Mrs. John Frampton lived on a rural route near Trappe, a town on the eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trappe,_Maryland
In December of 1911, Mrs. Frampton received a Christmas postcard from her daughter, Fannie.
Fannie mailed the postcard from Trappe, so we know that she lived near her mother.
The face of the postcard is a drawing of Santa standing by a decorated Christmas tree.
The tree already bears small parcels and packages, and Santa holds a small bugle to add to the tree.
We know from other literature of the early 20th century that it was common for presents to be affixed to the tree.
(In our more prosperous times, we pile packages beneath the decorated tree.)
Beside the Santa, in frosted letters, is a greeting – “Wishing You a Merry Christmas”.
The image was copyright in 1910, but I cannot decipher the holder of the copyright – who is, most likely, the publisher.
On the reverse, Fannie reports on a matter of grave concern.
“We heard from Willie this morning and he is getting along grand.”
Willie “had a good night last night and cheerful this morning.”
Although Willie is “not out of danger yet”, one senses the relief in Fannie’s message.
Aunt Ilena and Uncle Osler are “both cheerful and feeling better.”
It isn’t clear if the uncle and aunt had their own health issues or if they are feeling relief at the improvement in Willie.
Fannie closes by telling her mother, “Kiss Papa for me”.
After writing her name, Fannie made a sideways addition, “Willie’s case is very hopeful”.
One hopes that Willie and all the members of the family continued to improve in health, and that the Frampton family enjoyed a very joyous Christmas.
