Social histories of the early twentieth century often discuss the earnestness and optimism of these years.

There seemed to be a quickening of desire and determination to improve society.

Rapid improvements in transportation, communication, and education along with a general sense of growing prosperity fueled Progressive movements in politics, public health and safety, and general welfare.

(Readers who looked at the examples of student programs at colleges – three have been shared in earlier stories – may have been struck by the topics related to self-improvement, high standards of conduct and achievement, and the commitment to a better society.)

This postcard motto was published by the Stationers Specialty Company of Buffalo, New York.

The design was copyrighted in 1909.

We cannot know who might have been inspired by this exhortation to achieve new goals every day; the postcard was not mailed.

Today, the same sense of optimism may seem harder to generate or sustain.

In fact, the optimism of the early 20th century was largely undone by the First World War.

The twenties were more fun, but the zeal for social improvements was not re-kindled until the dire experience of the Great Depression.