“The Italians Are Brigands” – Geneva, Switzerland (1912)
April 30, 2024
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The firm of C. W. Jacobs & Allison was located on Cedar Street in Manhattan, New York City. This firm was an importer of raw
Postcard Categories
Robert Stays In Kensington – London (1909)
April 30, 2024
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In December of 1909, Robert was in London – the largest city in the world at that time. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London Robert sent a postcard to Miss
Robert Sends a Postcard to Grandmother – Lucerne, Switzerland (1924)
April 30, 2024
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Because I have a small collection of postcards from the same trip, I am sure that the writer is Robert Zecher, son of Walter E.
A Trip to Great Britain (1911)
April 30, 2024
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DeWitt was one of a party traveling through Great Britain in August of 1911. He sent a postcard from Preston, a city on the north
The Dutch Reformed Church – Kingston, NY (circa 1920)
April 27, 2024
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The Dutch were the first Europeans to settle in the Hudson River Valley, and the town of Kingston was one of the earliest towns. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Hudson_Valley
“Baby Is Getting Awful Fat” – Seneca, Nebraska (1912)
April 27, 2024
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Miss Eva Simpson lived in Flushing, a village in Belmont County of east-central Ohio. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flushing,_Ohio In July of 1912, Eva received a postcard from her
Emerson & Mary Find Strange Fruit – Coronado Beach, Florida (1937)
April 23, 2024
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The State of Florida was sparsely populated (relatively) until the coming of the railroads sparked the growth of citrus plantations and the beginning of a
Surprising Picture from Sunday School – Waveland, Indiana (1938)
April 23, 2024
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In the early 20th century, a rustic resort attracted visitors to an area of remarkable geological features in Waveland, Indiana. Waveland is a town 47
The “Opera Box” at Chimney Rock – North Carolina (1929)
April 23, 2024
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Mr. C. S. Kagey lived in East Canton, a village in Stark County of east central Ohio. The village, founded in 1807, is east of
“Kiss Me, Darling, Good-bye” – Farmingdale, New Jersey (1909)
April 21, 2024
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Miss Mattie E. Beers lived in Bradley Beach, a borough on the Atlantic coast – south of Asbury Park in east-central New Jersey. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bradley_Beach,_New_Jersey On
Charles Is Getting Married – Newville, PA (1917)
April 11, 2024
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Charles Foltz lived in Newville, a small borough in Cumberland County of south-central Pennsylvania. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newville,_Pennsylvania In 1917, Charles had a photographic portrait made at the
The Children of Hanover – Hoffman Studio (circa 1915)
April 11, 2024
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In other postcard stories, we have been introduced to the community of Hanover, PA. Hanover is a charming borough of York County in south-central Pennsylvania
Hazel at the New Year – circa 1908
April 11, 2024
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This postcard photograph was not mailed and lacks any indication of the studio that printed the charming picture. An inscription on the reverse contains a
Cowboys in Chicago – circa 1910
April 11, 2024
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Sometime around 1910, three young men posed for a photograph at the studio of Gianakis & Svolos on State Street in Chicago. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_Street_(Chicago) The three
Buying Some Honey – Cannonsville, NY (1920)
March 30, 2024
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Mrs. A. M. Gardiner lived in Cannonsville, a village of Delaware County in south-central New York State. The village was developed in the late 18th
A Trip through the “Thousand Islands” – Alexandria Bay, NY (1932)
March 30, 2024
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The “Thousand Islands” is an archipelago of islands (about fifty miles in length) that lie between the United States and Canada, – where the outflow
Lucille Stays at the Ritz – Paducah, Kentucky (1939)
March 30, 2024
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In February of 1939, Lucille was moving to Paducah, a charming city at the confluence of the Tennessee and Ohio Rivers in southwest Kentucky. Paducah
An Engineering Marvel for Pauline – New York, NY (1936)
March 29, 2024
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Miss Pauline Fisher lived in Malden, a city in the hilly, woodland area north of the Mystic River in eastern Massachusetts. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malden,_Massachusetts In September of
Taking the Train to Little Rock – Little Rock, Arkansas (1933)
March 29, 2024
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Mr. and Mrs. Anderson were traveling, and they sent a postcard photograph to their friends in New Jersey. The friends, Mr. and Mrs. Yanard, lived
A Rural Bridge – Easthampton, Massachusetts (circa 1905)
March 29, 2024
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In other postcard stories related to travel or road trips of the early 20th century, we have often noted that the majority of roads in
Finding Friends on the Train – Knoxville, Tennessee (1918)
March 24, 2024
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Mrs. E. C. Warner lived in Minneapolis, the city of wonderful lakes in southeast Minnesota. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minneapolis In September of 1918, Mrs. Warner received a postcard
Elise Visits the Dells – Kilbourn, Wisconsin (1905)
February 28, 2024
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The Dells is a fascinating feature of the Wisconsin River in south-central Wisconsin. The spectacular rock formations were formed by the breaking of an ice
Above the Clouds – Mount Washington, New Hampshire (1926)
February 28, 2024
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Miss Mary Cassidy lived in Germantown, first settled as a community of German Mennonites in the early days of the Pennsylvania Colony. Germantown is now
Steve and Nellie – Orcutt, California (1911)
February 8, 2024
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Steve and Nellie lived in Los Angeles, California. In the first decade of the twentieth century, Los Angeles had grown to a population of more
The Girls on the Wall – York County, PA (circa 1912)
February 8, 2024
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This postcard photograph was printed by the Penn Park Studio which operated at two locations in York County of south-central Pennsylvania. The first studio location
A Girl and Her Horse – Westminster, Maryland (1911)
February 8, 2024
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Miss Lulu Schildwachter lived in Baltimore, the commercial and transportation hub on the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baltimore In November of 1911, Lulu received a
Charles Receives a War Hero – Watertown, South Dakota (1909)
February 1, 2024
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Mr. Charles Ritchie was living in Watertown, a city in Codington County of northeast South Dakota. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watertown,_South_Dakota In January of 1909, Charles received a postcard
Scenic Beauty for Betty – Front Royal, Virginia (1938)
January 31, 2024
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Mrs. Betty Reed lived in Trevorton, a census-designated place in Northumberland County of central Pennsylvania. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trevorton,_Pennsylvania In June of 1938, Betty received a postcard from
Ruth Feels the Cold Wind – Chicago, Illinois (1917)
January 31, 2024
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Mr. J. A. Beveridge lived in Worcester, the commercial and educational center about 50 miles west of Boston. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Worcester,_Massachusetts In October of 1917, Mr. Beveridge
Dad Hopes Mollie Will Visit Maine – Biddeford, Maine (1917)
January 31, 2024
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Miss Mollie Scott lived in Brooklyn, the bustling borough of industry and commerce in New York City. When Mollie lived there, Brooklyn boasted a large
A Day in Killarney – Philadelphia, PA (1938)
January 26, 2024
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Mr. Fred Weaver lived in at 248 South Third Street in Philadelphia. This home, an historic federal-style townhouse on “mansion row” of Old City, was
Terry Can Speak Only of Ireland – Dublin, Ireland (1938)
January 26, 2024
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Thomas F. McCormack worked in the Revenue Department of the Staten Island Ferry in New York City. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Staten_Island_Ferry The great wave of Irish immigration to
A Rural Church in Mexico – Coffeyville, Kansas (circa 1905)
January 26, 2024
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This lovely postcard photograph was not mailed. It appears to have been presented to Miss Eva Braggino of Coffeyville, Kansas. The name, Jack, appears on
Florence Sends the ”Deer Fountain” to York – Reading, PA (1906)
January 24, 2024
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Florence Eisenbise lived in Reading, a manufacturing, commercial, and transportation center of southeastern Pennsylvania. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reading,_Pennsylvania Florence lived at 1225 Chestnut Street in Reading. The tidy,
A View From Peters Mountain (circa 1940)
January 24, 2024
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Peters Mountain is a peak (1190 feet) of the Appalachian Mountains on the east side of the Susquehanna River in northern Dauphin County, PA. The
Writing Home – Collegeville, PA (1910)
January 24, 2024
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Ursinus College was established by the German Reformed Church in 1869, This institution, like many other establishments of the 19th century, represented a theological difference
May I Hope to Be Thine? – Hagerstown, Maryland (1909)
January 5, 2024
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Mr. H. C. Stolzenbach lived in Baltimore, the busy port city and transportation hub for central Maryland. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baltimore In February of 1909, Mr. Stolzenbach received
“Too Busy to Write” – Philadelphia, PA (1905)
January 5, 2024
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One can find many postcards of the early 20th century with the theme of “too busy to write”. Some of these postcards, like this one,
Auntie Anne at Schroon Lake – Plattsburgh, NY (1928)
December 30, 2023
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Miss Eleanor B. Smith lived on Elmwood Avenue in Philadelphia, PA. In August of 1928, Eleanor received a postcard from her Aunt Anne. Aunt Anne
Dorothy Receives the St. Joe River – Chicago, Illinois (1924)
December 30, 2023
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Dorothy Myers lived in Chicago, the center of commerce, transportation, and industry for the Midwest. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago In July of 1924, Dorothy received a postcard from
On the Way to Kansas – Plain City, Ohio (1918)
December 22, 2023
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Miss Emma S. Stoltzfus lived in the community of Bird-in-Hand, one of the colorful place names in eastern Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. English Quakers and German
Mrs. Durant Returns from the Wedding – Waterbury, Connecticut (1919)
December 22, 2023
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In June of 1919, Mrs. Durant made a trip to attend a wedding. We do not know whose wedding was being celebrated, but the event
Clara is Going to a Party – Elmira, NY (1911)
December 22, 2023
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Mr. William J. Hoffman lived in Joanna, an unincorporated community in Berks County of southeast Pennsylvania. The community of Joanna grew up around the Joanna
The Eucalyptus Grove – California (circa 1910)
December 4, 2023
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Most of us know eucalyptus as an ingredient in balms, lotions, or potpourri, or as an aromatic addition to flower arrangements or dried plant bouquets.
Camilla Will Be a Good Girl – Morris Cove, Connecticut (1905)
December 4, 2023
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We have seen several postcard stories related to the towns and resorts on the Long Island Sound of southern Connecticut. Morris Cove is a rounded
Mrs. Dohner and the Boys – Palmyra, PA (circa 1910)
November 30, 2023
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Mrs. Jacob Dohner lived in Palmyra, a borough in the Lebanon Valley of south-central Pennsylvania. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palmyra,_Pennsylvania Sometime near 1910, Mrs. Dohner received a postcard photograph
Nautical Brothers – circa 1910
November 30, 2023
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I cannot prove that the two boys on this postcard photograph are brothers. The postcard lacks any indication of location, date, or studio. But the
Vernon And Reba -circa 1910
November 30, 2023
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Sometime around 1910, two smiling children sat for a photographic portrait. Although the photograph was printed on a postcard, there is no indication of a
A Good Guesser – Hillsdale, N.Y. (1914)
November 25, 2023
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Miss Velma Magley lived in Hillsdale, a town in the hills of Columbia County in southeast New York. Hillsdale is close to the border of
Beulah Receives a View of Warner Park – Chattanooga, Tennessee (1918)
November 23, 2023
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Miss Beulah Peters lived in Mt. Hope, a small community that was established to support the workers and dependents of the iron-monger who lived on
Ernest Looks Forward to the Cowboy Dances – Abbeville, Louisiana (circa 1908)
November 23, 2023
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Attempts to cultivate rice as a cash crop have a long history in the United States. beginning with the English settlement at Jamestown. Until the
The Christian Science Church – Boston, Massachusetts (circa 1920)
November 20, 2023
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There is no shortage of stories about religious innovation, enthusiasm, and awakenings in the history of the United States. Other postcard stories have touched on
Ruth Expects a Letter – Utica, N. Y. (1909)
November 14, 2023
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Mr. James Stansbury lived in Coney Island, a peninsula extending into New York Bay in southern Brooklyn. Since the mid 19th century, the area was
Remembrance of a German Singing Club – Detroit, Michigan (1913)
November 14, 2023
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Miss Grace Callison lived in Trenton, a city in northern Missouri. Once the site of an Utopian Socialist commune influenced by the English thinker, John
Alice Has Many Questions – North Paterson, NJ (1914)
November 1, 2023
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The Great Falls on the Passaic River had excited interest in industrial development since the late 18th century, Alexander Hamilton founded an engineering society to
“I Want to Come Home” – Asheville, North Carolina (1911)
November 1, 2023
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There is a note of desperation in this postcard story, but we have no background to the tale. In January of 1911, Mr. Frank Wayne
The Wind Whistles in March – Nashville, Tennessee (1914)
November 1, 2023
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Miss Cora E. Hayden lived in West Somerville, now the city of Somerville – northwest of Boston and the home of Tufts University. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somerville,_Massachusetts In
The Photograph of Raymond – York, PA (circa 1910)
October 30, 2023
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I found this postcard photograph some time ago when I was collecting images from the Penn Park Studio of York, PA. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/York,_Pennsylvania The Penn Park
The Young Woman of Reading, PA – circa 1910)
October 30, 2023
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In the early 20th century, the city of Reading, PA was a bustling center of industry, commerce, and transportation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reading,_Pennsylvania The city boasted numerous photography
“The Libby Steps” – March, 1918
October 30, 2023
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Although this image is not as sharp as we might wish, it commemorates very well a family who lived in Maine circa 1918. This postcard
The Self-Composed Gentleman -circa 1910
October 30, 2023
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Sometime around 1910, a young gentleman had his photographic portrait made an unknown studio. The photo was printed on postcards, but the studio not named.
Marjorie Visits London – New Haven, Connecticut (1939)
October 24, 2023
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In January of 1939, Marjorie was in London – months before the outbreak of World War II. Marjorie mailed a postcard photograph to her friend,
Shakespeare’s Parish Church – Niagara, North Dakota (1914)
October 24, 2023
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Mr. R. D. English lived in Niagara, a very small city in the rural area of northeast North Dakota – not far from Grand Forks.
The Magnificent Church of St. Etienne-du-Mont – Paris (circa 1920)
October 24, 2023
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This postcard was not mailed, so the provenance cannot be established clearly. It is in the style of souvenir postcards published circa 1910-1920, but I
A Mission to Coeur d’Alene – Circa 1910
September 30, 2023
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Miss Stella Dunlap lived in Coatesville, the steel-making city along the Brandywine River in Chester County of southeast Pennsylvania. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coatesville,_Pennsylvania Miss Dunlap was an avid
George Receives Trinity Church – Newport, Rhode Island (1907)
September 30, 2023
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Mr. George Smyser Agnew lived in Philadelphia, PA. In September of 1907, Mr. Agnew received a postcard from a friend known only by the initials,
Miss Silverbrand Goes to Seminary – North Scituate, RI (1906)
September 30, 2023
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In the 19th century, a “seminary” was the name often given to educational institutions for women – whether or not the course of study involved
“Nothing Doing” from Henrietta – Keiser, PA (1906)
September 28, 2023
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Mr. Harry Kreamer lived in the community of Kreamer, a census-designated place in Snyder County of central Pennsylvania. Until 2019, the community had been the
Forrest and the Baby – Cadet, Virginia (circa 1910)
September 23, 2023
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Virgia was a new mother living in Cadet, a small community in southwest Virginia. https://mapcarta.com/21846396 In August of 1910(?), Virgia sent a postcard to her
The Engagement of Mother and Daddy – circa 1910
September 23, 2023
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Sometime around 1910, a couple celebrated their engagement by having a photographic portrait made. The photograph was printed on postcards, to be shared with friends
Louis Is Coming on the Train – New York, NY (1908)
September 23, 2023
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Louis Lowenfeld was coming to see his brother. The brother, Mr. A. Lowenfeld, worked at the Madison Square Station in Manhattan. (I have been unable
The Family on the Porch – circa 1910
September 23, 2023
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This postcard photograph was not mailed, and no thoughtful soul inscribed either the names of the family members or their location. A man and a
Mrs. Richardson Returns Home at Last – Lynchburg, Virginia (1912)
September 18, 2023
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Mrs. Earl Richardson lived in Lynchburg, the city on the banks of the James River in central Virginia. Lynchburg lies in the foothills of the
Ida Enjoys the Pretty Park – Sebring, Florida (1938)
September 18, 2023
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In February of 1938, Ida Eckert was in Sebring, Florida. Sebring is a small city which was built during the boom in Florida development during
A Beautiful, Starry Night – Lakehurst, NJ (1914)
September 18, 2023
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Miss Celesly Webb (Sally) lived in Baltimore, Maryland. (The name may be an erroneous spelling of “Cecily”.) Soon after the arrival of the New Year
Miss Mable Is Invited to Return – Lynn, Massachusetts (1907)
September 18, 2023
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Miss Mable Brite lived on Orr’s Island, an island (part of an archipelago) in Casco Bay of southern Maine. Today, Orr’s Island has electricity, but the
Elda Loves the Radio – Toledo, Ohio (1929)
September 18, 2023
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In early October of 1929, Elda reached Toledo “safe and sound”. Toledo is an industrial center at the western tip of Lake Erie in northwest
“Sweet Peas and German Flock” – Los Angeles, CA (1913)
September 15, 2023
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Mr. and Mrs. O. A. Collins lived in Belmont, a village on the Genesee River in southwest New York State. In 1910, the village was
A Visit to Mount Washington – Crawford House, NH (1905)
September 13, 2023
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Mrs. F. A. Whitney lived in Cambridge, the beautiful college town across the Charles River from downtown Boston. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cambridge,_Massachusetts In September of 1905, Mrs. Whitney
The Literature Class Goes to Paris – Reading, MA (1908)
August 29, 2023
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Mrs. Wiley lived in Reading, the old town of Middlesex County – 16 miles north of Boston, Massachusetts. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reading,_Massachusetts It appears that Mrs. Wiley may
Mrs. Coleman and Luther – Minneapolis MN (1910)
August 29, 2023
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Mrs. H. E. Coleman lived in Minneapolis, the thriving city on the banks of the Mississippi River in southeast Minnesota. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minneapolis In September of 1910,
Lola and I Will Sail from Marseilles – Meximieux, France (1932)
August 29, 2023
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Mrs. Slager lived in New Providence, an unincorporated village in Lancaster County of southeast Pennsylvania. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Providence,_Pennsylvania In June of 1932, she received a postcard from
Jess Sends a Picture of “Class” – Sheridan, Michigan (1911)
August 28, 2023
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Miss Elsia Hyde lived in Lowell, a city on the Grand River about 15 miles east of the much larger city of Grand Rapids. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lowell,_Michigan
Norman and the “Wise Country Girl” – Topeka, Kansas (circa 1910)
August 28, 2023
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Mr. Norman Swartz lived in Topeka, the capital city on the Kansas River in the State of Kansas. Originally, Topeka was a ferry point for
Summer in Swansea – Massachusetts (circa 1910)
August 24, 2023
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Mrs. Richard Hazelhurst lived in Swansea, a town on the Taunton River in southeast Massachusetts – 47 south of Boston and 12 miles southeast of
Albert Visits Alaska – 1911
August 24, 2023
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The US Territory of Alaska was not often visited until the discovery of gold in the Yukon in 1896. From 1897-1904, thousands of prospectors headed
Arthur Fails to Call on Miss Aston – Steubenville, Ohio (1913)
August 24, 2023
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Arthur was traveling westward; he mailed a postcard from the train near Pittsburgh. The face of the postcard is an hand-colored photograph of Steubenville, Ohio.
Ada is Invited to the Camp Meeting – Elizabethtown, PA (1912)
August 21, 2023
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Ada Brandt lived near Elizabethtown, a college town in western Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabethtown,_Pennsylvania In July of 1912, Miss Ada Brandt received a postcard from
Mame is Cross at Charles – Hazel Hurst, PA (circa 1914)
August 21, 2023
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Miss Mame Shuman lived in Carlisle, the colonial city that remains a center of education and commerce in south-central Pennsylvania. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlisle,_Pennsylvania Something unfortunate had occurred
The Boys of Williamsport – circa 1910
August 16, 2023
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Williamsport, the largest city in north-central Pennsylvania, was a prosperous center of industry in the early 20th century. (Today, sadly, it is about 40% smaller
“Midget” and Her Parents – California (circa 1910)
August 16, 2023
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I have a packet of postcards related to the family of P. J. Nelson who lived in Los Angles in the early years of the
Holiday on Campbell’s Island – circa 1910
August 16, 2023
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Campbell’s Island is an island in the Mississippi River near the city of East Moline, Illinois to which it is connected by a bridge. The
The Man from Reading, PA – circa 1910
August 16, 2023
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We have posted other stories related to the industrial and commercial powerhouse that was Reading, Pennsylvania. Like other busy cities, Reading boasted numerous photography studios
“Paddling in Gravesend” – Brooklyn, NY (1909)
August 11, 2023
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Miss Mabel Kloppensburg lived in Brooklyn, the most populous borough of New York City. (In 1910, more than 1.6 million people lived in Brooklyn –
Drinks in the Garden – Lowell, Michigan (circa 1910)
August 9, 2023
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We met Miss L. C. Hyde in earlier postcard stories; she received a postcard from her friend who wrote to her from Belding, Michigan. Miss
What Will Your Friend Say? – Alden, Minnesota (1911)
August 9, 2023
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Miss Lavinia Briggs lived in Minneapolis, the city on the upper Mississippi River that was an industrial powerhouse for agricultural milling and food production. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minneapolis
Foster Sends a Picture of Harvesting – Honey Grove, PA (1909)
July 29, 2023
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Mr. Jacob Crough lived in Altoona, the city in central Pennsylvania created by the Pennsylvania Railroad. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altoona,_Pennsylvania In December of 1909, Jacob received a postcard
Elmer is Bored – Beloit, Wisconsin (1911)
July 23, 2023
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Christmas was over, and Elmer was bored. “We don’t do much but sit in the house”, he reports. Elmer anticipated that he will “be here
Mrs. Baird Takes Visitors to the Mountains – Denver, Colorado (1924)
July 18, 2023
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Sometime in 1924, Mrs. Bird had entertained visitors at her home in Denver. Mrs. Baird sent a postcard to her friend, Miss House, in Osceola,
Mae Has a “Cooler Visit” – Miller, Missouri (1916)
July 18, 2023
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Mae Gale was enjoying a summer break in Miller, Missouri. Miller is a small town in southwest Missouri. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miller,_Missouri In August of 1916.Mae wrote to
Louise Enjoys a Mountain Lake – Black Hills, South Dakota (circa 1910)
July 16, 2023
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While most of the United States is wilting under a July Heat Dome, I am posting only cooling scenes. We met Miss Odessa Mendanhall in
May Sends a Postal of Trinity Church – South Norwalk, Connecticut (1906)
July 14, 2023
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May Bates lived in South Norwalk, a town in the southwest corner of Connecticut, on the Long Island Sound. In 1913, South Norwalk was incorporated
Mother Visits the Liberty Bell (1930)
July 8, 2023
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Grace Newswanger lived in Quarryville, the borough in southern Lancaster County of southeast Pennsylvania. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quarryville,_Pennsylvania In June of 1930, Grace received a postcard from her
A Red Cross Canteen of World War I – France (circa 1917)
July 6, 2023
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The Red Cross evolved from the work of Clara Barton and the heroic nurses of the Civil War. When the organization received its first Congressional
Father & Son – circa 1910
July 5, 2023
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For Father’s Day, a postcard photograph taken circa 1910. The photograph was probably made by a studio, but the postcard lacks any indication of a
A Picture in the Park – Circa 1910
July 5, 2023
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Sometime in a warm month near 1910, a group celebrated their gathering by making a postcard photograph. Because most cameras did not have wide-angle capability,
A Soldier in France – circa 1916
July 5, 2023
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A Postcard Photograph for Veterans Day Taken at a studio in Nice, this photograph does not show any of the beguiling features of the French
Two Women of 1908
July 5, 2023
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Sometime about 1908, two women had a photographic portrait printed on postcards. The two seem to have agreed to contrast one anther – one is
“I Saw a Car Like Yours” – Lynn, Massachusetts (1931)
June 26, 2023
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Polly and Mary Fritz were on a trip to New England. From their message, it appears that they lived in Union Mills, an unincorporated community
A Shady Spot – Oneonta, NY (1906)
June 26, 2023
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Miss Alice Dee lived in Elizabeth, the bustling city of New Jersey that employed 2000 people in the Singer Sewing Machine factory. (Today, downtown Elizabeth,
Miss Douglas Must Cancel Her Lessons – Southern Pines, North Carolina (1907)
June 26, 2023
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This postcard communication may reflect a serious family concern. In November of 1907, Miss Douglas was in Southern Pines, a town in north-central North Carolina
Ruth Tours the Mohawk Trail – Pittsfield, Massachusetts (circa 1925)
June 26, 2023
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Ruth was a member of a party touring New England, and the group spent a night in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Pittsfield is the largest city of
“You Can Go As Far As You Like” – Comic Postcard (1905)
June 21, 2023
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This comic postcard was made and published by our old friend, J. Murray Jordan, the prolific postcard publisher of Philadelphia. On this site, I have
“All Through My Lifetime” – Song Illustration (1907)
June 21, 2023
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This unusual postcard was not mailed, but collected and preserved in very good condition. Alas, we cannot identify any individuals connected to the romantic scene.
“Paid in Full” – Dayton, Ohio (1910)
June 21, 2023
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This is the second half of the postcard series depicting a scene of romantic extortion. The first postcard, “Pay of Swim” was mailed to Antoinette
“Pay or Swim” – Dayton, Ohio (1910)
June 21, 2023
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This is the first of two postcards illustrating a brazen attempt at romantic extortion. The face of the postcard shows two well-dressed young ladies crossing
The Elks Temple of Reading – circa 1920
June 17, 2023
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One can infer much about the wealth of a city by looking at the architectural records of public buildings. In the early twentieth century, the
A View of Meadville for Julia – Warren, Ohio (1907)
June 17, 2023
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Miss Julia Criddle lived in Warren, the city on the Mahoning River in northeast Ohio. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warren,_Ohio The former seat of the Western Reserve, Warren was
Young Man in a Bowler Hat -circa 1912
June 16, 2023
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This could be another post in a series “What a shame that few people today wear hats!”. This postcard photograph lacks any indication of studio
The Three Generations of Women – circa 1915
June 16, 2023
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Young Valerie Payne may have been celebrating a special occasion- she looks radiant in her bonnet, small neck-piece of fur, and a furry muff. Beside
The Patriotic Friends of Hattie Williamson – Joliet, Illinois (circa 1910)
June 16, 2023
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Joliet, Illinois is a city about 35 miles southwest of Chicago; it was named for Louis Joliet, French explorer and fur trapper, who accompanied the
The Martin Family at Christmas – 1916
June 16, 2023
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The custom of sending a family picture to friends at Christmas is an old one. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_card In 1916, Mrs Watts (?) received a postcard photograph
Lew & Mary Reach the Lowest Point – Death Valley, California (1938)
June 11, 2023
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Mr. Ralph Boyer lived in Pottstown, the old settlement on the Schuylkill River in Montgomery County of southeast Pennsylvania. In the Colonial era, Pottstown had
The Young Man of Reading – Fritz Studio (circa 1912)
June 11, 2023
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In the early twentieth century, Reading was a busy and prosperous city in Pennsylvania. The Reading Railroad carried raw materials to the city and transported
Did Stella Go to the Dance? – Bendena, Kansas (circa 1910)
June 10, 2023
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Miss Stella Corcoran lived in Bendena, a census-designated place in the northeast corner of Kansas -about 15 miles north of Atchison. Bendena had another name
Arthur Sends Something Odd – Seymour, Connecticut (1907)
June 8, 2023
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Mr. Lewis Spencer lived in Seymour, a town on the Naugatuck River in New Haven County of southwest Connecticut. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seymour,_Connecticut In July of 1907, Lewis
The Resort at St. Claire Flats – Detroit, Michigan (1907)
May 31, 2023
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Tom was devoted to Miss Mayme Pulcher. Almost every day, Tom mailed a postcard to Mayme. (An antique dealer has about a hundred examples of
Seeing Colorado – Redlands, California (1909)
May 31, 2023
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Miss Ashby lived in Redlands, a city in the San Bernardino Valley of southern California. Redlands was developed as a center of the citrus industry
The Pensive Young Man – Petersburg, VA (circa 1910)
May 29, 2023
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Sometime around 1910, a young Virginian sat for a photographic portrait. The portrait was made and printed at Kramer’s Studio in Petersburg, Virginia. Petersburg is
The Mystery of Uncle Charles -(circa 1910)
May 29, 2023
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Sometime around 1910, a young man posed jauntily for a postcard photograph. There is no indication of the studio that made the photograph or that
Aunt Emalinda & Uncle William – Norristown, PA (circa 1910)
May 25, 2023
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Sometime in a warm month when trees are leaved, a group of friends commemorated their meeting with a postcard photograph. One is glad to find
A Harbor View to the Mountains – Sparks, Nevada (circa 1910)
May 7, 2023
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Miss Helen Austin was in Sparks, a city in western Nevada. Sparks was a small settlement near Reno until 1904, when the Southern Pacific Railroad
Boys on the Pier – Narragansett, Rhode Island (circa 1906)
May 7, 2023
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Miss Bessie Duglass (also, Douglas) lived in Anselma, a populated place in Chester County of southeast Pennsylvania. Anselma was an early European settlement and retains
A Tea Dance in Winter – Miami, Florida (1934)
May 7, 2023
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Mrs. Carroll Wilhelm lived in Westfield, a town of Union County in northeast New Jersey. Westfield is about 16 miles southwest of Manhattan. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westfield,_New_Jersey In
The Steamboat at Broad Ripple – Indianapolis, Indiana (1908)
May 5, 2023
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Broad Ripple is an area of the White River near Indianapolis. At the turn of the twentieth century, an amusement park, large bathing pool, and
Ella arrives in the Fog – Nantucket, Massachusetts (1936)
May 4, 2023
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Mrs. Clarence Beck lived in Easton, the city that Thomas Penn established at the confluence of the Lehigh River and the Delaware River in east-central
Mayme is Coming Home Next Month – Hot Springs, Arkansas (1912)
May 4, 2023
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Miss Katherine Quinn lived in Chicago. In March of 1912, Katherine received a postcard from her friend, Mayme. Mayme was making an extended trip. The
Ruth and the Boys Write Home -Keene, New Hampshire – circa 1930
May 4, 2023
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Mr. Everett J. Daniels was at home in Danvers, Massachusetts. Danvers is a town on the Danvers River near the northeastern coast of Massachusetts. The
The Railroad Station in Scranton, PA (1910)
May 3, 2023
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Scranton, the largest city in northeast Pennsylvania, became an important center of the coal-mining and steel-making industries in the 19th century. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scranton,_Pennsylvania Vast quantities of
“Institute Week” – Smethport, PA (1906)
May 3, 2023
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Miss Selma Johnson lived in Ridgway, a borough of Elk County in northwest Pennsylvania. In the early twentieth century, Ridgway was an important center of
Annie and Alfred Visit Monongahela – Oxford, PA (1927)
May 3, 2023
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Annie and Alfred were traveling; they left home at 2:30 AM and arrived in Monongahela City at 12:45. Monongahela City is the second-smallest city in
Picking Daisies in the Mountains – Buck Hill Falls, PA (1920)
May 3, 2023
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Some months ago, we looked at a postcard photograph of the Buck Hill Inn- a lovely resort that once attracted thousands of visitors to the
Ruth Sends a Western Scene -Missoula, Montana (1933)
April 30, 2023
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Ruth V. Hays was traveling through the West and she “fell in love with this country”. After spending four days in Glacier Park, Ruth was
Wilson Is Teased About Lover’s Glen – Hunter, N.Y. (1907)
April 30, 2023
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Wilson Potts lived on the very busy 14th Street in Manhattan. (This is still a major thoroughfare across the island.) In November of 1907, Wilson
Wilbur Sends Apple Blossoms – Portsmouth, Virginia (1939)
April 30, 2023
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Mr. Leon Wickersham lived in West Chester, the lovely college town of Chester County in southeast Pennsylvania. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Chester,_Pennsylvania In December of 1939, Leon received a
“Having a H___ of a Time” – Reno, Nevada (circa 1910)
April 26, 2023
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Mrs. Fred Boryer lived in Reno, the city in the Truckee River Valley in northwest Nevada. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reno,_Nevada Fred, Mrs. Broyer’s husband, husband seems to have
The American Home of Rudyard Kipling -Brattleboro, Vermont (circa 1930)
April 22, 2023
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Rudyard Kipling, the Anglo-Indian writer, essayist, poet and journalist, was one of the leading literary figures in the late 19th century. Kipling was awarded the
Maggie is Thinking of Jesse – Sharpsburg, Ohio (1912)
April 22, 2023
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Mr. Jesse Stambel lived in Sharpsburg, an unincorporated community in Athens County of southeast Ohio. This is a rural area, close to Gifford State Forest.
The Boyhood Home of Thomas Edison – Sans Souci, Michigan (1909)
April 22, 2023
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Miss Cynthia Morse lived in Oswego, a city on Lake Ontario – about 35 miles northwest of Syracuse, NY. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oswego,_New_York In August of 1909, Cynthia
Monument to Chief Oshkosh – Oshkosh, Wisconsin (1918)
April 22, 2023
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Mrs. S. J. Whybrew lived in North Crandon, Wisconsin. North Crandon, and the small city of Crandon, are located in northeast Wisconsin. The area remains
Anna Writes from New Haven – Mauch Chunk, PA (1907)
April 19, 2023
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Miss Frieda Rohrig lived in Mauch Chunk, a borough on the Lehigh River in east central Pennsylvania. Mauch Chunk (the name is derived from indigenous
“One Can Have Such a Grand Time” – Atlanta, Georgia (1910)
April 19, 2023
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Miss Nell Hunnicutt lived in Athens, the beautiful college town northeast of Atlanta. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athens,_Georgia In June of 1910, Nell received a postcard from her friend,
“May Your Life Be Useful” – Walden, NY (1907)
April 9, 2023
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Master Ellis Pierce lived in Walton, a charming village and town on the West Branch of the Delaware River in southern New York State. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walton_(town),_New_York
A Monument to the Spanish-American War – Hagerstown, Maryland (circa 1940)
April 7, 2023
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The Spanish-American War does not loom large in American consciousness today, but it represented an enormous shift in American identity. Many discussions of the conflict
A Southern Home of Harriett Beecher Stowe – Jacksonville, Florida (1911)
April 7, 2023
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The Beecher family, the formidable dynasty of literary and ecclesiastical achievement, was formed in New England and flourished throughout the 19th century in Boston, Hartford,
Papa Writes from Offenbach – East Northfield, Massachusetts (1907)
April 1, 2023
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There are many mysteries attached to this postcard which contains an affectionate message from Papa who is in Germany. Miss Elizabeth White Clark was living
Eight Kisses from Rory – Detroit, Michigan (1908)
March 30, 2023
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Miss Mayme Pulcher lived in Grand Rapids, Michigan. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Rapids,_Michigan Mayme had a devoted suitor, Tom, who traveled through the upper Midwest for his business. Every
Charley Writes to His Niece – Marion, Indiana (1909)
March 24, 2023
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Miss Hortense Myers lived in Knapp, Wisconsin. Knapp, a village in west-central Wisconsin, was once part of a flourishing lumber industry. (Today, Knapp has almost
Brick Sees an Historic Flight – Cleveland, Ohio (1910)
March 22, 2023
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In August of 1910, Brick was in Cleveland, Ohio. On one afternoon, two remarkable things occurred. Brick witnessed aviation pioneer Glen Curtiss take off on
Blossom Sends Her Photograph – Daggett, Michigan (1911)
March 22, 2023
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Blossom lived in Daggett, a village near the southeast border of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. (The village was named for Elmira Daggett, the first Postmistress!) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daggett,_Michigan
Ira Writes to His Sister – Hannibal, Missouri (1913)
March 20, 2023
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Miss Ethyl Cox lived in Golden, Illinois – a village near the Mississippi River, at the westernmost part of the State (where Illinois “bulges” into
Riding the Trolley to Whitefish Bay – Milwaukee, Wisconsin (1918)
March 20, 2023
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In an earlier postcard story, we saw a postcard photograph of the Whitefish Bay Resort on Lake Michigan. The resort was developed by the brewing
The Churches of Miss Emma Hankel – Galion, Ohio (1911)
March 18, 2023
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In 1911, Miss Emma Hankel lived in Galion, Ohio, a small city midway between Columbus (to the south) and Lake Erie (to the north) in
The Daniel Boone Homestead – Berks County, PA (circa 1920)
March 10, 2023
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Daniel Boone was born in 1733, one year after the birth of George Washington. (Often confused with Davy Crockett- who lived a more than generation
A Visit to New Kensington – West Reading, PA (circa 1920)
March 10, 2023
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Sometime around 1920, Harry and Sally were on a trip to western Pennsylvania. In June, they mailed a postcard to Miss Ella Blankenbiller in West
“Pearl is Very Weak” – Detroit, Michigan (1911)
March 9, 2023
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Mrs. J. C. Waldren lived in Hamilton, a village within a town, in central New York State. The village is the home of Colgate University,
Out on a Hike Today – Woburn, Massachusetts (1908)
March 9, 2023
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Miss Gertrude Sadler lived in Brunswick, the historic city on the Androscoggin River in southeast Maine. The small city was a flourishing center of the
Visiting the Beach in February – Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin (1902)
March 7, 2023
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Whitefish Bay was a German-American enclave near Milwaukee, in southeast Wisconsin. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whitefish_Bay,_Wisconsin In 1898, the brewing magnate, Frederick Pabst, developed a resort on the shore
“The Right to Bring You Lovely Things” – Windsor, PA (1915)
March 7, 2023
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Although the face of the postcard shows a scene of courtship, I believe that this postcard was exchanged between friends, perhaps schoolmates. The postcard is
Hospital Quarantine of 1918 – Hamburg Tuberculosis Sanitarium
March 4, 2023
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As frightening as our recent experience of a world-wide viral pandemic, the experience of all respiratory disease outbreaks in the years before antibiotics was equally
Minerva Sends A Photograph of College – East Petersburg, PA (1907)
March 3, 2023
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On August 8, 1907, Miss Magdalena Herr of East Petersburg received a postcard from her friend, Minerva, in Elizabethtown. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Petersburg,_Pennsylvania The face of the postcard
Scene of Village Life – Camden, Ohio (circa 1907)
March 2, 2023
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Camden is a village in southwest Ohio. The community was laid out in 1818 and had two other names before becoming “Camden” in 1835. In
The YMCA of Pasadena – Lamanda Park, California (1922)
March 1, 2023
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In February of 1922, Henry and Addie visited California. They stayed with Mr. Taylor, and Mr. Taylor’s son and his wife, at the Taylor home
“Say, Honeyface” – Sabula, PA (circa 1910)
February 25, 2023
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I picked up this postcard because I was unfamiliar with the casual greeting, “Honeyface”. This may have had a private meaning related to an unfortunate
Whitner’s Store – Reading, PA (circa 1911)
February 24, 2023
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There was a time when the booming city of Reading boasted several great department stores. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reading,_Pennsylvania In 1877, Calvin K. Whitner opened a dry goods
The Reading Museum – Reading, PA (circa 1948)
February 23, 2023
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In addition to climbing the Reading Pagoda, a visit to the Reading Museum was part of my elementary school education. Even as a child, I
The Cornerstone of the New Masonic Homes – Elizabethtown, PA (1911)
February 23, 2023
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The Free & Accepted Masons are an international fraternal and benevolent society. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freemasonry In 1910, the Pennsylvania chapters undertook to secure the welfare of members
Kay Attends The Anglican Church – St. George’s, Bermuda (1937)
February 13, 2023
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Kay was vacationing in Bermuda, a visit she had made at least once before. (I have another postcard mailed by Kay from Hamilton, Bermuda in
Fannie Receives a Postcard from Naples – Philadelphia, PA (1906)
February 13, 2023
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In the summer of 1906, Miss Fannie Clevenger was In Philadelphia. There, she received a postcard greeting from her friend, Ell, who had visited Pompeii
The Mounce Jones House – Berks County, PA (circa 1910)
February 9, 2023
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Until finding this postcard, I would not have been able to identify the oldest house in Berks County. Erected in 1716, the house was the