RI (1906)
September 30, 2023
No Comments
In the 19th century, a “seminary” was the name often given to educational institutions for women – whether or not the course of study involved
Don’t Tell Mother – Belfast, Maine (1908)
September 28, 2023
No Comments
Miss Leila M. Howard lived in Belfast, a city on Belfast Bay and Penobscot Bay in southeastern Maine. The city was burned by the British during
“Married Life is Great” – Arcade, NY (1912)
September 28, 2023
No Comments
Miss Maude Pettit lived in Tonawanda, a city that grew up near the terminus of the Erie Canal – north of Buffalo, NY. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonawanda,_New_York In
“You Never Know” – Wells Tannery, PA (1916)
September 28, 2023
No Comments
There are numerous songs of the music hall and vaudeville era that explore the sadness or misery hidden beneath a bright and blooming appearance. “After
“Nothing Doing” from Henrietta – Keiser, PA (1906)
September 28, 2023
No Comments
Mr. Harry Kreamer lived in the community of Kreamer, a census-designated place in Snyder County of central Pennsylvania. Until 2019, the community had been the
“A Message in the Chimes” – Providence, Rhode Island (1916)
September 28, 2023
No Comments
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Lockhart lived in Providence, the old and beautiful city which is the capital of Rhode Island. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Providence,_Rhode_Island On New Year’s Day
Laverne Forgot to Write – Wellington, Ohio (1914)
September 28, 2023
No Comments
In other postcard stories, we have noted the outpouring of patriotic correspondence commemorating the birthday of George Washington throughout the years of the early 20th
Father Time Turns Away – Richmond, Virginia (1909)
September 28, 2023
No Comments
Mrs. Cutts lived in Richmond, the stately city on the James River of central Virginia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richmond,_Virginia After Christmas of 1909, Mrs. Cutts received a New
A Lamb Cart for Easter – Highville, PA (1909)
September 28, 2023
No Comments
Miss Daisy Pickel was living in Highville, a populated place on the River Road which borders the east bank of the Susquehanna River in southeast
Forrest and the Baby – Cadet, Virginia (circa 1910)
September 23, 2023
No Comments
Virgia was a new mother living in Cadet, a small community in southwest Virginia. https://mapcarta.com/21846396 In August of 1910(?), Virgia sent a postcard to her
The Engagement of Mother and Daddy – circa 1910
September 23, 2023
No Comments
Sometime around 1910, a couple celebrated their engagement by having a photographic portrait made. The photograph was printed on postcards, to be shared with friends
Louis Is Coming on the Train – New York, NY (1908)
September 23, 2023
No Comments
Louis Lowenfeld was coming to see his brother. The brother, Mr. A. Lowenfeld, worked at the Madison Square Station in Manhattan. (I have been unable
The Family on the Porch – circa 1910
September 23, 2023
No Comments
This postcard photograph was not mailed, and no thoughtful soul inscribed either the names of the family members or their location. A man and a
Eula and the Boys – circa 1890
September 23, 2023
No Comments
This photograph is not a postcard, and was made (most likely) before 1900. Two young men, wearing white shirts with soft collars and sporting black
A Mountain Village for Grace – Two Taverns, PA (1908)
September 21, 2023
No Comments
Miss Grace Hartlaub lived in Two Taverns, an unincorporated village on the Baltimore Pike in Adams County of south-central Pennsylvania. During the Battle of Gettysburg,
A Rustic Bridge for Estella – Coatesville, PA (circa 1910)
September 21, 2023
No Comments
Estella Dunlap had many friends and admirers, judging by the large collection of postcards she saved during her life. Estella is sometimes addresses as “Stella”.
Arthur Sends a Steamship to His Wife – Ellington, NY (1914)
September 21, 2023
No Comments
Mrs. Arthur Nelson lived in Ellington, a town formed around sawmills in Chautauqua County of southwest New York. (The town’s population in 1850 was greater
Mrs. Richardson Returns Home at Last – Lynchburg, Virginia (1912)
September 18, 2023
No Comments
Mrs. Earl Richardson lived in Lynchburg, the city on the banks of the James River in central Virginia. Lynchburg lies in the foothills of the
“The Water’s Fine” – Savin Rock, Connecticut (1909)
September 18, 2023
No Comments
Savin Rock is a rocky outcropping of the shorefront in the city of West Haven, of southwest Connecticut. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Haven,_Connecticut In the 1870’s the trolley line
Ida Enjoys the Pretty Park – Sebring, Florida (1938)
September 18, 2023
No Comments
In February of 1938, Ida Eckert was in Sebring, Florida. Sebring is a small city which was built during the boom in Florida development during
A Beautiful, Starry Night – Lakehurst, NJ (1914)
September 18, 2023
No Comments
Miss Celesly Webb (Sally) lived in Baltimore, Maryland. (The name may be an erroneous spelling of “Cecily”.) Soon after the arrival of the New Year
Miss Mable Is Invited to Return – Lynn, Massachusetts (1907)
September 18, 2023
No Comments
Miss Mable Brite lived on Orr’s Island, an island (part of an archipelago) in Casco Bay of southern Maine. Today, Orr’s Island has electricity, but the
Elda Loves the Radio – Toledo, Ohio (1929)
September 18, 2023
No Comments
In early October of 1929, Elda reached Toledo “safe and sound”. Toledo is an industrial center at the western tip of Lake Erie in northwest
Abbie Has a Lot to Tell – Honey Grove, PA (1907)
September 15, 2023
No Comments
We were introduced to the town of Honey Grove in an earlier postcard story; a postcard featuring a horse-drawn reaping machine was mailed from this
Gertrude Hopes for One More Dance – St. Petersburg, Florida (1910)
September 15, 2023
No Comments
In May of 1910, Gertrude was in St. Petersburg – the sunny city on the Pinellas Peninsula between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
Mother Makes a Visit – Effingham, Illinois (circa 1920)
September 15, 2023
No Comments
Mrs. L. Bowers (Bowerers?) lived in Effingham, a city in south-central Illinois. Effingham was an important conjunction of highways and railroads. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Effingham,_Illinois In October of
“Sweet Peas and German Flock” – Los Angeles, CA (1913)
September 15, 2023
No Comments
Mr. and Mrs. O. A. Collins lived in Belmont, a village on the Genesee River in southwest New York State. In 1910, the village was
Myrtle Enjoys the Mountains – Salem, Oregon (1919)
September 13, 2023
No Comments
Miss Hazel Neiland lived in Verona, a village and a city in Dane county of south-central Wisconsin. Verona is about ten miles southwest of Madison.
Taking the Train to the Grand Tetons – circa 1920
September 13, 2023
No Comments
In other postcard stories, we have discussed how railroad companies promoted the National Parks and the country’s natural wonders. The featured postcard photograph of Mount
The “Fatal Day of Halley’s Comet” – Verona, Wisconsin (1910)
September 13, 2023
No Comments
“Comet fever” is a term sometimes used to describe the phenomena of widespread anticipation and apprehension that grew throughout the United Sates in the early
A Visit to Mount Washington – Crawford House, NH (1905)
September 13, 2023
No Comments
Mrs. F. A. Whitney lived in Cambridge, the beautiful college town across the Charles River from downtown Boston. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cambridge,_Massachusetts In September of 1905, Mrs. Whitney
Edith Loves the Boats – Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario (1938)
September 12, 2023
No Comments
Lake Superior drains into Lake Huron through the St. Marys River which forms the boundary of northern Ontario and the upper peninsula of the US
A View of the Acropolis – Athens, Greece (1910)
September 12, 2023
No Comments
Mr. George Wood lived in DeLand, the city created by an enterprising entrepreneur from undeveloped land north of Orlando and west of Daytona Beach, Florida.
“The Devil’s Frying Pan” – Cornwall, UK (1908)
September 12, 2023
No Comments
We met members of the Bridgman family in an earlier postcard story: The father, Mr. John Cloyes Bridgman, was married twice, his first wife died
Fields of Tulips -Holland (circa 1930)
September 8, 2023
No Comments
Holland has been associated with the production of tulips since Dutch traders brought bulbs to the Low Countries in the 16th century. In the 20th
A Pansy for Autumn – Switzerland (circa 1940)
September 8, 2023
No Comments
This art postcard was printed in Switzerland. It was published in the United States by the Alfred Mainzer company, an important importer of quality European
Edna Will Write Her Own Postcards – circa 1910
September 8, 2023
No Comments
I believe that this postcard was exchanged between children. The postcard was neither addressed not mailed, so we cannot learn very much about the children
No Place Like Home – Williamsburg, PA (1906)
September 8, 2023
No Comments
Mr. Charles A. Dedrick lived in Williamsburg, a borough in Blair County of central Pennsylvania. In the 19th century, this community on the Juniata River
Christmas Light from Aunt Alice – Lacona, NY (1919)
September 2, 2023
No Comments
Mr. and Mrs. Bainbridge lived in Lacona, a village of Oswego County in west-central New York. The village is close to the mouth of the
Violets for Christmas – Holly, Colorado (1909)
September 2, 2023
No Comments
Mrs. A. L. Hare lived in Holly, a small community in southeast Colorado -at the border with Kansas. Holly began as a ranching town, but
Christmas Wrens – West Farmington, Ohio (1908)
September 2, 2023
No Comments
Miss Clara Jamison lived in West Farmington, a village in Trumbull County of northeast Ohio. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Farmington,_Ohio In December of 1908, Clara received a Christmas postcard
A Christmas Bell for Grandma – Perth Amboy, NJ (1915)
September 2, 2023
No Comments
Mrs. Eliza Bartholomew lived in Malaga, an unincorporated community in Gloucester County of southwest New Jersey. Malaga is about 32 miles southeast of Philadelphia, PA.
“365 Cloudless Days” – Harpers Ferry, West Virginia (1915)
August 31, 2023
No Comments
Mr. Alvin Reed lived in Harper’s Ferry, the historic town at the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers in the easternmost part of West
A Turkey from Her Teacher – Safe Harbor, PA (1910)
August 31, 2023
No Comments
Miss Daisy Pickel lived in Safe Harbor, an unincorporated community at the confluence of the Conestoga River and the Susquehanna River in southeast Pennsylvania. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Safe_Harbor,_Pennsylvania
Turning the Page -Hellam, PA (circa 1915)
August 31, 2023
No Comments
Miss Essie Dellering lived in Hellam, a township in eastern York County, PA. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellam_Township,_York_County,_Pennsylvania This area, on the western bank of the Susquehanna River, was
Mae Sends a Patriotic Turkey – Vicksburg, PA (1907)
August 31, 2023
No Comments
Mr. Bruce Bingaman lived in Millmont, an unincorporated community in Union County of central Pennsylvania. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Millmont,_Pennsylvania In November of 1907, Bruce received a Thanksgiving postcard
The Literature Class Goes to Paris – Reading, MA (1908)
August 29, 2023
No Comments
Mrs. Wiley lived in Reading, the old town of Middlesex County – 16 miles north of Boston, Massachusetts. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reading,_Massachusetts It appears that Mrs. Wiley may
Mrs. Coleman and Luther – Minneapolis MN (1910)
August 29, 2023
No Comments
Mrs. H. E. Coleman lived in Minneapolis, the thriving city on the banks of the Mississippi River in southeast Minnesota. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minneapolis In September of 1910,
Lola and I Will Sail from Marseilles – Meximieux, France (1932)
August 29, 2023
No Comments
Mrs. Slager lived in New Providence, an unincorporated village in Lancaster County of southeast Pennsylvania. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Providence,_Pennsylvania In June of 1932, she received a postcard from
Jess Sends a Picture of “Class” – Sheridan, Michigan (1911)
August 28, 2023
No Comments
Miss Elsia Hyde lived in Lowell, a city on the Grand River about 15 miles east of the much larger city of Grand Rapids. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lowell,_Michigan
Mayme Thinks About Dessert – Allegheny, PA (1909)
August 28, 2023
No Comments
Miss Mayme Kleppink lived in Pittsburgh, the industrial powerhouse in western Pennsylvania. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pittsburgh It seems that Mayme had a beau, Mr. Miller, about whom Mayme
Norman and the “Wise Country Girl” – Topeka, Kansas (circa 1910)
August 28, 2023
No Comments
Mr. Norman Swartz lived in Topeka, the capital city on the Kansas River in the State of Kansas. Originally, Topeka was a ferry point for
An Easter Prize for Benjamin – 1910
August 27, 2023
No Comments
We met the schoolboy, Benjamin Stauffer, in earlier postcard stories. Benjamin attended school somewhere near Millersville, PA where his family lived on a large farm.
“The Lord is Risen” – Milwaukee, Wisconsin (1927)
August 27, 2023
No Comments
Master Frank Dite lived in Milwaukee, the bustling city on Lake Michigan in south-east Wisconsin. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milwaukee From the form of address, we can assume that
Libbie Sends a New Year Bluebird – Corinth, NY (1911)
August 27, 2023
No Comments
Miss Grace Latham lived in Albany, the capitol city on the Hudson River in central New York. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albany,_New_York We have seen other postcards related to
“Risen With Christ” – Leesburg, VA (1911)
August 27, 2023
No Comments
Miss Mae Simpson lived in Leesburg, the charming city 35 miles northwest of Washington DC in northern Virginia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leesburg,_Virginia In April of 1911, Mae received
Isabel Sends Barrels of Fun – Elizabeth, NJ (1924)
August 25, 2023
No Comments
Comic postcards related to drinking and inebriation are not rare, and can be found for fifteen years before the US enacted Prohibition in 1920. Prohibition,
Special Meeting of Bar Associates – 1908
August 25, 2023
No Comments
This comic postcard illustrates how the telephone facilitated marital evasions. In 1908, less than 10% of households had a telephone. Ownership of a phone was
“Will Come Down” – Copyright 1905
August 25, 2023
No Comments
This comic postcard was not mailed. P. Sander, a New York illustrator of many humorous postcards, copyrighted the drawing in 1905. The postcard was published,
Cats at School – circa 1945
August 25, 2023
No Comments
In an earlier postcard story about a beautiful art postcard printed in Switzerland, I made a reference to the American publisher, Alfred Mainzer. Mainzer published
Tenting On the Beach – Rockaway Beach, NY (1907)
August 24, 2023
No Comments
If you lived in a crowded apartment of tenement, the heat of the summer could be insufferable and, sometimes, dangerous. In the early 20th century,
Summer in Swansea – Massachusetts (circa 1910)
August 24, 2023
No Comments
Mrs. Richard Hazelhurst lived in Swansea, a town on the Taunton River in southeast Massachusetts – 47 south of Boston and 12 miles southeast of
Ruth & Paul Visit Their Friends – Terre Haute, Indiana (1933)
August 24, 2023
No Comments
In July of 1933, Ruth and Paul “had a week off” and they decided to take a trip to visit friends. They saw the Mandevilles
Albert Visits Alaska – 1911
August 24, 2023
No Comments
The US Territory of Alaska was not often visited until the discovery of gold in the Yukon in 1896. From 1897-1904, thousands of prospectors headed
Arthur Fails to Call on Miss Aston – Steubenville, Ohio (1913)
August 24, 2023
No Comments
Arthur was traveling westward; he mailed a postcard from the train near Pittsburgh. The face of the postcard is an hand-colored photograph of Steubenville, Ohio.
Bess Sends Greetings from Odebolt – circa 1908
August 21, 2023
No Comments
Miss Minnie Petersen (possibly, Pedersen) lived in Rapidan, a community in Blue Earth County of south-central Minnesota. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rapidan_Township,_Blue_Earth_County,_Minnesota Sometime near 1908 (the postmark is obliterated),
Ada is Invited to the Camp Meeting – Elizabethtown, PA (1912)
August 21, 2023
No Comments
Ada Brandt lived near Elizabethtown, a college town in western Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabethtown,_Pennsylvania In July of 1912, Miss Ada Brandt received a postcard from
Elmer Gives Grace Her Name – Long Island, Kansas (circa 1908)
August 21, 2023
No Comments
Miss Grace Rhodes lived in Long Island, a very small city in northern Kansas – not far from the border of Nebraska. A thriving agricultural
Mame is Cross at Charles – Hazel Hurst, PA (circa 1914)
August 21, 2023
No Comments
Miss Mame Shuman lived in Carlisle, the colonial city that remains a center of education and commerce in south-central Pennsylvania. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlisle,_Pennsylvania Something unfortunate had occurred
The Boys of Williamsport – circa 1910
August 16, 2023
No Comments
Williamsport, the largest city in north-central Pennsylvania, was a prosperous center of industry in the early 20th century. (Today, sadly, it is about 40% smaller
“Midget” and Her Parents – California (circa 1910)
August 16, 2023
No Comments
I have a packet of postcards related to the family of P. J. Nelson who lived in Los Angles in the early years of the
Holiday on Campbell’s Island – circa 1910
August 16, 2023
No Comments
Campbell’s Island is an island in the Mississippi River near the city of East Moline, Illinois to which it is connected by a bridge. The
The Man from Reading, PA – circa 1910
August 16, 2023
No Comments
We have posted other stories related to the industrial and commercial powerhouse that was Reading, Pennsylvania. Like other busy cities, Reading boasted numerous photography studios
Bertha is Invited to Church – Petersburg, PA (1933)
August 13, 2023
No Comments
Mrs. Bertha Sipes lived in Petersburg, a borough on the Juniata River in Huntington County of south-central Pennsylvania. Before the bankruptcy of the Pennsylvania Railroad,
“The Spirit is There” – Glassport, PA (1910)
August 13, 2023
No Comments
Mrs. Sarah Case was in Indiana Harbor, an industrial community around the Inland Steel Plant east of Chicago, Illinois and of the Indiana community of
Mary & Martha – Baltimore, Maryland (1907)
August 13, 2023
No Comments
For this warm Sunday in July, a consideration of the spiritual life. The Gospel of St. Luke includes a number of instances in which Jesus
Setting a Date with Lottie – Philadelphia, PA (1913)
August 12, 2023
No Comments
Miss Lottie Dietrich lived in Philadelphia. In February of 1913, Lottie exchanged postcards with a friend who we know only by the initials, J. R.
“You for Me in the Summertime” – 1915
August 12, 2023
No Comments
In the summer of 1915, Myrtle gave a postcard to her cousin, Harvey Hahn. The postcard was not mailed, so we cannot know where Myrtle
Cupid’s Wheelbarrow – circa 1909
August 12, 2023
No Comments
This colorful postcard may have been presented as a Valentine, although there is no printed greeting on the face and the postcard was not mailed
Another Art Postcard for Frank – Jersey City, NJ (1909)
August 12, 2023
No Comments
We met Frank Seeberger in an earlier postcard story when Frank was training with the National Guard in Sea Girt, New Jersey. That postcard featured
Gertrude and the Cathedral – Neffsville, PA (1905)
August 11, 2023
No Comments
Gertrude Hackman lived in Neffsville, a village north of Lancaster, PA. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neffsville,_Pennsylvania (In the early 20th century, Neffsville was a charming community clustered around two
Mother Sends a Postcard from Spain – New York, NY (1907)
August 11, 2023
No Comments
At a recent postcard exhibition, I picked up several postcards related to the Huntley family, because the members seemed to be engaged in interesting activities
Master Tom & the Italian Dance – Wilmington, Delaware (1930)
August 11, 2023
No Comments
Master Tom Wills was growing up in Wilmington, the largest city in Delaware -now a national center of banking and law. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilmington,_Delaware In July of
“Paddling in Gravesend” – Brooklyn, NY (1909)
August 11, 2023
No Comments
Miss Mabel Kloppensburg lived in Brooklyn, the most populous borough of New York City. (In 1910, more than 1.6 million people lived in Brooklyn –
Cousin Edward Will Be Married – Campbelltown, PA (1905)
August 9, 2023
No Comments
This postcard is a vintage wedding invitation – one of the few I have ever found. Miss Edith Lesher lived in Steelton, an industrial borough
Drinks in the Garden – Lowell, Michigan (circa 1910)
August 9, 2023
No Comments
We met Miss L. C. Hyde in earlier postcard stories; she received a postcard from her friend who wrote to her from Belding, Michigan. Miss
What Will Your Friend Say? – Alden, Minnesota (1911)
August 9, 2023
No Comments
Miss Lavinia Briggs lived in Minneapolis, the city on the upper Mississippi River that was an industrial powerhouse for agricultural milling and food production. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minneapolis
A Kiss at Midnight – Berkeley Springs, WV (circa 1910)
August 9, 2023
No Comments
A Kiss at Midnight – Berkeley Springs, WV (circa 1910) We met Miss Odessa Mendenhall in earlier postcard stories – we recently looked at the
“A Square of Huckaback Toweling” – Gouverneur, NY (1910)
August 6, 2023
No Comments
Before finding this postcard, I was ignorant of the “Huckaback” weave of cloth. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huckaback_fabric “Huckaback fabric or Huck is a type of toweling cloth with
Mr. Sipes is Dead -Andover, PA (1910)
August 6, 2023
No Comments
Mr. Cadiz Schooley was in Mercersburg, PA. Mercersburg is borough very near the Mason-Dixon Line in south-central Pennsylvania. We have had postcard stories related to
Miss Ada Brandt Has Become Mrs. Hollinger – Elizabethtown, PA (1915)
August 6, 2023
No Comments
Sometimes one discovers a large collection of postcards addressed to the same person, and that is what I found at an antique exhibition before the
Sister Sends a Valentine to Miles – Rock Island, Texas (1922)
August 4, 2023
No Comments
Mr. Miles Bingaman lived in Rock Island, an unincorporated community in southeast Texas. Rock Island was platted as a land development scheme of the Texas
Cousin Elizabeth Sends an Easter Rabbit – Kansas City, MO (1913)
August 4, 2023
No Comments
Easter came early in 1913; the holiday fell on March 23. On March 21, Elizabeth mailed an Easter postcard from Kansas City, Missouri. Kansas City,
A Towering Blossom for Valentine’s Day – Millersville, PA (circa 1906)
August 4, 2023
No Comments
Master Aaron Frey lived in Millersville, the college town in Lancaster County of southeast Pennsylvania. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Millersville,_Pennsylvania Sometime around 1906, the boy was given a Valentine
Frank Spends Time with the Sailors – Buffalo, NY (1909)
July 30, 2023
No Comments
Miss Barbara Brauman lived in Buffalo, then a great center of industry and manufacturing on Lake Erie in western New York. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buffalo,_New_York In May of
Uncle Jacob at the New Year – Columbia, PA (circa 1910)
July 29, 2023
No Comments
Ida May Bard lived in Columbia, the beautiful town sitting above the Susquehanna River in southern Pennsylvania. Since the early 19th century, the Pennsylvania Canal
Ritta Has a Birthday – Rowlandsville, Maryland (circa 1908)
July 29, 2023
No Comments
Miss Ritta Nickles lived in Rowlandsville, a community that grew up around iron works in the 19th century. (This may be “Rita Nichols”. Spelling is
Hunter Can Read the Primer – circa 1910
July 29, 2023
No Comments
I believe that this postcard was exchanged between youngsters. Miss Esther Coffman lived in Edinburg, a town in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edinburg,_Virginia Today
Foster Sends a Picture of Harvesting – Honey Grove, PA (1909)
July 29, 2023
No Comments
Mr. Jacob Crough lived in Altoona, the city in central Pennsylvania created by the Pennsylvania Railroad. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altoona,_Pennsylvania In December of 1909, Jacob received a postcard
John Sends a Floral Truck – Linglestown, PA (circa 1910)
July 29, 2023
No Comments
Howard Hetrick lived in Linglestown, a “Census Designated Place” in Dauphin County of central Pennsylvania. This community, at the foot of a mountain, was initially
Aunt Clara by the Sea – Atlantic City, NJ (1909)
July 27, 2023
No Comments
Miss Carrie Gill lived in Cochranville, a charming populated place in Chester County – south of Parkesburg and northeast of Oxford. (This is a lovely
“A Pressing Engagement” – Randolph Center, Vermont (1907)
July 23, 2023
No Comments
Miss Mamie Whitney lived in Woodstock, the beautiful Shire Town on the Ottauquechee River in east central Vermont. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woodstock,_Vermont In August of 1907, Mamie received
The Watchful Chaperone – Greenwood, West Virginia (1915)
July 23, 2023
No Comments
Miss Audie Beninger lived in Greenwood, West Virginia. Alas, there are three unincorporated communities by that name in West Virginia. There is also an abandoned
Owen is Worried – Martinsburg, West Virginia (circa 1910)
July 23, 2023
No Comments
The face of this lovely postcard shows a night-time boating excursion. A young couple drifts in a rowboat, under the light of a full moon.
Elmer is Bored – Beloit, Wisconsin (1911)
July 23, 2023
No Comments
Christmas was over, and Elmer was bored. “We don’t do much but sit in the house”, he reports. Elmer anticipated that he will “be here
Auguste Declares His Love, in French – Providence, R.I. (circa 1910)
July 23, 2023
No Comments
Miss Emma Vinier lived in Providence, the beautiful city on the Providence River and the capital of Rhode Island. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Providence,_Rhode_Island It seems that Miss Vinier
A Moonlit Scene for the Oswalds – Barberton, Ohio (1926)
July 21, 2023
No Comments
Mr. and Mrs. R. Oswald lived in Barberton, the planned company town on the Tuscarawas River in northeast Ohio. Barberton was designed by industrialist O.
A Christmas Blossom for Miss Jessey – Brooklyn, NY (1908)
July 21, 2023
No Comments
Miss Lynda Jessey lived in Brooklyn, the most-populated and bustling borough of New York City. In 1908, the Brooklyn side of the Hudson River was
Rose Marie Sends a Christmas Cat – Philadelphia, PA (1908)
July 21, 2023
No Comments
Master D. W. Ranck lived on North 13th Street in Philadelphia. In the early 20th century, this was an area of brick row houses and
Christmas Stockings for Kittens – Honey Brook, PA (circa 1916)
July 21, 2023
No Comments
Master John Gable lived in Honey Brook, the charming community of northern Chester County in southeast Pennsylvania. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honey_Brook,_Pennsylvania At Christmas in 1916 (?), the boy
Helen is Invited to Stay for a Week – Plattville, Wisconsin (1910)
July 19, 2023
No Comments
Miss Helen Mueller lived in Plattville, a city in the Platte River Valley of the hilly, “driftless” region of southwest Wisconsin. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platteville,_Wisconsin The “Driftless Area”
Mamie Learns to Roller-Skate – Utah (1908)
July 19, 2023
No Comments
Miss Minnie Thorn was in Lehi, a city at the northern end of the Utah Valley in north-central Utah. Today, Lehi is a center of
Postcard Art for Sgt. Seeberger – Sea Girt, NJ (1908)
July 19, 2023
No Comments
In August of 1908, Sgt. Frank Seeberger was stationed at Sea Girt. Sea Girt is a community on the Atlantic Coast in east-central New Jersey.
“There Is No Endless Sorrow” – New Mexico (1909)
July 19, 2023
No Comments
Miss Edna Robbins lived in East Las Vegas, a town on the Gallinas River in north central New Mexico. East Las Vegas is now part
Mrs. Baird Takes Visitors to the Mountains – Denver, Colorado (1924)
July 18, 2023
No Comments
Sometime in 1924, Mrs. Bird had entertained visitors at her home in Denver. Mrs. Baird sent a postcard to her friend, Miss House, in Osceola,
Mae Has a “Cooler Visit” – Miller, Missouri (1916)
July 18, 2023
No Comments
Mae Gale was enjoying a summer break in Miller, Missouri. Miller is a small town in southwest Missouri. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miller,_Missouri In August of 1916.Mae wrote to
Lucy Paints a Postcard for Aunt Mamie – Lafayette, Illinois (1908)
July 17, 2023
No Comments
Mrs. Charles Geary lived in Rogers Park, now the northernmost part of Chicago, facing Lake Michigan. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rogers_Park,_Chicago In December of 1908, Mrs. Geary received a
Louise Enjoys a Mountain Lake – Black Hills, South Dakota (circa 1910)
July 16, 2023
No Comments
While most of the United States is wilting under a July Heat Dome, I am posting only cooling scenes. We met Miss Odessa Mendanhall in
“Ballard Reefers” and Men’s Knickers – Malone, N.Y. (1912)
July 14, 2023
No Comments
Belleville is a rural community in Mifflin County of central Pennsylvania. The area was settled by Amish and Mennonite settlers in 1791, and the “Plain
Ordering the Steam Trap – Woburn, Massachusetts (1885)
July 14, 2023
No Comments
Mr. Eaton lived in Woburn, the city of Middlesex County – about 9 miles north of Boston, Massachusetts. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woburn,_Massachusetts In May of 1885, Mr. J.
Ordering Bromo-Seltzer – Baltimore, Maryland (1912)
July 14, 2023
No Comments
In an earlier postcard story, we looked at the marvelous headquarters of the Bromo-Seltzer company in Baltimore, Maryland. In May of 1912, a wholesale druggist
An Order for Rivets – Rock Falls. Illinois (1909)
July 14, 2023
No Comments
In the early 2oth century, an enormous amount of business was conducted by postcards. Business correspondence is not a favorite category for postcard collectors, but
May Sends a Postal of Trinity Church – South Norwalk, Connecticut (1906)
July 14, 2023
No Comments
May Bates lived in South Norwalk, a town in the southwest corner of Connecticut, on the Long Island Sound. In 1913, South Norwalk was incorporated
The Maiden’s Prayer – Chickies, PA (1909)
July 14, 2023
No Comments
Upon first glance at the title on the face, I thought that this might be a comic postcard – there are many postcard variations on
“Recalling to Life” – Germany (circa 1905)
July 14, 2023
No Comments
In other postcard stories, we have looked at the fine postcards printed by the German American Novelty Art Company. This international company published some of
The Wayside Church – circa 1905
July 12, 2023
No Comments
For a warm Sunday in July, this example of postcard art circa 1905. Pictured on the face is a painting of a rural church such
“Birdie, Let’s Fly Away” – Berlin Center, Ohio (1908).
July 10, 2023
No Comments
Miss Florence Maskry lived in Berlin Center, a small, unincorporated community within Berlin Township of northeast Ohio. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berlin_Center,_Ohio Sometime in 1908, Florence received a comic
“Lights Out” for Uncle Silas – Comic Postcard (copyright 1907)
July 10, 2023
No Comments
This comic postcard was not mailed, so there is no story attached to the sender or the recipient. Published by Julius Bien & Company of
The Waiter – Copyright 1906
July 10, 2023
No Comments
There are some staples of humor that have endured for more than a century. One of these subjects for caricature is the snobbish or condescending
Mother Visits the Liberty Bell (1930)
July 8, 2023
No Comments
Grace Newswanger lived in Quarryville, the borough in southern Lancaster County of southeast Pennsylvania. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quarryville,_Pennsylvania In June of 1930, Grace received a postcard from her
Myles Standish House – Boston, Massachusetts (1937)
July 8, 2023
No Comments
Myles (or, Miles) Standish is best-remembered today by those who encountered the poem by Longfellow, “The Courtship of Miles Standish”. The poem is a long
A Red Cross Canteen of World War I – France (circa 1917)
July 6, 2023
No Comments
The Red Cross evolved from the work of Clara Barton and the heroic nurses of the Civil War. When the organization received its first Congressional
Father & Son – circa 1910
July 5, 2023
No Comments
For Father’s Day, a postcard photograph taken circa 1910. The photograph was probably made by a studio, but the postcard lacks any indication of a
A Picture in the Park – Circa 1910
July 5, 2023
No Comments
Sometime in a warm month near 1910, a group celebrated their gathering by making a postcard photograph. Because most cameras did not have wide-angle capability,
A Soldier in France – circa 1916
July 5, 2023
No Comments
A Postcard Photograph for Veterans Day Taken at a studio in Nice, this photograph does not show any of the beguiling features of the French
Two Women of 1908
July 5, 2023
No Comments
Sometime about 1908, two women had a photographic portrait printed on postcards. The two seem to have agreed to contrast one anther – one is
Hearing Uncle Henry Preach – Newcastle, Virginia (1909)
July 3, 2023
No Comments
Jennie Davis had taken a trip to Newcastle, and she was not sure how long she would stay before returning home. Newcastle is a small
“Snowed In” with the Measles – Monticello, New York (1910)
July 3, 2023
No Comments
Miss Pearl Washington lived in Monticello, the village in the Catskills of south-central New York. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monticello,_New_York In February of 1910, Pearl was celebrating a birthday.
A Banjo for Mrs. Smith -Saranac Lake, NY (1910)
July 3, 2023
No Comments
Mrs. James Smith was in Saranac Lake, the beautiful town in the Adirondack Mountains of New York State. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saranac_Lake,_New_York It is possible that Mrs. Smith
Blossoms of Spring – Mount Vernon, Ohio (circa 1910)
July 1, 2023
No Comments
Grace Diehl lived in Mount Vernon, a city along the Kokosing River of central Ohio. Mount Vernon is 40 miles northeast of Columbus. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Vernon,_Ohio Sometime
The New Hired Man – East Orange, New Jersey (1914)
July 1, 2023
No Comments
In earlier postcard stories, we met Hampton Pullis when he was a child and living in northern New Jersey. [“A Roller Skate for the New
The “Racy” Postcard -circa 1910
July 1, 2023
No Comments
Every new form of communication eventually evolves to include sexual content -you might be amazed to know how much internet traffic is related to pornography.
Balance of Work & Life – Cato, NY (1909)
July 1, 2023
No Comments
Mrs. David Streeter lived in Cato, a town in north-central New York State -northwest of Syracuse. (Readers of these postcard stories will know that I
Pilgrim Girl and Pumpkin – Catskill, NY (1911)
June 30, 2023
No Comments
Miss Ella Fuller lived in Catskill, the lovely village in the Hudson River Valley of south-eastern New York State. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catskill_(town),_New_York In November of 1911, Ella
Addie Receives a Veiled Easter Bonnet – Long Island City, NY (1909)
June 30, 2023
No Comments
Miss Addie Woodruff lived in Long Island City, a neighborhood in the borough of Queens, within New York City. Long Island City was an independent
A Pumpkin Cart for Irene – Cleona, PA (1907)
June 30, 2023
No Comments
Miss Irene Heilman lived in Cleona, a pleasant borough of Lebanon County in south-east Pennsylvania. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleona,_Pennsylvania In November of 1907, Irene received a Thanksgiving postcard
A Valentine Maiden for Oscar – Cushing, Minnesota (1911)
June 29, 2023
No Comments
Mr. Oscar Johnson lived in Cushing, an unincorporated community in central Minnesota. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cushing,_Minnesota In February of 1911, Oscar received a beautiful Valentine postcard. The postcard
Lester Sends a Christmas Bluebird – Farr, Colorado (1918)
June 29, 2023
No Comments
Miss Bertha Boyd lived in Farr, a community in Huerfano County of south-central Colorado. Farr, Colorado had a post office from 1907-1946, but the place
Sara and the Christmas Muff – circa 1915
June 29, 2023
No Comments
This Christmas postcard was not mailed, so we cannot assign a place or a specific date to it. It was presented to Sara Long by
Walking the Dog at Christmas – Washington Boro, PA (1918)
June 29, 2023
No Comments
Miss Anna Mann lived in Washington Boro, the community along the Susquehanna River in south-central Pennsylvania. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_Boro,_Pennsylvania In earlier postcard stories, we met George W.
“I Saw a Car Like Yours” – Lynn, Massachusetts (1931)
June 26, 2023
No Comments
Polly and Mary Fritz were on a trip to New England. From their message, it appears that they lived in Union Mills, an unincorporated community
“Wake Up Mary” – Dover, New Jersey (1907)
June 26, 2023
No Comments
Mrs. C. J. Sykes lived in Scranton, the bustling industrial city of northeast Pennsylvania. At the turn of the 20th century, Scranton was a prosperous
“I Did Not Forget You” – Newport, Delaware (1916)
June 26, 2023
No Comments
Mrs. W. J. King lived in Newport, a town on the Christina River in northern Delaware. In the Colonial era and the early 19th century,