“The Carter” – Denver, Colorado (1906)
November 12, 2025
No Comments
Miss Dene Herriff lived in Kent, a city on the Cuyahoga River in Portage County of northeast Ohio. Once a part of the disputed colonial
Postcard Categories
“Away Down in Maine” – Johnstown, PA (1910)
November 12, 2025
No Comments
Mr. George Wright was in Alum Bank, a borough (also known as “Pleasantville”) in northwestern Bedford County of south-central Pennsylvania. In 1910, fewer than 200
“All In The Day’s Work” – The North Coast Limited (1937)
November 12, 2025
No Comments
We have seen a number of scenic postcards that were published by railroad companies as inducements to train travel: “Taking a Train to the Grand
“Receiving Instruction” – Weir, Kansas (1908)
November 12, 2025
No Comments
Miss Ruth Hoppes lived in Mulberry, a small city (2020 population of 409) in Crawford County of southeast Kansas. The first European settlement was named
“Hold a Book and Try to Sing” – Glen Moore, PA (1910)
October 18, 2025
No Comments
Mrs. William P. Trego lived in Glen Moore, an unincorporated community in northwest Chester County of southeast Pennsylvania. The Post Office now uses “Glenmoore”. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glenmoore,_Pennsylvania
“Rally Day” at Faith Reformed Church – York, PA (1940)
October 18, 2025
No Comments
Each Fall in the early 20th century, millions of church members received invitations to “Rally Day” – a festive celebration of the opening of the
“A Rule for Life” – Millersburg, Ohio (1910)
October 18, 2025
No Comments
Mr. Rolland Casey lived in Millersburg, a village in Holmes County of northeast Ohio, Located 66 miles south of Cleveland, Millersburg is now the heart
“The Mighty Moose” – National Wildlife Federation (1939)
September 30, 2025
No Comments
Although this postcard was printed with an address block, it was not mailed. The name, “Jean Rea” is penciled lightly in the place of the
“The Painter by the Seine” – Paris, France (circa 1910)
September 29, 2025
No Comments
This postcard was not mailed; there is no personal story attached to it. It is the rare visitor to Paris who does not observe artists
“Papa Sends Love to Baby” – Kellersburg, PA (1908)
September 29, 2025
No Comments
Mary Salem was growing up in New Bethlehem, a borough along Red Bank Creek in Clarion County of northwest Pennsylvania. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Bethlehem,_Pennsylvania In January of 1908,
“Summer” – Postcard Art (circa 1910)
September 29, 2025
No Comments
Some time ago, we saw a postcard of children at play that was copyrighted by the Ullman Manufacturing Company of New York. I remembered that
“Gertie Sends a Red Parasol” – West Leesport, PA (1910)
September 29, 2025
No Comments
Miss Lillie Dietrich lived on a rural route outside West Leesport, a village now joined to the small borough of Leesport on the other side
“A Girl on a Hike” – Oxford, PA (1907)
June 30, 2025
No Comments
Mr. Roy Burke lived near Oxford, a prosperous borough in Chester County of southeast Pennsylvania. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxford,_Pennsylvania (We have discussed Oxford in other postcard stories –
“Pearl Receives the Sunset” – Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin (1908)
June 30, 2025
No Comments
Miss Pearl Hendershot lived in Fort Atkinson, a city on the Rock River of Jefferson County in southeast Wisconsin. The city takes its name from
“The Barnyard Party” – Westerly, Rhode Island (1906)
June 30, 2025
No Comments
Master B. Meikle was growing up in Westerly, a town on the Pawcatuck River, that was settled by English colonists in 1661. Until the 1950’s,
“Greetings and Goodwill” – Postcard Motto (circa 1908)
June 30, 2025
No Comments
This postcard was not mailed, so we do not know who might have admired or collected the charming scene. Postcard mottos were very popular in
“Behold The Lamb” – McCoysville, PA (1908)
June 28, 2025
No Comments
The Feast of St. John Baptist is celebrated on June 24, and this day (for centuries) was also the folk celebration of “Mid-Summer Night”. Upon
“Will Christian Go to Communion?” – Elizabethtown, PA (1910)
June 28, 2025
No Comments
Mt. Christian Moyer lived in Elizabethtown, a borough in western Lancaster County of southeast Pennsylvania. At the turn of the 20th century, Elizabethtown (about 18
“Wonderful Trip Through the Mountains” – Edgerton, Ohio (1926)
June 26, 2025
No Comments
Miss Caroline Christoffel (Christophel) lived in Edgerton, a village along the St. Joseph River in Williams County – in the extreme northwest corner of Ohio.
“Helen Receives an Innovative Print” – London, England (1938)
June 16, 2025
No Comments
Miss Helen Kline was living in New York City; her address of 29 Claremont Avenue is a beautiful residential building in Morningside Heights – in
“Papa Sends a Hippo to Dorothy Mae” – Charleston, West Virginia (1907)
June 16, 2025
No Comments
Dorothy Mae Siebert lived in Columbus, the State Capital and center of commerce, transportation and education in central Ohio. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbus,_Ohio In November of 1907, Dorothy
Celebrating the Pintail Duck – National Wildlife Federation (1939)
June 16, 2025
No Comments
Like the Audubon Association, whose postcards we celebrated in earlier stories, the National Wildlife Federation sought to encourage awareness and respect for wild creatures and
“Heidelberger Schloss” – Art Postcard (circa 1910)
May 30, 2025
No Comments
I saw Heidelberg for the first time when I was in High School, and the ancient town nestled on the banks of the Necker River
“Charles Writes to His Dearest Wife” (1914)
May 22, 2025
No Comments
Charles found that he must be away on his wife’s birthday, so he selected for her a postcard of exceptional quality. The face of the
“The Ute Pass” – Colorado (circa 1910)
May 17, 2025
No Comments
This colorful scene of the Rocky Mountains was printed as an advertisement of The Prudential Insurance Company. Prudential, headquartered in Newark, NJ, published postcard advertisements
“An Easter Puppy for Kinnard” – Hagerstown, Maryland (1908)
April 30, 2025
No Comments
Master Kinnard McCleary was growing up in Hagerstown, a commercial and transportation hub for the panhandle of western Maryland. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hagerstown,_Maryland From other postcard stories, we
“Our Daily Bread” – Pater Noster (circa 1910)
April 29, 2025
No Comments
This postcard, illustrating a phrase of the “Lord’s Prayer”, was not mailed – so there is no personal story attached to it. The “Lord’s Prayer”,
An Irish Banner for Laura – Gap, PA (circa 1905)
April 23, 2025
No Comments
Miss Laura Good lived in Gap, the historic community that grew up around a pass through Mine Ridge in eastern Lancaster County. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gap,_Pennsylvania In other
“Stella Did Not Get Out of the Buggy” – Myersville, Maryland (1908)
March 30, 2025
No Comments
Mr. Daniel Stottlemyer lived in Williamsport, a town in Washington County of west-central Maryland. Developed on an indigenous trail that linked New York State to
“Nellie Is Invited on Sunday” – Madisonville, Ohio (circa 1913)
March 30, 2025
No Comments
Mrs. Nellie Kain lived in Madisonville, once a frontier settlement on a trail of the indigenous people through southwest Ohio. Established in 1809 as settlers
“Benediction de la Mer” – France (1944)
March 30, 2025
No Comments
C. D. Thomson (“Dick”) was a soldier in northern France or Belgium; he makes mention of “D-day down south”. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hauts-de-France Sometime after that invasion, Dick
“Papa Will Ask When School Begins” – Arcade, NY (1914)
March 27, 2025
No Comments
Mr. O. A. Buck was in Varysburg, a hamlet in the Tonawanda Creek Valley of Wyoming County in west-central New York. This area, near the
“Goldie Adds to Her Postcard Collection” – Saugerties, NY (1908)
February 20, 2025
No Comments
Miss Goldie Mower lived in Saugerties, a town on the west bank of the Hudson River in Ulster County of south-central New York. This area
“Sledding With a Friend” – Pittstown, NJ (1907)
February 20, 2025
No Comments
Nellie Fisher lived on a rural delivery route outside Pittstown, New Jersey. Pittstown is an historic village in Hunterdon County of west-central New Jersey. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pittstown,_New_Jersey
“Feeding the Chickens” – Newport, Delaware (1906)
February 20, 2025
No Comments
Miss Lauretta Hilyard lived in Newport, an historic town (founded in 1735) on the Christina Rive in northern Delaware. In the Colonial Era, Conestoga wagons
“Taking In Everything” – Washington, D.C. (1934)
January 31, 2025
No Comments
Mrs. J. B. Wagoner lived in Burlington, a city in Alamance County of north-central North Carolina. Burlington was platted on the route of the North
“A Ceremony of Honor” – circa 1910
January 31, 2025
No Comments
Throughout the early 20th century, the birthdays of Presidents Lincoln and Washington were widely celebrated through the exchange of postcards. (Each year, I lament the
“A Meeting of Cupids” – Copyright 1907
January 24, 2025
No Comments
This postcard Valentine was not mailed, so there is no personal story connected to it. The whimsical drawing on the face departs from the usual
An Alpine Church for Mr. Hartman – Rouserville, PA (circa 1910)
January 20, 2025
No Comments
Mr. B. F. Hartman lived in Rouserville, an unincorporated community in Franklin County of south-central Pennsylvania. The community, near Waynesboro, uses alternate spellings of “Rouzerville”
“An Angelic Greeting for Lizzie” – East Earl, PA (circa 1922)
December 13, 2024
No Comments
Miss Lizzie Weaver lived on a Rural Delivery Route in East Earl Township of Lancaster County, PA. East Earl Township remains a rich agricultural region
“Meet Me at the Crossing” – Prairie City, Iowa (1907)
November 29, 2024
No Comments
Miss Ida Bidwell lived in Prairie City, a small city in Jasper County of central Iowa. The first settlement in this area grew up around
“A Beautiful Sale of Insurance” – Orefield, PA (circa 1909)
November 26, 2024
No Comments
Master John Schuler was a boy growing up in Orefield, PA. Orefield is a small, unincorporated community that was named for iron deposits that were
Pennsylvania Roadside Plantings – “Beauty View” (circa 1940)
November 22, 2024
No Comments
Before highway embankments were covered with “crown vetch” or other fast-growing cover foliage, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania planted a variety of ornamental trees and flowering
“Aunt Ethel Will Have Thanksgiving Rabbit” – Anselma, PA (1921)
November 19, 2024
No Comments
Miss Elizabeth Swinehart lived in Valley Forge, a colonial center of iron-making before becoming the site of the famous Revolutionary War encampment of George Washington
Mrs. Shoener Sends an Invitation – Pennsylvania (1922)
October 31, 2024
No Comments
(In the Research Notes, the place is identified more specifically as Orwigsburg – a borough in Schuylkill County of east- central Pennsylvania.) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orwigsburg,_Pennsylvania Last Sunday,
“Abby Didn’t Look at Me” – Washington Boro, PA (circa 1925)
October 31, 2024
No Comments
Miss Anna Mann lived in Washington Boro, the pleasant community of Lancaster County that overlooks the Susquehanna River in south-central Pennsylvania. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_Boro,_Pennsylvania We met Miss
“Fetch Your Little Pigs on Thursday” – Hokes, PA (1921)
October 28, 2024
No Comments
This postcard story connects two small communities in southern York County, of south-central Pennsylvania. Mr. Clayton Kaltreider lived in Hokes, a small settlement in southern
“Mr. Teddy Appeared Very Blue” – Las Vegas, New Mexico (1909)
October 28, 2024
No Comments
The Rev. and Mrs. J. V. Wemple were on a trip to Las Vegas, the city and seat of San Miguel County on the Gallinas
Marian Will Wear Grandma’s “Old Costumes” – Chatham, N.J. (1943)
October 28, 2024
No Comments
Mrs. Grant Castner lived in Trenton, the capital city on the Delaware River in west-central New Jersey. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trenton,_New_Jersey In May of 1943, Mrs. Castner received
“Early Settlers” – Olean, New York (1906)
October 28, 2024
No Comments
At first glance, I thought that this postcard was related to Thanksgiving – scenes of “early settlers” are common on postcards celebrating that holiday. This
“Raining on the Tobacco” – Safe Harbor, PA (1912)
September 27, 2024
No Comments
Miss Verdna Keperling lived on a rural delivery route outside the historic city of Lancaster, PA. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lancaster,_Pennsylvania In September of 1912, Verdna received a lovely
“Late Summer Scene” – Rochester Mills, PA (1913)
September 27, 2024
No Comments
I rescued this fine drawing from a box of cheap postcards – there were some disfiguring marks and some spots of foxing on the face
“The Wood Thrush” – National Audubon Society (1929)
August 26, 2024
No Comments
I found recently another example of postcard art from the National Audubon Society. There were local Audubon Societies in many places, and there were many
Glittering Irises from Aaron – Morrisville. PA (circa 1910)
August 14, 2024
No Comments
Mr. C. H. Humphreys lived in Morrisville, a borough in Bucks County of southeast Pennsylvania. Interestingly, Morrisville was first established as a trading post of
“All Good Things to Norman” – Chaneysville, PA (1911)
August 14, 2024
No Comments
Mr. Norman Cooper lived in Chaneysville, an unincorporated community in Bedford County of south-central Pennsylvania. An on-line history of Bedford County at the end of
“Charlie Has Not Gone Back to Work” – Pottsville, PA (circa 1910)
July 29, 2024
No Comments
Miss Mabel Schutretter lived in Pottsville, a small city and county seat of Schuylkill County in east-central Pennsylvania. Until the mid-20th century, Pottsville was a
“Big Brother Has a New Friend” – Art Postcard (circa 1910)
July 29, 2024
No Comments
Ethel Nash lived in Wismer, a tiny community at a crossroads in Bucks County of southeast Pennsylvania. The community was named for members of the
Aunt Nellie Sends a Cat in a Sunbonnet – Gardiner, Montana (1909)
July 27, 2024
No Comments
Young Winfred Carlson lived in Frontenac, now an unincorporated community on the Mississippi River – about 65 miles southeast of the Twin Cities. Established as
“In Dreamland” – circa 1908
July 22, 2024
No Comments
We have seen a variety of romantic postcards – some are earnest, some declarative, many are humorous, some bear a warning. This postcard shows the
“After the Resurrection” – Devotional Postcard (circa 1907)
July 20, 2024
No Comments
This postcard was never mailed, so there is no personal story attached to it. On the face, we see a gleaming and haloed figure of
A Painted Scene from Florence – Oil City, PA (1911)
July 13, 2024
No Comments
In 1911, Mark McGill was 18 or 19 years old and working for the Hershey Chocolate Company. Around the company founded by Milton Hershey was
Consoled By a Friend – Williamsport, PA (1911)
June 24, 2024
No Comments
Master F. G. Wagner lived in Williamsport, the principal city in Lycoming County of north-central Pennsylvania and once a very prosperous center of trade and
Odd Man Out – Chenango Forks, NY (1907)
June 19, 2024
No Comments
Mr. Albert Page lived in Chenango Forks, a hamlet in Broome County of south-central New York State. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chenango_Forks,_New_York In January of 1907, Albert received a
“Spring Sports” – Embreeville, PA (circa 1915)
June 16, 2024
No Comments
Miss Ella Osborn lived in Embreeville, a small, unincorporated community on a bend of the Brandywine Creek in Chester County of southeast Pennsylvania. Almost every
“Wheat in the Barn, Oats Ready to Come In” – Etna Green, Indiana (1910)
June 16, 2024
No Comments
Mrs. Amanda Eaglebarger lived in Etna Green, a town in north-central Indiana. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etna_Green,_Indiana In August of 1910, Amanda received a postcard from her cousin, Lizzie.
Strawberry Season -Switzerland (circa 1940)
June 16, 2024
No Comments
This still-life painting, of a plate of strawberries, is the perfect complement to the warm days of late Spring. At the farmers’ markets, the vendor’s
Homer Has a Birthday – McKeansburg, PA (circa 1910)
June 16, 2024
No Comments
Master Homer Schoerner was growing up in McKeansburg, a census-designated place in Schuylkill County of east-central Pennsylvania. This small community grew up around a crossroads
“Love To Dear Mother” – Green Springs, Ohio (1910)
May 26, 2024
No Comments
Mrs. B. F. Fry lived in Green Springs, a village in north-central Ohio. Green Springs takes its name from a large mineral spring in the
Chester Did Not Have a Nice Christmas – Hooversville, PA (1911)
May 11, 2024
No Comments
Clinton Naugle lived in Hooversville, a small borough of Somerset County in southwest Pennsylvania. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hooversville,_Pennsylvania In January of 1911, Clinton received a postcard from Chester.
Royal & Frederick Will Visit on Saturday – Shortsville, NY (1912)
May 3, 2024
No Comments
Mrs. John Kessler lived in Shortsville, a village in Ontario County of western New York. Throughout the 19th century, Shortsville was the site of numerous
The Dance in Osterburg – Schellsburg, PA (1909)
May 3, 2024
No Comments
E. G. Kerr lived in Schellsburg, a small borough in Bedford County of south-central Pennsylvania. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schellsburg,_Pennsylvania In September of 1909, E. G. wrote to Miss
“A Peaceful Corner” – Ossining, NY (1919)
May 3, 2024
No Comments
This charming postcard has several mysteries related to it. The original art on the face is printed in the “oilette” style by the publisher, Raphael
“I Proved Thee False” – Lebanon, PA (1907)
April 21, 2024
No Comments
Harvey Dohner lived in Lebanon, a center of steel mills and agricultural production in central Pennsylvania. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lebanon,_Pennsylvania We saw recently a postcard photograph of young
Lilacs for Viola – Camden, New Jersey (circa 1908)
April 18, 2024
No Comments
Miss Viola Weeks lived in Camden, the bustling city across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, PA. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camden,_New_Jersey In a year around 1908, Viola was celebrating
The Boy and the Gilded Bugs – Lancaster, PA (1908)
March 31, 2024
No Comments
We met Benjamin Stauffer in earlier postcard stories – he was born in 1900 and grew up on the family farm on the Millersville Pike
A Postal in His Pocket – Jersey City, NJ (1909)
March 31, 2024
No Comments
Mr. Marsh Palmer lived in Jersey City, the bustling city on the Hudson River – across the water from Manhattan. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jersey_City,_New_Jersey In March of 1909,
“Hear My Dollie’s Prayer” – Philadelphia, PA (1908)
March 24, 2024
No Comments
John H. Rhein, Jr. lived at 1742 Pine Street in Philadelphia. This handsome residence, a brick townhouse, was erected near Rittenhouse Square about 1800. (The
Margie Plans to Crochet – Lancaster, PA (circa 1908)
March 24, 2024
No Comments
Bessie Miller lived in Lancaster, the historic city in a rich agricultural area of southeast Pennsylvania. Bessie resided at 555 West King Street; I do
Girl With a Broom – circa 1910
March 24, 2024
No Comments
We met Bessie Douglas in earlier postcard stories. Bessie was growing up in Anselma, a small community that grew up around a mill on the
Bertha and the Mexican Woman – Monterrey, Mexico (1905)
March 24, 2024
No Comments
Miss Bertha Wilson was in Louisville, the charming city on the Ohio River in Kentucky. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louisville,_Kentucky Bertha was staying at the Galt House, the city’s
An Irish Scene for Cora – Bird-in-Hand, PA (1910)
February 25, 2024
No Comments
Miss Cora B. Landis lived in Bird-in-Hand, an unincorporated community in the rich agricultural area of eastern Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bird-in-Hand,_Pennsylvania In March of 1910,
Valentine Devotion to Emma – Lancaster, PA (1909)
February 12, 2024
No Comments
Miss Emma Humphreville lived in the charming and historic city of Lancaster, PA. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lancaster,_Pennsylvania On February 10, 1909 Miss Humphreville received a Valentine postcard. Emma
Pastor Sends the Blessings of Heaven – Carlisle, PA (1913)
January 28, 2024
No Comments
Miss Ida Shugart lived in Carlisle, once a frontier fort, now an academic center in the Cumberland Valley of south-central Pennsylvania. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlisle,_Pennsylvania In January of
A Scene from Gillie’s Fatherland – Minneapolis, Minnesota (1906)
January 26, 2024
No Comments
Miss Emma Coleman lived in Minneapolis, the commercial and manufacturing center of the upper Mississippi River. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minneapolis In October of 1906, Emma received a postcard
A Valentine Lasso – Hillsdale, NY (1914)
January 20, 2024
No Comments
Miss Velma Magley lived in Hillsdale, a town on the border of Massachusetts in east central New York. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillsdale,_New_York We have seen other postcards from
A Sailor Lass for Master Stager – Lancaster, PA (1911)
January 20, 2024
No Comments
Master Henry Stager lived on College Avenue, a handsome street that borders the campus of Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, PA. The brick townhouse
Aunt Etta Sends a Valentine – Quinsigamond, Massachusetts (1909)
January 20, 2024
No Comments
Gerard Curran lived in Quinsigamond, a village adjacent to the city of Worcester – about 50 miles west of Boston, Massachusetts. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quinsigamond In February of
“The Valentine Nation” – Carnegie, PA (1914)
January 20, 2024
No Comments
Mrs. May B. May lived in Carnegie, a borough in Allegheny County that is now part of the Pittsburgh Metropolitan area. In the early twentieth
Uncle Leslie Sends a Black Cat – Penbrook, PA (1908)
January 19, 2024
No Comments
Master Vernne Brant lived in Penbrook, a borough near the Susquehanna River in Dauphin County of central Pennsylvania. Penbrook is adjacent to the capital city
Some Geese for Mrs. Huyett – Birdsboro, PA (1908)
January 19, 2024
No Comments
Mrs. Elmer Huyett lived in Birdsboro, a borough on the Schuylkill River in Berks County of southeast Pennsylvania. Until the mid-20th century, Birdsboro boasted foundries
Lucy Takes In Boarders – Etna, New York (1913)
January 19, 2024
No Comments
Miss Jennie Hare lived in Harpursville, a community within the town of Colesville, New York. Harpursville/Colesville is on the Susquehanna River in Broome County of
Mayme Will Have a Guest for Dinner – Grand Rapids, Michigan (1907)
January 19, 2024
No Comments
We met Mayme Pulcher in several postcard stories; Mayme received many postcards from “Tom” who sent her postcard views from various places in the upper
The Start of an Elopement – circa 1910
December 20, 2023
No Comments
This example of postcard art is part of a series entitled, “A Gretna Green Elopement”. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gretna_Green “Gretna Green”, a village in Scotland, was the destination
Martha Invites Harry to Church – Hoboken, NJ (1908)
December 20, 2023
No Comments
Mr. Harry Mason lived in Hoboken, a city on the Hudson River in northeast New Jersey. In the early 20th century, Hoboken was home to
Bessie Sends an Alpine Church – New York, NY (1910)
December 20, 2023
No Comments
Bessie Bernot lived at 1482 Second Avenue in the Lenox Hill neighborhood on the upper east side of Manhattan. An apartment building was erected on
A Tramp into the New Year – Gray, NY (1912)
December 14, 2023
No Comments
Mrs. Morris Luther lived in Gray, a populated place near the boundary of the Adirondack Park in Herkimer County of central New York State. https://newyork.hometownlocator.com/ny/herkimer/gray.cfm
A Proper Courtship – Fall River, Massachusetts (1907)
December 10, 2023
No Comments
Mr. Joseph Labreche lived in Fall River, a busy commercial and transportation center at the mouth of the Taunton River in southeast Massachusetts. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fall_River,_Massachusetts In
A Story Without Words – circa 1908
December 10, 2023
No Comments
This amusing and suggestive postcard was not mailed. Consequently, we lack information about the sender, or the location of the woman to whom it was
Comic Overstatement – Frontenac, Minnesota (1907)
December 7, 2023
No Comments
Winifred Carlson was growing up in the town of Frontenac, an unincorporated community on the Mississippi River in southeast Minnesota. The coming of the “Chicago,
Lilah Sends Love to Norman – Muncy, PA (1909)
December 1, 2023
No Comments
Mr. Norman Maust lived in Jerseytown, a census-designated place of farmland and forest in northeast Pennsylvania. The college town of Bloomsburg is about ten miles
Art for Mr. Spofford – Winter Hill, Massachusetts (1910)
November 29, 2023
No Comments
Mr. C. E. Spofford lived in Malden, a city in the hilly region along the Mystic River – near Boston, Massachusetts. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malden,_Massachusetts On the last
Georgia Receives a Rural Cottage – Saco, Maine (1912)
November 28, 2023
No Comments
Miss Georgia Mann lived in Saco, a city in southeast Maine that was a center of lumbering in the 19th century, and of cotton mills
Miss Charlton Greets Master Sherman – Rockville, Maryland (1922)
November 28, 2023
No Comments
Master Sherman Linton was a boy in Rockville, a city developed at the meeting of rivers and creeks near Washington, DC. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rockville,_Maryland We know that
Blanche is Greeted in the New Year – New Danville, PA (1922)
November 28, 2023
No Comments
Miss Blanche Wilson lived in New Danville, an unincorporated agricultural community in southern Lancaster County of southeast Pennsylvania. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Danville,_Pennsylvania After Christmas of 1922, Blanche received
Roland Sends a Romantic Scene – Jersey City, NJ (1912)
November 25, 2023
No Comments
Miss Millicent Fellows lived in Kinzua, now a “ghost township” in Warren County of northwest Pennsylvania. The community was a prosperous center of the lumber
“Just for the Sake of Society” – copyright 1904
November 22, 2023
No Comments
Here is another example of postcard art celebrating a popular song of the early 20th century. In 1904, B. Feldman and Company of London published
Come to the Dance -Berg, North Dakota (1911)
November 22, 2023
No Comments
Based entirely on the number of postcard stories that mention these events, it appears that Christmas Dances were a common attraction in towns and cities
Eulalia Will Bring the Music – Shullsburg, Wisconsin (1909)
November 22, 2023
No Comments
Miss Eulalia Hendershot lived in Platteville, a city amid the ravines and groves of the “driftless region” of southwest Wisconsin. The city grew up along
A Water Lily for Stella – Telford, PA (1910)
November 22, 2023
No Comments
Miss Stella Kinsey lived in Telford, a borough that straddles the border of Bucks County and Montgomery County in southeast Pennsylvania. The area was settled
Turkeys Dispute the Wishbone – Wilmington, Delaware (1907)
November 17, 2023
No Comments
Mrs. Richard Webb lived in Wilmington, the manufacturing, commercial, and transportation center of the State of Delaware. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilmington,_Delaware In November of 1907, Mrs. Webb received
Lorine Sends a Paris Monument – Baltimore, Maryland (1924)
November 17, 2023
No Comments
Miss Mary Martin was living in Baltimore, the busy center of commerce and culture on the Chesapeake Bay in central Maryland.. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baltimore In August of
Florence Receives the Cathedral in Florence – Malden, Massachusetts (1914)
November 17, 2023
No Comments
Miss Florence Cowles lived in Malden, the city built on a wooded, hilly area on the Mystic River northeast of Boston, Massachusetts. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malden,_Massachusetts In June
Mrs. Sutter is Walking in Venice – Kansas City, Missouri (1928)
November 17, 2023
No Comments
Mrs. A. J. Smith lived in Kansas City, the bustling port city on the Missouri River in northwest Missouri. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kansas_City,_Missouri In August of 1928, Mrs.
A Monk Draws Water in the Courtyard – Nice, France (circa 1920)
November 17, 2023
No Comments
The beautiful city of Nice is older than any written documents – it enters into the histories of the Greeks (4th century BC) and the
Will Sparrows Live on Gasoline? – Newark, NJ (1913)
November 14, 2023
No Comments
The automobile transformed American life, and many of the changes were positive- increasing mobility, less isolation, ease of personal travel, and improving the cleanliness of
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,
“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
“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.
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
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
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.
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
“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
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
“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
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
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
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),
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
“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
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
“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
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
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
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.
“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
Aunt Hazel Will Be Looking for You – Rhodes, Michigan (1920)
June 26, 2023
No Comments
Miss Lottie Thomas lived in Rhodes, an unincorporated community within the township of Bentley in the Great lakes Bay region of east-central Michigan. The community
Purple Flowers for Josephine – St. Nazianz, Wisconsin (circa 1910)
June 26, 2023
No Comments
We met Josephine Burkhard in an earlier postcard story: Josephine, the daughter of Egnatz Burkhard, lived in St. Nazianz, Wisconsin. St. Nazianz had been settled
Leona Thanks Edna for the Long Letter – Ione, California (1910)
June 9, 2023
No Comments
Miss Edna Moulthrop lived in Alameda, the city on an island and surrounding area in the East Bay Region of west-central California. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alameda,_California In May
The Old Homestead – Sunday American and Journal, New York (1906)
June 9, 2023
No Comments
It may be that times of rapid change are marked also by nostalgia for the sights and patterns of life that are vanishing. In the
Grandpa is “Cornered” – Copyright 1898
June 9, 2023
No Comments
This example of postcard art was copyrighted and published by the Ullman Manufacturing Company of New York in 1898. On the face, a grandfather is
The Bobolink – National Wildlife Federation, 1939
June 8, 2023
No Comments
When I was young, I rode my bicycle for miles each day. First, to deliver newspapers, and then to explore the country roads that lay
A Dragonfly for Jennie – Homestead, PA (1913)
May 29, 2023
No Comments
Mrs. Jennie Healey lived in Homestead, a borough on the Monongahela River, southwest of Pittsburgh, PA. This was an agricultural area until the last decades
Will Lola Help to Butcher ? – Walkersville, Maryland (1912)
May 29, 2023
No Comments
In November of 1912, Lola Valentine received a postcard from her Aunt, E.G.M. Lola lived in Walkersvile, a town of Frederick County in north-central Maryland.
Henry Has a “Loving Sister” – Milo, Iowa (1913)
May 29, 2023
No Comments
Miss A. V. Clark lived in New York City, but she did not forget her brother back in Iowa. Henry C. Clark lived in Milo,
A Hatchling for Miss Emily – Center, Missouri (1909)
May 15, 2023
No Comments
Miss Emily Neff lived in Newberry, once the city of “Newberrytown”, now Newberry Township in York County, Pennsylvania. This area of York County is located
Easter Greetings to Carroll – Denver, PA (1908)
May 15, 2023
No Comments
Carroll Regar lived in of Denver, a borough of northern Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. This area was settled in 1735 by Swiss immigrants who built a grist
“The Fishermen’s Return” – W. R. Hearst (1904)
May 14, 2023
No Comments
This postcard offering from the newspaper magnate, William Randolph Hearst, was copyright in 1904 – and published (most likely) the same year. The art postcard
Missing the “Grand Old Bachelor” – Minden, Ontario (1939)
May 14, 2023
No Comments
Miss Jane Naftzger lived in West Salem, a village of Wayne County in north-central Ohio. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Salem,_Ohio In August of 1939, Jane received a postcard from
Spring in the Tyrol -circa 1930
May 11, 2023
No Comments
The Tyrol, a region of the Alps in Central Europe, has been inhabited since the end of the last Glacial period, about 12,000 years ago.
The Excursion by Train – Fayetteville, Tennessee (1908)
May 7, 2023
No Comments
Miss Matie L. Jones lived in Shelbyville, a city in central Tennessee. Although it has an industrial base today, Shelbyville was the center of Tennessee
Aunt Lou Sends a Picture of Spring – Strasburg, PA (1909)
May 7, 2023
No Comments
Mr. Frank Sides lived in Strasburg, the historic borough southeast of Lancaster that is home to a famous train museum. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strasburg,_Pennsylvania In July of 1909,
Louisa Sends Carnations to Her Cousin – Kiel, Wisconsin (circa 1910)
April 30, 2023
No Comments
Louisa H. Lived in Kiel, a city on the Sheboygan River in east-central Wisconsin. Although settled by German emigrants in the 1850’s, Kiel became the
Dogs for Master Harold – Boonville, NY (1907)
April 18, 2023
No Comments
Young Harold Kenyon was in Thousand Island Park; the postcard address uses numerals – “1000 Island Park”. Thousand Island Park is a resort community established
“Er Kommt” – Art of Ludwig Blume-Siebert (circa 1940)
April 18, 2023
No Comments
For this day of waiting and preparation on the Eve of Easter, I found this art postcard by a German painter. Ludwig Blume-Siebert was born
Flowers for Miss Keen – Downingtown, PA (1906)
April 18, 2023
No Comments
Miss Amy Keen lived in West Chester, the beautiful college town of Chester County in southeast Pennsylvania. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Chester,_Pennsylvania In May of 1906, Amy received a
The Unsuccessful Fishermen – Clam Falls, Wisconsin (1918)
April 18, 2023
No Comments
Mr. And Mrs. E. C. Warner lived in Minneapolis, the largest city in Minnesota. In May of 1918 they received a postcard from “The Fishermen”.
Cupid Posts the Mail – Wrightsville, PA (circa 1905)
April 14, 2023
No Comments
Master Lloyd Fautz lived in Wrightsville, a picturesque town overlooking the Susquehanna River in central Pennsylvania. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wrightsville,_Pennsylvania Sometime around 1905, the boy received a postcard
“Valentine Thoughts” to Mrs. Wolfgang – North Lima, Ohio (1923)
April 14, 2023
No Comments
Mrs. Jacob Wolfgang lived in North Lima, Ohio. North Lima is a small, unincorporated community in northeast Ohio. It is believed that the community was