Miss Emma Spangler lived in York, the historic city on the Codorus Creek in south-central Pennsylvania.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/York,_Pennsylvania

Emma’s home at 650 West Market Street is an attractive 3-story town house with bay windows on the upper floors.

Built in 1900, it is now home to a Print Shop on the first floor and three apartments above.

In March of 1910, Emma received a postcard photograph from G. D.

The postcard was mailed from Seven Valleys, now a small borough in central York County.

The first European settlement of this area was made by a group of German families of the Lutheran and Reformed faith who arrived together in 1738.

The lush hills and valleys reminded them of their homeland, and the community did not adopt the English language for business or worship until the years of the American Civil War.

The coming of the railroad brought the growth of industry, especially cigar-making and an ice-cream plant.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_Valleys,_Pennsylvania

           +           +           +           +           +           +

The face of the postcard shows a young man perched awkwardly at the edge of a small table or plant stand.

He appears to be wearing a suit, the heavy jacket is double-breasted.

In addition to the jacket’s large buttons, G. D. has a circular medal or insignia on his lapel.

His high, starched collar is encircled by a long tie.

The backdrop suggests a photography studio, but the postcard lacks any indication of a studio and the quality of the photograph would not enhance the reputation of a photographer.

Out hero looks very young, and somewhat wan – although the paleness may be the “washed-out” effect of the photograph.

           +           +           +              +           +           +           +

On the reverse, G. D writes a self-deprecatory remark:

“Put this in your cellar to scare the rats away”.

(This is not the first time we have seen this (or a very similar) message on a photograph that was shared.

Emma preserved the photograph is very good condition throughout her life.

There is no suggestion that the postcard was posted in a cellar.

RESEARCH NOTE

At least four persons named “Emma Spangler” were living in or around York County in 1910.

I have not yet found an Emma Spangler associated with the Market Street address.