Greetings from Bancroft, Michigan

Postmarked 31 August 1940
Bancroft, MI

A sweet message to a lucky recipient who got not just one but two postcards from Kate! I love this postcard because I love cows, and it looks like the little boy is so protective of the huge animal.

So Good the War Is Over

Postmarked 30 August 1945
Seaside Park, NJ

Message:

August 28, 1945 / Spending two nice weeks here. Wonderful swimming, fishing, and crabbing. Meat is so scarce so the fish helps out fine. Often think of you and wonder how and what you are doing!! It's so good the war is over. I believe our job is safe for a few months at least. Write sometimes. Love to all. / Winnie V.

Most postcard messages are fairly predictable - a delineation of sights seen, comments on the weather, reports of health. This message to me is poignant because it's one of the few I've seen that directly talks about the war.

Seaside Park, NJ

Endless Caverns

Uncirculated
Published by Marken & Bielfeld, ~late 1940s

Endless Caverns is a privately owned tourist attraction near New Market, Virginia. Having opened in the 1920s, the site features underground natural geological formations.

I got this postcard for one reason only, though, and it wasn't Endless Caverns - it was the cute dog sitting so knowingly and proudly in the drive.

Endless Caverns Information

Greetings from Washington

Postmarked 19 November 1947
Washington, DC

Message:

Guess you'll be back in school by now. How are the boats coming? Spent Monday nite in Bulto with Geo Meyer. Freddie Meyer says hello to you. Also went by to see the Owen Popes. C U soon I hope - weather has been nice. / Daddy

I chose this postcard for today not because it is another in the Turner family collection or because of the message but because it is from Washington, DC. Today in 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech at the Lincoln Memorial to over 200,000 supporters.

While I recognize that King had some personal shortcomings, I so admire his vision, passion, and charisma. His words remain inspiring today; sadly, we have still not achieved his dream. I do believe we are getting closer.

I Have a Dream Speech text

We're Transferred

Postmarked 25 August 1945
Oxnard, CA

Message:

Dear Mom, / Bill came home at 6:30 Thurs. and said we're transferred leave at 8 AM - so we packed that night. Live in Oxnard - a little ways from Port Hueneme where Dee shipped out from. / Love Eleanor and Bill

I am very curious if Eleanor, the writer of this postcard, was the wife of Wilson Greatbatch, the man who invented the pacemaker. Greatbatch did marry a woman named Eleanor in 1945, and he was in the Naval Reserves during WWII. After the war, they returned to New York, and Wilson enrolled at Cornell University (with assistance from the G.I. Bill - a program still important to service men and women today). While an assistant professor of electrical engineering at the University of Buffalo, he was trying to create a device to record heartbeats. As a result of a mistake he made, his prototype started emitting a regular pulse. He continued to research and has over 200 patents!

At the time this postcard was sent, the Hollywood Bowl had been operating for 23 years. It's one of the largest natural amphitheaters in the world, and currently can seat about 18,000 guests.

Greatbatch Biography

Hollywood Bowl History

Thanks to Beth at the Best Hearts are Crunchy for hosting Postcard Friendship Friday!

Cobb Hall | University of Chicago

Postmarked 13 May 1910
Chicago, IL

Since today is the first day of the Fall Semester, I thought it fitting to post this card from the University of Chicago. Most of my classes were held in Cobb Hall. I even remember going to a class in the building during my prospective students weekend. Despite (or because of) the amount of time I spent in Cobb Hall, I have not one picture of the building! When I returned in August 2009, construction fences prevented me from photographing it, but you can see a relatively current view of the building from a flickr user here.

It sounds like the sender of this postcard was not a student at the college, but a patient at the University of Chicago Hospital.

My Dearest Friend: - I have often thought of you while lying here and wanted to write sooner but wrote and asked Ameila for your no. first, never thought to ask Hilma Sandell. Thanks for writing her (I was here) as I have enjoyed two lovely visits with her, such a good girl, and I never thought to ask her for your address. Every body has been so good to me. Lots of people has been to see me or I have had many surprises but the greatest was when I read the piece in the paper. Miss Pahrson I don't know what to think or what to say. I can only send my heartiest thanks to you and to the society for your kindness. I think I shall have to be here this week yet, but I am feeling so good and hope to see you soon. Your sincerest friend, Hattie.

Electrical Wizardry at the Great Lakes Exposition

Postmarked 25 August 1937
Cleveland, OH

Message:

Dear Mrs. Page: / How are you? I am home from my sisters, had a lovely time and a real rest. / Sincerely, / Marie Veder

Look at these fabulous colors! They mesmerize me. The description of another postcard of the Expo describes them as one of many "glamorous scenes of electrical wizardry revealed to the thousands visiting the Great Lakes Exposition." According to the online Encyclopedia of Cleveland, the Great Lakes Exposition held two seasons from 1936-1937 to celebrate Cleveland's centennial. Along with the Hall of Progress, Marine Theater, Court of Presidents, and Automobile exhibit, the 135 acre attraction had a midway with rides and sideshows, a "Streets of the World" area with 200 vendors offering food and wares from around the world, an art gallery, and an arboretum. Now, only some gardens remain.

Your Time Is Soon Over

Postmarked 14 August 1906

Message:

Thanks for postals. Expected a letter but "got the lemon." Your time is soon over and mine soon here. No doubt you are having a ripping time. Go as far as you like. Can you swim? Didn't thou gaineth poundsky's? Will hear from me when at the Gap. Be good. Kid

Hollywood Boulevard

Postmarked 16 April 1948
Los Angeles, CA

Message:

Sure wish you could have been with us to-day. We took a trip to Catalina Island enjoyed it so much. - Ada

To me, this card has such a great perspective - not just aerial, but tilted with the red stucco tiles just peeking into the frame.

One for Your Collection

Postmarked 5 May 1949
New York, NY

One of many postcards I have that were sent in the 1940s to Milbrey and/or Dick Turner.

Message:

Here's one for your collection postmarked from Chinatown. -Lou

The message isn't as interesting as the view of New York's Chinatown - I always love seeing the bright colors and vivid signs. A history of Chinatown can be found on ny.com.

Don't You Love Him?

Postmarked 21 August 1913
Chestnut Hill, MA

Message:

Dear E - Don't you love him? Next winter you and I must go and call on him together at the museum. - Auntie

Don't you wonder if E and Auntie ever made it to the museum to see the white fox in person? The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston still owns this piece, but it is not on display. However, if you click on the link and search for "White Fox," you can see a reproduction of the piece in color.

Angry Bears

Uncirculated
Issued by Tichnor/The Union News Company

I've been in quite a bad mood recently, so I emphathize with the plight of these bears. Lucky for the current bear residents, since the Brookfield Zoo opened in 1934, the bears' habitat has been dramatically upgraded. The Great Bear Wilderness, the largest exhibit at zoo, hosts grizzly bears, polar bears, eagles, Mexican gray wolves, and bison. The two bears there now, Angoon Axhi and Kootznoowoo Jim, each weigh over 1,000 pounds!

I admit I have ambivalent feelings about zoos. On the one hand, I don't like that animals are kept in unnatural, captive environments. On the other, some zoos are responsible caretakers and contribute to animal conservation efforts, and the keepers at these zoos are passionate, loving stewards. Visit the Brookfield Zoo's Grizzly Bear page to learn more about the bears and how important they are - and what you can do to help.

Thanks to Beth at the Best Hearts are Crunchy for hosting Postcard Friendship Friday!

National Potato Day

Uncirculated
Issued by Ross Hall Scenics/Dexter Press c. 1960

Some online sources say that August 19 is National Potato Day. Who named today National Potato Day, I don't know, but what better day to feature this larger-than-life Idaho potato!

50 Years Ago: Rose Cottage, Greenfield Village

Postmarked 18 August 1960
Dearborn, MI

According to the Greenfield Village website:

Entering Greenfield Village is like stepping into an 80-acre time machine. It takes you back to the sights, sounds and sensations of America’s past. There are 83 authentic, historic structures, from Noah Webster’s home, where he wrote the first American dictionary, to Thomas Edison’s Menlo Park laboratory, to the courthouse where Abraham Lincoln practiced law. The buildings and the things to see are only the beginning. There’s the fun stuff, too. In Greenfield Village, you can ride in a genuine Model T or “pull” glass with world-class artisans; you can watch 1867 baseball or ride a train with a 19th-century steam engine. It’s a place where you can choose your lunch from an 1850s menu or spend a quiet moment pondering the home and workshop where the Wright brothers invented the airplane. Greenfield Village is a celebration of people — people whose unbridled optimism came to define modern-day America.

I wondered why an English cottage would be a part of an attraction highlighting America's past until I read that Henry Ford's wife loved gardens, especially cottage gardens. A blogger familiar with the park writes about the cottage's history here. This post explains that the 1620 structure was restored in England, disassembled, shipped, and then reassembled in Dearborn.

Close to the Road

Postmarked 17 August 1957
Springville, UT

Message:

Hi Tommie, / We saw some of these animals real close to the road. Some baby ones and big ones. We are having a wonderful time. / Love, Aunt Frances

My cousin and I had a close encounter with buffalo at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge back in the late 1990s. We went down to the refuge for a night wildlife tour, but spent some time hiking first. The buffalo were free range, and we got very close to them.



Unfortunately, I don't think they liked having their pictures taken. Shortly after we posed for these shots, one of the buffalo charged us, stopping just feet behind me. I could feel his breath on my back. Very scary! We escaped unscathed, though.

The Hammock Is Right There Too

Postmarked 1907

Message:

FRONT: It may look O.K. from here but the hammock is right there too. BACK: I hope you haven't been waiting over a week for an answer. Well if you have here it is. And just look at this on the other side. Eh! F.

I think sitting in a tree would be George's perfect date. Not because of the "Aimee and Georgie sitting in a tree" connotations but because he likes being outside in the middle of nowhere. The police officer throws a wrench in things, though.

How Are You Feeling These Days?

Postmarked 7 September 1909 (?)
Location Unknown

Message:

How are you feeling these day / U Lovelett

Short, sweet, and to the point! While the message isn't interesting (except I wonder if the signature is a pseudonym), I do love the botanical illustration on the front.

BOOK: A History of Postcards

I happened upon a copy of Martin Willoughby's A History of Postcards: A Pictorial Record from the Turn of the Century to the Present Day (1992) at a local antique mall, so, of course, I had to get it.

While I'm not sure I'd pay full price for the book, I am glad I found a bargain copy. There is more textual history here than in The Postcard Century by Tom Phillips, and it includes reproductions of some fun novelty cards as well as war time cards, including a coded message sent to the London War Office. Willoughby explains changes in postcard style and regulations over time, and concludes in the late 1980s with some music postcards.

The Chicago Stadium

Uncirculated
Issued by Curteich, 1941

Chicago Stadium History

Built in 1929, the Chicago Stadium, also known as the "Madhouse on Madison," hosted boxing matches, hockey (the Blackhawks), basketball (the Bulls), music, political conventions, and all other types of events.

The building was demolished in 1995, and now the site serves as a parking lot for the more modern United Center.


View Larger Map

Want My Mamma

I am not sure how to read this postmark. I also can't read French, so if you are fluent, maybe you can translate!

Poor little pug! At least he has a new friend.

Thanks to Beth at the Best Hearts are Crunchy for hosting Postcard Friendship Friday!

She always finds the best themes for her posts!

Blame Me

Poor Puppies! What is it with blaming the cute little doggies for the umbrellas' wet spots?



Postmarked 4 February 1911
Woolwick, ME

Message:

Woolwick, Me. Friday, a.m. / Your letter rec'd yesterday, hope you are over your cold by now. Can't you sent postals often until you are all right again. We are anxious to hear as ther is much sickness. Mr. and Mrs. -- Trott have gone to Boston for winter. I asked her to call on you, she can tell you all the news. C.M.R.

Postmarked 23 April 1912
Kansas City, MO

Message:

Dear Unkle(?); How are you your letter rec. will write soon. / Odes

South of the Border

Postmarked 18 December 1967
South of the Border, SC

Message:

We got hear [sic] at 12:00 on Dec 18. and the sun is shining. We all love it. I will write again. Love, Deb

I love tacky roadside attractions! Roadside America explains that this I-85 tourist trap was created when Alan Schafer, who opened a beer stand in 1950, received boxes labeled: "Schafer Project: South Of The [North Carolina] Border." For Schafer, the connection was clear, and now, neon Pedro welcomes visitors from all over the east.

 

South of the Border Website

Can I Play in Your Yard?

Postmarked 9 August 1909
Hedrick, IA

Message:

Aug 9, 1909 / here I am at Oth--, Aunt is sick. (Sarah) She is some better. / E.O. --

Another precious V. Colby animal card, with a funny double entendre.

It Would Be All Sunshine

Postmarked 23 April 1917
Buffalo, NY

Message:

Front - I am Inspector for the Govt. in the Aeroplane Business. O.E.B.

Back - Dear Cousins / How are you by this time? I am well But hardly thawed out yet - some cold up here this winter. did you Enjoy my visit? (Not Yet, Eh) well good things come slow you know. But sure would like to see you all. And when -- --- / Your loving cousin, O.E.B.

What An A$$ #1

Postmarked 18 May 1909
Wahoo, NE

Message:

I am going to come home Friday. Mr. Walton said that I could if I got my work so I shall be very busy from now on. Hope we can go to the play. How can we manage it? I am so anxious. I just got ready for the class play. I am afraid that it is going to rain. Coming soon?????? B.E.S.

I have a number of postcards from the first decade of the 1900s featuring donkeys. It's a little mystifying to me why their images were so popular. I don't have anything against donkeys, mind you! I just wish I understood the symbolism. On this card, the idea of of packing for a trip combined with a pack mule/donkey makes sense, but others don't have such a clear meaning. I'll share some more with you in future entries!

Don't you wonder what kind of work B.E.S. did? And what kind of plays she was involved in?

Fairmount Park | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Sunken Gardens and Lily Pond, Horticulture Hall



Postmarked 7 August 1957
Philadelphia, PA

Message:

Dear Pat: / How are you? I hope you are fine. / Having a wonderful trip. / We made the trip (629 miles). By way of the turnpike. / Boy is it ever hot here. Not like Michigan. / Love, Virginia Hakes / P.S. Will write again soon.

Finding information about Horticulture Hall was more difficult than I imagined. It seems that the original Hall burned down and was replaced by the Horticulture Center. I don't know if the Sunken Gardens and Lily Pond were affected by the fire or if they were simply replaced by other exhibits.


Fairmount Park, Philadelphia

As Soon As I Have Some Spare Time

Postmarked 2 December 1907
Southold, NY

Message:

I didn't have time to write yesterday as I went up to Frances but will write as soon as I have some spare time. Hope you arrived home safe after all. -- BE

I wish I knew more about this postcard. While the clogs are an undeniable clue, the back of the postcard proves that the image's origin is Dutch. Also on the back of the postcard, you have POSTCARD translated into almost twenty different languages!

As messages go, this one is fairly run of the mill, though I wonder what led the sender to hope Frank got home safe "after all" - after all what? These are the mysteries that make vintage postcards so fun!

Thanks to Beth at The Best Hearts Are Crunchy for hosting Postcard Friendship Friday!

Dancing Pigs

Postmarked 18 November 1905
---, MI

A little Animal Farm, hm? At the same time, I couldn't resist picking up this pig postcard for my collection!

It's No Wonder

Postmarked 3 August 1935
Atlantic City, NJ

Message:

You will see by this card how many people come and it's no wonder for is is so cool and air so -- ---- [refresing?]. Hope you are well. Cordially, "Cousin" Grace

Back in 1935, Atlantic City wasn't the gambling center it is today - but today, you can still get some of the famous taffy!

Visitor's Guide

Soldiers' Pranks

Postmarked 14 April 1909
Marathon, NY

Message:

Dear Cousins: We are quite well hope this will find you the same. We have bough us a farm this Spring but don't indend to move on it before Fall. Bert has hired a boy for six months to help him work both places. Hope you and Floyd and all of your "kids" can come to see us when we get moved into our new home. Will's folks have another boy born wk. ago this last Sun. They are getting along fine. Love from Bert and Bessie

There is still a National Guard training center in Sea Girt, New Jersey (more info here). However, neither the recipient nor the sender were from Sea Girt. Corland and Marthan are both in Central New York, about fifteen miles apart.


View Larger Map

Loon Lake

Postmarked 5 May 1908

Message:

This isn't as pretty as you but it is pretty. R.E.D.

In the early 1900s, was this the kind of message friends would send to each other? It's certainly a nice message, but I associate such language with romance directed toward women.

Silver Springs, Florida

Uncirculated
Issued by Curteich (1930s)

Silver Springs still offers tours in glass-bottom boats, but they've been upgraded since this postcard was printed! It doesn't look like guests can feed the fish and other water creatures anymore, which is probably a good thing.