A Few Scratches – Petaluma, California (1905)
November 18, 2022
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Miss Sarah Kelley lived in Spring Forge (now Spring Grove), a borough on the Codorus Creek in York County – between Hanover and York. This
Postcard Categories
“When your heels hit hard, and your head feels queer” – Comic Postcard (1905)
November 18, 2022
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This comic postcard was copyrighted in 1905 and published by J. Murray Jordan of Philadelphia. We met the publisher and the same three figures (photograph
The Hen-Pecked Husband – West Chester, PA (1909)
November 18, 2022
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This comic postcard was intended for Valentine’s Day – which suggests that the celebration of Romance and Love was not free of tension related to
The Death of Odd Fellows – Lewiston, Maine (1887)
November 18, 2022
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It may be hard for us to imagine the financial insecurity that underlay most lives of the 19th century. Disease and accidental death could be
The Champion Diver of Catalina Island -circa 1915
November 18, 2022
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Ed Harrison was born in Ireland in 1886, but was working in California by the early 20th century. His ability to sustain long dives made
Paying Taxes in Hanover, PA – 1916
November 18, 2022
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I found this tax notice at a postcard exhibit, and noted immediately that the amount paid was 57 cents. Having just paid (early) my 2020
The Marketing of Margarine – Swift & Company (1914)
November 18, 2022
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This is the second (and last) of the advertising postcards celebrating margarine that I acquired this year. In the earlier postcard story, we considered how
“Loving Greetings” from the Publisher – Springfield, Ohio (circa 1910)
November 18, 2022
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I am an episodic consumer of magazines and journals; have been an erstwhile subscriber to “The Atlantic Monthly”, the “New Yorker”, “Harper’s”, “National Geographic”, “The
The Telephone Exchange “Family” -Tyler, Texas (1910)
November 18, 2022
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Miss Emma Smith lived in McGregor, a small city in central Texas, southwest of Waco. In December of 1910, Emma received a Christmas postcard from
The “Minute Men” – Boston, Massachusetts (1910)
November 13, 2022
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For Veteran’s Day, a reminder of the citizens who resisted the depredations of a hostile army. On the placid green expanse of the Commons in
“Sending the Eggs This Evening” – Erie, PA (1912)
November 13, 2022
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M.F. Sutter lived in Erie, the port city on Lake Erie in the northwestern corner of Pennsylvania. In May of 1912, Mr. Sutter sent a
“Mrs. Eudenbach is Coming Tuesday” – Chicago, Illinois (1933)
November 13, 2022
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Mr. Melvin Lackley was visiting Harbert, a beautiful beach area on Lake Michigan – about 70 miles from Chicago. Melvin left his mother at home
The Steuben Sanitarium – Hornell, NY (1910)
November 13, 2022
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Because most of them have disappeared, the sanitarium is not well-known to most people today. In the early 20th century, tuberculosis or “consumption” was a
Cora and Roy Visit Norfolk Harbor – 1907
November 13, 2022
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Norfolk has been an important port city since the beginning of the 18th century; it hosts the largest naval base in the world and is
Gertrude Sends a View of Newark Bay – Jersey City N.J. (1908)
November 13, 2022
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Gertrude Duff lived in Jersey City, a city on the Hudson River (west of New York City) in northeastern New Jersey. Gertrude exchanged postcards with
Felix and the Christmas Automobile -Viropa, West Virginia (1908)
November 13, 2022
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Mr. Felix Sturm lived in Viropa, an unincorporated coal town in Harrison County, West Virginia. The town is located in the northwest corner of the
A Poinsettia for Mr. Musser -Oakland, California (1908)
November 13, 2022
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It was still November of 1908 when Mr. G. V. Musser received a Christmas postcard from his friend, Vera McFarland. Vera, like Mr. Musser, lived
A Christmas Bicycle to Benjamin – Lancaster, PA (circa 1900)
November 13, 2022
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Benjamin Stauffer was born in 1900, so he was about 10 years old when he received the Christmas postcard from his cousin, Anna. We may
St. Paul’s Cathedral – London (circa 1914)
November 11, 2022
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The only good thing that emerged from the Great Fire of London (September of 1666) was the improvement of streets and the erection of magnificent
The Bedouin Camel Driver – Beirut (circa 1910)
November 10, 2022
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“Camel Driver” is not an exact translation of “chamelier”; it might be better to say, “camel man”, as in the English word, “horseman”. I found
“Coming from the Fair” – Ireland (circa 1910)
November 10, 2022
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This hand-colored postcard was published by a firm (Valentine’s) in Dublin, circa 1910. The illustration is one of a series of scenes from Valentine’s, which
Bertha Hears from Her Cousin in Rome – Atglen, PA (1913)
November 10, 2022
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Bertha Esbenshade lived in Atglen, PA, a borough in Chester County. (This European settlement grew up along a trail made by the indigenous people of
A Greeting of “Hope” – Lancaster County, PA (1907)
November 9, 2022
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(This image was first posted to another internet group on Christmas Day.) This postcard greeting was not mailed at Christmas, but it is a fitting
Dick Receives an Invitation – Dixon, Illinois (1939)
November 9, 2022
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With the arrival of Autumn, many Protestant Churches planned a “Rally Day” to celebrate the beginning of the Sunday School year. Dick Brown lived in
“Be Not Drunk with Wine” – Reformed Sunday School (1903)
November 9, 2022
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This Sunday School card was published by the Sunday School Board of the Reformed Church which was located on Arch Street in Philadelphia. The illustrations
Threshing with Horses – Orillia, Washington (circa 1905)
November 9, 2022
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In February of 1905(?), Bessie Hill (Hile?) was in Orillia, Washington. Bessie sent a postcard to her friend, Josephine Resch, in Marietta, PA. The postcard,
“Take Your Medicine and Get Well” – Royal Center, Indiana (1914)
November 9, 2022
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Milford Logan lived in Royal Center, a town in northwest Indiana. The town was formed when the first railroads reached the territory in 1846. In
“Clarence is a Fine-Looking Chap” – Wynot, Nebraska (circa 1910)
November 9, 2022
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Mrs. Henry Fiedler lived in Winona, the lovely city on the Mississippi River in southeast Minnesota. In 1910, hundreds of steamboats landed at Winona each
The Mountains of Mexico – A Sunday in 1939
November 9, 2022
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On Sunday, January 22, 1939, visitors (probably from Nogales, Arizona) mailed a postcard from Nogales, Mexico to celebrate their visit. (The reverse of the postcard
Young Charlie Receives an Autumn Scene – Plumville, PA (1909)
November 9, 2022
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Young Charlie Zimmerman lived in Plumville, a small borough in a mountain valley about 62 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. The community was named for an
Aunt Anna Receives Doves for Her Birthday – circa 1910
November 9, 2022
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Elwood was a conscientious nephew who remembered the birthday of Aunt Anna. For the occasion, Elwood selected an exceptionally well-made postcard, beautifully colored and gilded.
A Ballerina in Paradise – circa 1902
November 9, 2022
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Dennis Sullivan lived in Paradise, the charming town in eastern Lancaster County, PA. Sometime around 1902, Dennis was given a postcard greeting; the face featured
A Gilded Nativity Crosses the Delaware River – Camden, New Jersey (1912)
November 6, 2022
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In 1912, Franklin lived in Philadelphia; he sent Christmas greetings to his relatives. On Christmas Eve, Franklin mailed a Christmas postcard to his young cousin
The Postman at Christmas – Uniontown, Ohio (1922)
November 6, 2022
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Miss Bessie Weaver lived in Juniata County, a picturesque area of wooded Appalachian foothills and farms in central Pennsylvania. In December of 1922, Bessie received
Finding Old Friends at Christmas – Pendleton, Indiana (1907)
November 6, 2022
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Miss Mary Hallowell lived in Pendleton, a town in central Indiana. On December 23, 1907, Mary received a Christmas postcard from her old friend, A.
Christmas in Wartime – Harvey, Illinois (1917)
November 6, 2022
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I have a large collection of postcards and greeting cards sent to Mary Reeser; her album of saved greetings was sold by a dealer in
A Christmas Message for Flossie – Hancock, Massachusetts (1924)
November 6, 2022
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Flossie Wager lived in Hancock, a town in the Taconic Mountains of western Massachusetts. (Throughout the 19th and early 20th century, there was a Shaker
Marietta, Pennsylvania – Where Episcopalians Once Rafted to Church
November 5, 2022
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I found an unusual postcard image of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Marietta. The image is not an hand-colored photograph, but an artist’s drawing. The
Bruton Parish Church – Williamsburg, Virginia (circa 1938))
November 5, 2022
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The Anglican Church was established by the crown in colonial Virginia, so it is not remarkable that the oldest church in continuous use in the
“Thy Kingdom Come” – circa 1910
November 4, 2022
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This phrase from “the Lord’s Prayer” reflects the longing and the aching of many people who hope to see the world set aright. I am
St. John’s Episcopal Church of Richmond – circa 1920
November 4, 2022
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The oldest church in Richmond, this parish was formed from the consolidation of smaller parishes as the city replaced Williamsburg as the center of political
Saying Grace – Manheim, PA (1908)
November 4, 2022
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For Sunday, a reflection on saying Grace. The custom of giving thanks before meals, whether by invocation of the Deity or a general acknowledgement of
Rally Day at New Freedom Reformed Church – 1920
November 4, 2022
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New Freedom is a community in southern York County, on the Mason-Dixon Line. It was originally called “Freedom” until the discovery of another town by
The Old St. Paul’s Church in York, PA (1916)
November 4, 2022
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In 1916, Mr. Clayton Stehman was living at 528 South Queen Street in Lancaster. During September of that year, Anna was visiting the city of
Jerusalem – “Oilette” Postcard Painting (circa 1910)
November 4, 2022
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Jerusalem, the city sacred to three monotheistic faiths, is pictured here in a postcard circa 1910. It is a sad indictment of human nature that
“Herr, Hilfe Mir” – Gustav Richter (Germany -circa 1910)
November 4, 2022
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The artist, Gustav Richter, was born in Berlin in 1823. He studied there, and in Paris, and in Rome. (He died in Berlin in 1884).
George Glick Misses Sunday School – 1915
November 4, 2022
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In September of 1915, George Glick was living at 528 North Queen Street in Lancaster. George received a postcard from his Sunday School teacher, C.J.
“Ave Maria” – Phoenixville, PA (1911)
November 4, 2022
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To one raised in a conservative Protestant environment, the Roman Catholic devotional practices related to the veneration of the Virgin Mary and of the Saints
Going to Church – 1907
November 4, 2022
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One of the significant changes in community life during my lifetime has been the sharp decline in weekly church attendance. Like membership in civic organizations,
“Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread” – 1908
November 4, 2022
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Over the past few years, I have found at various antique stands several cards illustrating phrases of the “Lord’s Prayer”. Convinced that I could assemble
“My Duty To My Neighbor” – Circa 1940
November 4, 2022
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Several years ago, there was a popular book entitled, “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten”. I don’t recall ever reading it,
German Bedtime Prayer for Children – circa 1895
November 4, 2022
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This very thin and fragile paper was printed as an advertisement for Star Soap. The reverse has a familiar English bedtime prayer that most readers
A New Heaven and a New Earth – 1901
November 4, 2022
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For Ash Wednesday, I am posting another Sunday School lesson from the Reformed Church-this one published in 1901. If you were in Sunday School in
The Saxton Glee Club – Saxton, PA (circa 1910)
November 1, 2022
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Because of the circumstances in which I acquired this postcard photograph, I believe that the location is Saxton, PA. Saxton, in Bedford County (south central
Proud Papa – circa 1910
November 1, 2022
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I am sure that every new parent is dazzled by the marvelous creature that is born into the family. This father is so young that
On the Porch -circa 1910
November 1, 2022
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We cannot know what event was celebrated by this photograph, but it appears to be a family gathering on the porch. It may have been
Ollie & Eva Visit Atlantic City – circa 1910
November 1, 2022
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Photographic portraits from Atlantic City are not rare; millions of visitors flocked to the shore each summer. Hundreds of thousands had photographs made at Boardwalk
The Happy Children – circa 1920
November 1, 2022
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It is very unfortunate that the two winsome children, whom I assume are a brother and sister, are not named. The picture appears to have
The Girls’ Outing – York County, PA (circa 1910)
November 1, 2022
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Sometime in the very early twentieth century, a group of young women celebrated their outdoor picnic by making a picture postcard. The picture is not
Gina, Francis, and Me (circa 1910)
November 1, 2022
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Three friends were captured in a photograph about 1910. The women are standing with linked arms in front of a structure with wooden siding. Each
The Cutest Girl in West Virginia – Wheeling, West Virginia (1909)
November 1, 2022
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Mrs. S. Bell lived in New Castle, Ohio, an unincorporated community in eastern Ohio. New Castle is close to the Ohio River and the border
The Belles of Kansas City – Kansas City, Missouri (circa 1915)
October 31, 2022
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Sometime around 1915, two young women had a photographic portrait made at the studio of the Eastern Photo Post Card Company in Kansas City. (It
Archie is Five Years Old – Harlowton, Montana (circa 1910)
October 31, 2022
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The city of Harlowton lies on the Musselshell River on a high plain between the mountains of central Montana. It was an ancient hunting ground
Alma and Zennie – May 9, 1925
October 31, 2022
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This postcard photo was taken at an unknown location on a specific date, May 9, 1925. A thoughtful person recorded the names of “Alma +
The Hand-Carved Postcard – Landis Valley, PA (1906)
October 31, 2022
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Postal regulations permitted the mailing of unusual and odd-shaped items in the early 20th century. In the past year, I have found a few hand-made
Yellow Roses for Kate Moyer – Adamstown, PA (1907)
October 31, 2022
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It was the birthday of Mrs. Kate Moyer of Adamstown. Adamstown is in northern Lancaster County, very close to the border of Berks County. On
The Furry Bear – Postcard Art circa 1910
October 31, 2022
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In the early twentieth century, hand-crafted postcards were constructed of a variety of materials and sent through the mail. I have posted samples of hand-painted
Margie Sends a Fashion Plate to her Sister – Salunga, PA (1915)
October 31, 2022
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In May of 1915, Mrs. Harrison Baker (Ellie?) lived in Salunga, a community west of Lancaster, PA. Mrs. Baker received a postcard from her sister,
Young Folks of York County – Pennsylvania (circa 1910)
October 29, 2022
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This postcard photograph was made by the Penn Park Studio which operated at locations in York and in Hanover. Sometime around 1910, a group of
The Group of Scholars – 1912
October 29, 2022
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“A normal school is an institution created to train high school graduates to be teachers by educating them in the norms of pedagogy and curriculum.,,”(Wiki)
The Tasseled Hat – circa 1910
October 29, 2022
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I recently acquired a postcard photograph, circa 1910, of a stylish young woman wearing a broad-brimmed hat with a tassel. An admirer of hats, although
“Don’t Do It by Halves” – Craft Printing (circa 1920)
October 29, 2022
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Like motivational posters of the late 20th century (or the inspirational memes of today), mottos and quotations were popular themes of postcard illustration in the
“This Is the Best I Have” – Shinglehouse, PA (1909)
October 29, 2022
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Miss Angie Park lived in Shinglehouse, a town of Potter County in north-central Pennsylvania. The community was named for a landmark shingled Inn near the
Flora Sends Autumn Beauty to Herman – Arlington, New Jersey (1906)
October 29, 2022
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Rifling through a box of old paper memorabilia, I was attracted to the brilliant colors of this postcard. I was surprised to find that the
Papa Writes to His Son at Prep School – Mercersburg, PA (1907)
October 29, 2022
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This postcard languished in a box of 25-cent cards until I found it at a postcard exhibition. It is interesting in two ways: the photograph
The Union Stock Yards -Lancaster, PA (circa 1930)
October 29, 2022
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The extent of the Lancaster stockyards was apparent to anyone who traveled to Lancaster by train from Philadelphia through the 1970’s. As the train slowed
Looking for News of Bernice – White Pigeon, Michigan (1908)
October 29, 2022
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We met Bernice Blue in an earlier postcard story, in which an admirer sent a postcard illustration entitled, “Maiden Meditation”. Bernice lived in White Pigeon,
No Place for a Minister’s Son! – Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario (circa 1910))
October 29, 2022
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Frank lived in Buffalo, the industrial and transportation powerhouse on Lake Erie in northwest New York. Frank had a friend, Sara, who lived in the
Who Wants To Be a Camel? – Wilmore, Pennsylvania (1907)
October 29, 2022
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In an earlier postcard story, we met the prolific photographer and publisher, J. Murray Jordan. (“Let’s Live in Clover”) Based in Philadelphia, Jordan published in
“I Better Leave Here” – La Grande, Oregon (1936)
October 29, 2022
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Miss Jenina Greer lived in La Grande, a city east of the Blue Mountains in northeast Oregon. La Grande had been a stopping point on
Remembering Coney Island – New York, NY (1907)
October 28, 2022
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My first understanding of the impact of Coney Island on the imagination of New York City residents came from reading the short stories of O.
Ethel Sends “The Maid of Erin” – Millersville, PA (1908)
October 27, 2022
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Saint Patrick’s Day – 1908 Ethel must have been busy or forgetful as she mailed her St. Patrick’s Day postcard on March 19, 1908. Illustrated
“I Want You Folks To Come” – Gap, PA (1916)
October 27, 2022
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Miss Susanna Ramsey lived near Gap, a community in eastern Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.in Gap was named for a pass through the Nickel Mountain ridge. The
Welcome 1908 – Hanover, PA
October 27, 2022
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In December of 1907, Miss Elsie Martin lived outside of Hanover, PA (Rural Free Delivery Route #4). Hanover is a prosperous town in York County,
“Liberty and Justice for All” – circa 1940
October 27, 2022
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On July 4, we recall the noble aspirations of our nation. We don’t always live up to the high standards we espouse, but we are
A Yosemite Christmas – San Diego, California (1919)
October 27, 2022
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Mrs. E.J. Rockwood had been living in Castle Creek, a hamlet north of Binghamton in south-central New York State. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castle_Creek,_New_York At Christmas of 1919, however,
A Joyous Christmas to All – Arcadia, Nebraska (1909)
October 26, 2022
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Mrs. E. A. Easterbrook lived in Arcadia, a village in central Nebraska. The community was platted in 1885 with the coming of the railroad. In
Best Christmas Wishes from Rose – Gobleville, Michigan (1908)
October 26, 2022
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Mrs. Maud Jacobs lived in Gobleville, a small city in south-west Michigan. The city was named for the Goble family who erected the first buildings
Ruby Sends Christmas Postcards to Her Pupils -Middleton, Michigan (1910)
October 26, 2022
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Harold Chambers lived in Middleton, an unincorporated community in central Michigan. Harold was a pupil in a class taught by Ruby. It is not clear
The Five Women – Circa 1905
October 26, 2022
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This postcard photograph was not mailed. I was glad to see the legible names inscribed on the reverse, but there is no indication of the
A Summer Hat for the Shore – Atlantic City, NJ (circa 1910)
October 26, 2022
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During the quarantine, when I could not rifle through boxes of old paper at antique malls, I purchased a collection of vintage postcard photographs on
First Overalls for Lewis – Fayette City, PA (circa 1906)
October 26, 2022
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Lewis Mansfield was born in the early years of the 20th century and lived near Fayette City, PA. Fayette City, at that time, was a
Naomi Krause is Growing Up – Adams Mills, Ohio (1911)
October 26, 2022
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Chas was in Akron, Ohio. On September 6, 1911, he sent a postcard to Mrs. James Balo of Adams Mills, Ohio. Adams Mills is a
The Young Men of Kalamazoo – circa 1910
October 26, 2022
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I am not sure what occasion is memorialized in this picture, perhaps a groom and best man at a wedding celebration. The postcard photograph was
Archie “Spoilt Those Pictures” – Hastings, Nebraska (1914)
October 26, 2022
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Miss Luella McDonald lived in Hastings, a city in south-central Nebraska. Hastings had grown up around the juncture of two railroad lines, but experienced a
“Today You are 35 Years Old” – Mifflinburg, PA (1916)
October 26, 2022
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Mother & Grandmother Send a Birthday Gift This postcard-sized greeting accompanied a gift to an unnamed son and grandson on his 35th birthday. The card
A Chestnut for Edward – Cornwall, New York (1910)
October 26, 2022
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There were an estimated four billion chestnut trees in the US at the turn of the 20th century. The nut was a source of food
“I’ve Got Heart Trouble” – Oxford, PA (circa 1905)
October 26, 2022
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Miss Rachel Morton lived in Oxford, the lovely borough in Chester County that was a center of industry before the slow demise of the railroads
Looking for a Seat – York Springs, PA (1909)
October 26, 2022
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Alice Cleaver lived in York Springs, a resort community in Adams County. (We met Alice in an earlier postcard story about attending the York Fair.)
Oscar Sends a Pair of Lovers to Annie – Bismarck, North Dakota (1911)
October 25, 2022
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We met Annie Robidou in earlier postcard stories; Annie inspired or collected many postcard illustrations related to courtship or love. In January of 1911, Annie
“One of the Family” – Marion, Indiana (1912)
October 17, 2022
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Mrs. James Houser lived in Port Trevorton, a census-designated place of northern Snyder County in central Pennsylvania. Port Trevorton had once been a small city
Young Ambrose Asks for a Visit – Ladora, Iowa (1914)
October 17, 2022
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Mrs. M. A. McCann lived in Ladora, a very small city (population less than 300) in east-central Iowa. In April of 1914, Mrs. McCann received
“Best Birthday Wishes” to Bessie – DuBois, PA (1914)
October 17, 2022
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Miss Bessie Criswell was celebrating a birthday. She received a postcard greeting from her friend, Sarah. Bessie lived in Emlenton, a borough in northwest Pennsylvania.
Welcome to Baby “Mabel”- Boyertown, PA (1919)
October 17, 2022
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Mabel Moyer was an infant when she was greeted with a postcard celebrating her arrival in 1919. The colorful illustration on face of the postcard
Oliver Receives a Sailboat – Voganville, PA (1908)
October 14, 2022
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Mr. Oliver Riehl lived in Voganville, a very small community in Earl Township – east of Farmersville and north of Groffdale. John Vogan, the Irish
Marita Sends a Scarf to Mayme – Emlenton, PA (1909)
October 14, 2022
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In January of 1909, Marita mailed a postcard to her friend Mayme. The postcard, printed in Germany, is embossed and gilded. Two doves greet one
The Sentinels – Sequoia National Park (1939)
October 13, 2022
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Miss A. B. Thomas lived in an apartment on Park Avenue in Minneapolis. In May of 1939, she received a postcard from her friend, Mamie.
Judy Enjoys the California Hills – Washburn, Illinois (1930)
October 13, 2022
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Mr. Bloom Faw lived in Washburn, an agricultural village in north central Illinois. In August of 1930, Bloom received a postcard from Judy. The face
Jane Sends a Picture of Mount Shasta – Torrington, Wyoming (1926)
October 13, 2022
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Jane Cushing was on a camping trip to the mountains. While in Torrington, Wyoming, Jane sent a postcard to Mrs. Sherman Scofield in Denver. (Torrington
Homer Hates to Wait – Wyoming, Iowa (1911)
October 13, 2022
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Miss Edna Bender lived in Wyoming, a small city in east-central Iowa, not far from Cedar Rapids. Sometime around 1911 (the postmark is badly-applied), Edna
“Let’s Live in Clover” – Philadelphia (1905)
October 13, 2022
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J. Murray Jordan was a prolific photographer and publisher in Philadelphia. Murray’s work included a wide range of subjects – from the comic and frivolous
“A Pointed Suggestion” – Aspers, PA (1906)
October 13, 2022
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Mrs. D. A Long lived in Shippensburg, a borough on the border of Franklin and Cumberland Counties in south-central Pennsylvania. In the early 20th century,
“Charlie, Stop That Fooling”- Parkesburg, PA (1907)
October 13, 2022
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This comic postcard was published by the Royal Publishing Company of Philadelphia in 1906. A young woman sits demurely on a bench while her suitor
The “Servants” of Thomas Jefferson – Monticello (1928)
October 13, 2022
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The legacy of slavery continues to trouble our nation. Many institutions have struggled to find an appropriate response to historical wrongs. (This is not a
The “President’s Salute” to Theodore Roosevelt – York, PA (1906)
October 13, 2022
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On October 4, 1906, cannons were fired in York, Pa for the “President’s Salute”. An Internet search reveals that President Theodore Roosevelt visited the city
The City of Reading Celebrates 175 years – Reading, PA (1923)
October 13, 2022
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Between September 30 and October 6 of 1923, the citizens of Reading, PA held a week-long birthday party. This commemorative postcard was copyrighted by C.
The Jamestown Exposition – 1907
October 13, 2022
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To celebrate the 300th anniversary of the first English colony in the New World, citizens of Norfolk, Virginia organized a campaign for a national exposition.
The Six-Horse Team – Greenfield Massachusetts (1922)
October 13, 2022
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This postcard relates to the advertising strategy of Wilson & Company, once one of the largest corporations in the US. The company began as the
Lula Orders Seeds or Plants – Salisbury, Missouri (1911)
October 13, 2022
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Mrs. Lula M. Rucker lived in Salisbury, a small city of about 1800 citizens in north central Missouri. The town was booming at the end
Improving Your Dairy Herd – Hood Farms (circa 1905)
October 13, 2022
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Charles Hood was born in Vermont in 1845, where he grew up to work in his father’s apothecary shop. In early adulthood, Charles Hood moved
Little Girl with Rabbit – Minnesota (circa 1910)
October 8, 2022
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This photograph does not identify the plump little girl with bright eyes. The girl is sitting before a wall of tongue-and-groove molding, and she is
Marie in Minneapolis – Minnesota, circa 1910
October 8, 2022
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There are several websites devoted to the photography studio of Gerlach which operated on South Washington Street in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Gerlach Studio made thousands
The Silver Anniversary – Gaylord, Minnesota (1911)
October 8, 2022
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Mr. and Mrs. Albert Maass were celebrating 25 years of marriage. In honor of the event, family members gathered at their home in Gaylord, Minnesota.
The Barnes’ Children – circa 1915
October 8, 2022
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Sometime around 1915, three children named “Barnes” were carefully arranged for a photographic portrait. The three – Dean, Ralph, and Gladys – are all smiling
The Seltzers Tour the Mediterranean – Oxford, PA (1928)
October 8, 2022
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Mrs. John Hays lived on Pine Street in Oxford, a borough in southern Chester County, PA. ( in 1928, Oxford was still connected both to
Ethel Visits Quebec – Falconer, NY (1931)
October 8, 2022
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Alma, Mrs. W. O. Smith, lived in Falconer – a village in Chautauqua County of southwest New York. In August of 1931, Alma received a
A Special Meeting of the Bowling Club – New York City (1917)
October 8, 2022
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Mr. Aug. Eimer lived at 205 Third Avenue in Manhattan. In 1917, this neighborhood (between 18th and 19th Streets) still had remnants of the large
Belle Has “Rough Sailing” – Havana, Cuba (1936)
October 8, 2022
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Belle was at sea on April 16 when she composed a postcard to Helen (Mrs. Samuel Weiss) of Philadelphia. The postcard, printed in the United
Feeding the Five Thousand – Sunday School of 1900
October 8, 2022
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I have posted several examples of Sunday School materials from denominational publishing houses. The example today is from the David C. Cook company. Founded in
A Bell for Rally Day -Lancaster, PA (1924)
October 8, 2022
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“Rally Day” was the special celebration to open the Sunday School year in many Protestant Churches. The Rally Day program often involved the introduction of
Happy Birthday to Nelson in Shrewsbury, PA – 1935
October 8, 2022
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In January of 1935, Nelson Godfrey lived in Shrewsbury, PA in the household of H.S. Godfrey, whom I assume to be his father. Shrewsbury is
A Shrine in the Mountains – Orkney Springs, Virginia (1936)
October 8, 2022
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On the Feast of the Transfiguration, a brief story about an act of devotion at the foot of the Great North Mountain in the Shenandoah
Sir Galahad – George Frederic Watts (circa 1910)
September 27, 2022
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A painter and sculptor, G. F. Watts (1817-1904) poses Sir Galahad as a fearless innocent pursuing a tangled path. A late development within the Arthurian
Edwin and an Engraving of Moses- Fort Madison, Iowa (1911)
September 27, 2022
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In June of 1911, Addie wrote “a few lines” to Katherine. Katherine, in Fort Madison, Iowa, seems to be a relative or close family friend
Breakfast at 7:00 – Cleveland, Ohio (1907)
September 27, 2022
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I found recently this “Sunbonnet” illustration from the series, “Hours of the Day”. On the face of the postcard is an illustration of a boy
The Order of Catholic Foresters – Biddeford, Maine (1908)
September 27, 2022
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Until I spent months working in New England, during seven of the last 25 years, I did not appreciate the influence of French-Canadian people in
Mr. Douglas Wants His Gun! – Visalia, California (1875)
September 27, 2022
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Mr. E.C. Douglas lived in Visalia, a city in the rich agricultural area of the San Joachim Valley. In 1874, Mr. Douglas ordered a gun
The Order of Owls – Ephrata, PA (1930)
September 27, 2022
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The past fifty years has seen a huge decline in the number of citizens participating in fraternal organizations and mutual aid societies. The Moose, the
“Soon Be In My Berth For Home” – New York City (1912)
September 27, 2022
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In September of 1912, Rebecca visited New York City. As she prepared to leave for home, Rebecca mailed a postcard to her friend, Florence Ashton,
Herbert Writes to GrandPop – New Hampshire (1914)
September 27, 2022
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Mr. George W. Johnson lived in Red Bank, a borough on the Navesink River in northern New Jersey. This area was settled by Dutch and
Lois Tours Massachusetts – Fawn Grove, PA (1935)
September 27, 2022
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Miss Evelyn Richardson lived in Fawn Grove, a borough in southern York County, on the Mason-Dixon Line. (I was unfamiliar with this place name and
The Denver Mint – Denver, Colorado (circa 1910)
September 27, 2022
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If you were a youngster who collected coins, you learned to scan dates for the tiny mint letters that denoted the origin of the coin.
The Wilbur & Martin Shoe Store (1910)
September 27, 2022
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In October of 1910, Mr. D. M. Eshelman was living in Quarryville, PA – a community in southern Lancaster County, not far from the border
Hem-Stitching on East Orange Street – Lancaster, PA (circa 1910)
September 27, 2022
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I found this unusual advertising card from the Singer Company, the largest manufacturer and purveyor of sewing machines in the world during the early 20th
Check Your Brakes! – Elizabethtown, PA (circa 1930)
September 27, 2022
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Weaver Brothers of Elizabethtown, PA distributed advertising cards touting asbestos brakes and reminding motorists of the need for brake inspections. The advertising cards bear no
Elizabeth Receives a Rose from her Mother – Mount Nebo, PA (circa 1910)
September 19, 2022
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Elizabeth Receives a Rose from her Mother – circa 1910 Sometime around 1910, Elizabeth Karr was living in Mount Nebo, Pa. Mt. Nebo is a
“The Loveliest, Most Scrumptious Time” – Hanover Junction, PA (1907)
September 19, 2022
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In July of 1907, Florence sent a postcard to her friend, Carrie Quickel, who lived at 1308 North George Street in York. Florence reported that
“The Horses Are All Right” – New Hall, Iowa (1919)
September 19, 2022
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In January of 1919, Mrs. Mary Gingery was living in Shellsburg – a small city in east central Iowa, not far from Cedar Rapids. it
Kauffman’s Park in Manheim, PA -circa 1924
September 19, 2022
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Manheim is a town in Lancaster County, PA – about eight miles north of Lancaster City. I have driven through the charming town of Manheim
The River View Hotel at Pequea, Lancaster County, PA (1907)
September 19, 2022
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The Susquehanna River forms the western border of Lancaster County, PA. The river-front community of Pequea grew up where the Pequea Creek empties into the
Alice Takes An Auto Trip of 325 miles – York, PA (1924)
September 19, 2022
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In August of 1924, Alice K. (presumably, Alice Knox) was visiting York, PA. Alice was traveling with Mr. and Mrs. Lidiger (?) and family. The
A Promenade on Mount Penn Boulevard – Oley, PA (1909)
September 19, 2022
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It is not hard to find early postcard photographs of the boulevard that winds up the side of Mount Penn in Reading, Pennsylvania. This is
Getting Candy from Airville – Woodbine, PA (1910)
September 19, 2022
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In August of 1910, Ruth was in Woodbine where she was very busy- making hay, visiting the Wild West Show, finding elderberries, getting red feather
The Sister House of the Ephrata Cloister – Hopeland, PA (1906)
September 19, 2022
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Several months ago, I shared a postcard with an hand-colored photo of the Brother House at the Ephrata Cloister. In the postcard story, voiced my
The “Brother House” of the Ephrata Cloister – circa 1910
September 19, 2022
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I love the Ephrata Cloister – the preserved buildings, the museum, the grounds, and the sacred history of the place. “The Cloister” was established in
Miss Esther Martin at Martin’s Drug Store – 1907
September 10, 2022
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Martin’s Drug Store was located on East Chestnut Street in Lancaster, PA. (This handsome building has now been subdivided into eight apartments.) Miss Esther Martin,
Miss Herr Gives Thanksgiving Greetings to John K. Hershey – circa 1915
September 10, 2022
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The Thanksgiving postcard was far more common in the early twentieth century than it is today. Many postcard greetings, some blending patriotic and harvest images,
A Glittering Portrait of Washington -Lancaster, PA (1906)
September 10, 2022
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Many of us remember when the birthdays of Lincoln and Washington were celebrated as distinct national holidays. Our grade school classrooms were decorated with construction
“The Returned Soldier” – Columbia, PA (1928)
September 10, 2022
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On May 30, 1928, this statue of a standing soldier was erected within the Locust Street Park in Columbia. A little more than seven feet
A Monument to the Pioneer Mother – Kansas City, Missouri (1928)
September 10, 2022
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In July of 1928, Joe was in Kansas City, Missouri. He mailed a postcard to his mother, Mrs. George J. Bankert, in Westminster, Maryland. Westminster
Monument to Thaddeus Stevens – Lancaster, PA (1909)
September 10, 2022
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One of the greatest orators and political leaders of the Civil War Era, Thaddeus Stevens, had a long career in law, industry, education, and public
A Poppy to Anna – Bausman, PA (1909)
September 10, 2022
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Mother sends a postcard to Anna in Bausman – 1909 On October 27, 1909, Mother mailed a postcard to her daughter, Mrs. Anna Rambo, at
“Come Away With Me” – circa 1908
September 10, 2022
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“Come away with me, Lucille, In my merry Oldsmobile…”. Circa 1908 The automobile changed the lives of Americans in dramatic ways. While some made fun
“The Pennsylvania Special” – Circa 1908
September 10, 2022
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The Pennsylvania Railroad was the largest railroad company in the United States and operated hundreds of named trains. (The budget for the Pennsylvania Railroad was
Ruth and Frank Tour St. Augustine – Hackettstown, NJ (1925)
September 8, 2022
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In March of 1925, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Cole were still awaiting the coming of Spring in Hackettstown, New Jersey. (Hackettstown is a town in
The Light at Portland Head – Chebeague, Maine (1928)
September 8, 2022
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Charlotte was visiting Chebeague Island, one of two hundred islands in Casco Bay, 10 miles northeast of Portland. Since the late 19th century, the area
President Harding Visited the Club – West Palm Beach, Florida (1925)
September 8, 2022
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In February of 1925, Alverta Meck was in Palm Beach. She was having “a nice time”, but found the weather “awfully warm”. Alverta mailed a
Hazel Works for the Gravel Company – Palmyra, N.Y. (1913)
September 8, 2022
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Hazel Penoyer lived in Palmyra, a village on the Erie Canal, just south of Lake Erie and east of Rochester, NY. An early transportation and
Aunt Gertie Is Back at Home – Pittsfield, Massachusetts (1934)
September 8, 2022
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Aunt Gertie lived in Pittsfield, the city in the Berkshire Mountains of western Massachusetts. By 1934, this agricultural area of streams and mills (once a
“Everybody Having a Hot Old Time” – Albany, New York (1906)
September 8, 2022
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Miss Stevie Moxley lived in Kingston, Canada. Kingston, the first capital city of Canada, lies at the eastern end of Lake Erie- at the mouth
Easter Greetings to Norbert – Milwaukee, Wisconsin (1908)
September 7, 2022
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Master Norbert Dittmer lived on Fond-de-Lac Avenue in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; his grandma and grandpa lived nearby. From the form of address, we may assume that
New Year’s Greetings between Two Ediths – Philadelphia, PA (1907)
September 7, 2022
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On December 31, 1907, “Edith” mailed a postcard from Philadelphia to Miss C. Edith Yoder at 322 Pine Street in Lancaster, PA. The writer, Edith,
“Better Than in the Country” – Lancaster, Pa (1909)
September 7, 2022
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Nathan Groff lived in Bareville, a small rural community northeast of Lancaster, PA. In December of 1909, Nathan received a postcard greeting from Lottie, in
“A Boy, a Girl, and a Hammock” – Utica, NY (1911)
September 7, 2022
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Fred Boardman lived in Utica, a city on the Mohawk River at the foot of the Adirondack Mountains in central New York. Utica became a
“Dear Hattie; Are you still living?” – Wilmington, Delaware (1909)
September 7, 2022
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Louise lived in Wilmington, Delaware and had not heard from Hattie Adair for some time. Hattie lived in Chester Springs, a community in Chester County,
“You Should Come to Meet Me” – Bismarck, North Dakota (1911)
September 7, 2022
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We met Annie Robidou in an earlier postcard which bore the illustration of a maiden carried piggyback at the lake. I mentioned that I had
Will the Suit Fit? – York, PA (1907)
September 7, 2022
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Mr. George Rauth sold clothes and/or did tailoring at his business, 113 North George Street in York, PA. Mr. Robert Conner of 59 South Pine
Postcard Painting of Lake George – Prudential Company (circa 1905)
September 7, 2022
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Lake George lies on the eastern border of New York State; it is a long ribbon of water that is now within the enormous Adirondack
Advertising Oleomargarine – Swift & Company (1914)
September 7, 2022
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Oleomargarine, an emulsion of fat with evenly-distributed water molecules, was first produced in France – to win a scientific competition to meet the war needs
Wiest’s Dam – York, PA circa 1905
September 5, 2022
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In 1772, a dam was first built on the west branch of the Codorus Creek near York, PA Dams were one of the first “infrastructure”