A Marvelous Setting for Nature's Jewels

Postmarked 31 August 1942

Gallup, New Mexico

POSTCARD CAPTION:

AGATIZED LOGS, PETRIFIED FOREST, ARIZ. There are hundreds of acres of agataized pine and spruce trees which lie tumbled over the slopes in this vast basin--once the bed of an ancient sea. The surrounding mesas with their bands of different colors and their slopes seamed by the erosion of  countless ages make a marvelous setting for this collection of Nature's jewels.

MESSAGE:

Wilhelmina and I are enjoying a trip to Grand Canyon. It is nice to see her again. The scenery is very beautiful here. / Best wishes / Emma Benton 

Very few days pass without me missing Arizona. This is not one of the scenes I think of during those moments.

Not At All Religious

Postmarked 30 August 1937
Concord, New Hampshire

POSTCARD CAPTION:

State House at Night, Concord, N.H.

MESSAGE:

Dear Bill, / At least they have sent us to the New England states, and are we glad. It was so hot in New Jersey and New York that we weren't doing day work, so they decided that they might as well send us up here where we could still do no work but be comfortable doing it. It really is cool up here, and the people are quite friendly, but not at all religious. Last week we were in Maine, this week in New Hampshire, next in Vermont and the rest of the summer we'll be in Mass, but I hope to be home sometime by Sept. 3 or 4 so I can get rested up for school, etc. give my regards to your folks and the latest girlfriend, whoever she is! / Sincerely, Bob Clark 

Smart Shops, Exclusive Clubs, Magnificent Churches, and Awe-inspiring Skyscrapers

Uncirculated

Published by Acacia Card Company

POSTCARD CAPTION:

FIFTH AVENUE LOOKING TOWARD 42ND STREET / New York City / Fifth Avenue is one of the most famous of New York's thoroughfares--known throughout the world. It is bordered by smart shops, exclusive clubs, magnificent churches, and awe-inspiring skyscrapers.

This postcard combines some of my favorite elements: an urban scene with many vehicles and pedestrians, advertisements painted on buildings, and lots and lots of color. Amazingly, the postcard caption didn't mention the New York City Library or its famous lions which are visible in the scene.

Passed by U.S. Army Examiner

Postmarked 28 August 1943
U.S. Army Postal Service

Message:

P.F.C. Adolphus Ritchie 31115344
11th Evacuation Hospital
A.P.O. #668
c/o Postmaster New York, NY 

Aug. 25, 1943 

Dear Anna 

Just a few lines to say that I am in the best of health hope that you are still the same 

Adolphus

He Who Does Not Love His Dog, Does Not Love His Friends

Uncirculated

"The Oval Panel Series" G.D. & D.L.

POSTCARD CAPTION:

Grace and Remembrance to you -- Shakespeare 

It is but a saying old,
Still to truth it tends,
He who does not love his dog
Does not love his friends.
--Clifton Bingham

This is a very sad card, but it is also interesting to me. It's not too hard to find pet sympathy cards in card shops in the United States, but this is the first time I've ever seen a vintage postcard expressing sympathy on the loss of a dog. On a happier note, it's a beloved pug.

I picked this card because today is National Dog Day! This day celebrates our four-legged friends and tries to draw attention to the plight of homeless, neglected and abused animals. How many of these 50 Ways to Celebrate have you completed?

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

Who Cares What's Inside!

I got this envelope in the mail today, and, really, does it even matter what's inside? (What was inside was cool too.)

The Only Paved Street in Town

Postmarked 23 August 1948
U.S. Army Postal Service

POSTCARD CAPTION:

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA / Founded in 1914 principally for Alaskan railroad, this busy, modern city is the center of gold and coal mining, fishing, and canning industries.

MESSAGE:

Dear Zodie: / This a a picture of the main street of Anchorage. It is the only paved street in town. When you get here, Daddy will take you down down and buy you a new sled (as you will need one soon). / Love, Daddy

In the spring of 2010, my grandma, cousin, and I went to Anchorage. What wonderful memories we have from that trip!

Aerial View of Montgomery, West Virginia

Postmarked 21 August 1954
Meadville, PA

POSTCARD CAPTION:

FRONT: Aerial View of Montgomery, W.Va. on the Kanawha River, showing buildings of West Virginia Institute of Technology, C&O Railway and Route 60

 BACK: Montgomery, Fayette County, W, Va. is the home of W. Va. Tech

MESSAGE:

Hi Lois and Martha / Saw this. / Had a wonderful time / Love, Elaine

I wonder what part of the postcard Elaine meant by "this." While the West Virginia Institute of Technology has a long history, its addition to the WV University system is new:

WVU Tech has had a long and rich tradition in the Kanawha Valley and has been here longer than the State Capitol. WVU Tech was founded at the sub-college level as Montgomery Preparatory School of WVU in 1895. In 1917, WVU Tech was separated from WVU and renamed the West Virginia Trade School. Next, in 1921, WVU Tech reached the junior college level as the New River Trade School. Tech became a four-year college as New River State College in 1931 and was renamed the West Virginia Institute of Technology in 1941.

In 1996 the college became the largest regional campus of West Virginia University and is separately accredited from the main campus. On July 1, 2007, WVU Tech became a full division of WVU. While several departments on campus report directly to WVU, oversight of all academic areas remains on Tech’s main campus. (City of Montgomery website)

According to the city's website, Montgomery has a population of approximately 2,000. It's unique in that the town's boundary crosses two counties. It looks like a lovely town.

Vancouver Is a Great Port... One of the Finest in the World

Postmarked 20 August 1943

New Westminster, B.C.

POSTCARD CAPTION:

FRONT: Top - Vancouver Harbor From Stanley Park/ Bottom - View of Vancouver, C.C., Waterfront Skyline

BACK: Vancouver is a great port. Annually about 16000 shops arrive and depart and 55 deep sea lines call here. -- elevator capacity of 18 million bushels. In 1917 only 240 deep sea vessels called here. / The port of Vancouver has 98 miles of land-locked shore line, one of the finest in the world. The building of two trans-continental railways and of the Panama Canal combined to make it a world port.

MESSAGE:

My holiday will soon be over but have had a nice quite time. I am feeling lots better. /  Regards to all / Molly 

Do You Recognize This Card?

Postmarked ? August 1950

Toledo, Ohio

POSTCARD CAPTION:

FRONT: Solders' and Sailors' Monument, Public Square. Cleveland, Ohio 

BACK: The Public Square is located in the center of the business district. It contains the Soldiers and Sailors' Monument. It is the starting point of all transportation for Northern Ohio. / A splendid fountain, surrounded by walks and beautiful flower beds, occupies the center of each section.

MESSAGE:

Toldeo; O. [or 9?] Aug 19-50 / Dear, Phyllis and Anna. Why don't I hear from you any more. I have been in Columbus O. visiting for two weeks. Wish I would here from you. Do you recognize this card. "Grace."

The Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument is a Civil War Memorial dedicated on July 4, 1894. According to the Encyclopedia of Cleveland History, architect Levi Scofield donated his services in designing the 125 foot structure. Sadly, earlier this year, researchers discovered that the names of 140 Black soldiers from the local area who fought for the Union were omitted from the memorial. While the names of those veterans have not yet been added, an event to honor members of the U.S. 5th Colored Troop was held this spring. County commissioners responsible for the memorial have pledged to rectify the omissions. (Article)

The monument today:

View Larger Map

Save the Rainforest

I'm Depressed School Begins in Just Three Short Weeks

Postmarked August 17, 1949
Wright Field, Ohio

Postcard Caption:

Residential Section, Patterson Field, Dayton, Ohio - 84-D-9

Message:

Dear Mibs: / I'm depressed shc school begins in just 3 short weeks. Write and cheer me up / Love ? ! / Sally

The Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, one of the five largest employers in the state, is near Dayton, Ohio. These are nice houses on the card; I wonder if they are still there. It's possible these houses have been renovated; the base website describes housing as follows:

With 789 newly constructed units completed at Wright- Patterson, this will bring the number of base housing units to 2,012.A majority of the 1,186 units are located in the The Prairies at Wright Field, adjacent southeast of Area B. Of these, 382 units will be assigned to officers and 804 units to enlisted personnel. The Woods at Wright Field, east of Area B, will provide 350 newly renovated, privatized units of both single and duplex quarters, of which 192 are assigned to officers and 158 to enlisted personnel, retirees (military and civilian), DoD civilians, contractors and the general public. Also in Area A are 102 brick quarters for senior and general officers. Of these, there are 37 three-bedroom single cottages, 10 four-bedroom single quarters located on Yount Drive and 34 duplex quarters for senior officers. Nine single-family dwellings and 12 duplex quarters for general officers are also in this area.

I don't think this is the most interesting postcard, but the sentiment - being depressed about a new school year starting - rings true!

Sometime I'll Really Write

Postmarked 16 August 1940
?, Wisconsin

POSTCARD CAPTION:

Main Post Office Bldg, on E. Wisconsin Ave., total floor space 323,128 sq. ft, houses 38 departments, among which are the Federal Court, the U.S. Weather Bureau, Internal Revenue Department, the U.S. Engineers, and nearly one thousand employees. Solomon Juneau was the first Postmaster of Milwaukee, 1835 - 1847.

Message:

Dear Elma and all / Have been here for 3 weeks now. Henry is expected to-morrow night. / Hope you are all well. so pleased to have Harlan's picture. / Sometime I'll really write but the way I've been it has been better not to. You know how it is! I do hope you're feeling better. / Somehow the time just flies here. Am interested to know Harlan's plans. / Do just drop me a card - / Love "K"

GSA Entry

Boat Comes in Ten Minutes

Postmarked 15 August 1938
Cleveland, Ohio

POSTCARD CAPTION:

This ship is one of the Great Lakes Steamships and alternating with the S.S. "City of Buffalo" makes regular overnight passenger trips between Cleveland and Buffalo-Niagara Falls.

MESSAGE:

Boat comes in 10 min. I'm petrified. 2 nice girls have stateroom next to ours. Wonderful time so far. I'm --- / Jean

The S.S. "City of Erie" was built in 1828 and made its maiden voyage later that year. In 1938, it was taken out of service and then the boat was scrapped in 1941.

Cathedral of Learning

Postmarked 13 August 1941
Gibson-, Pennsylvania

POSTCARD CAPTION:

FRONT: Schenley Farm District showing Carnegie Tech, University of Pittsburgh, and Cathedral of Learning, Pittsburg, PA.
BACK: Schenley Farm, District where Pittsburgh's billion dollar civic center is located

MESSAGE:

Having a nice trip so far. / Helen Seneska

According to the University of Pittsburgh website, the Cathedral of Learning is the second tallest educational building in the world and has 2,529 windows.

No Rest for the Wicked

Postmarked 12 August 195-
Billings, Montana

POSTCARD CAPTION:

In this picture are show five switchbacks, five levels taking the motorist from an elevation of 7,000 to 10,000 feet in ten miles and nothing over a 6% grade, a high gear road with room enough on the curves or switchbacks to pack a hundred or more cars. Pronounced by experts as the most wonderful feat of road engineering and construction in America.

MESSAGE:

Dear Carl, / Well, we're only 250 miles from our destination now. I'm rather tired from driving all night but "I guess there's no rest for the wicked." Hope everything fine in Pa. Sure beautiful here. / Best wishes, / "Bill"

Beartooth Highway Website

You'd Feel at Home

Postmarked 11 August 1953
Boone, North Carolina

POSTCARD CAPTION:

Ravine Bridge on Boone Trail between Boone and North Wilkesboro, N.C.

MESSAGE:

Dear Caroline, / The country is beautiful and it's delightfully cool, to. The workshop is wonderful and you are really missing a lot. 75% of the students are class room teachers so you'd feel at home. I'm getting material for you. / I'm having a wonderful time. Will be home about Tues. Aug. 18th. / Love, Esther S.

Strenuous Two Weeks of Study

Postmarked 10 August 1941
Chicago, Illinois

MESSAGE:

Sun. Aug 10, '41 / They are putting us thro a strenuous two weeks of study. A wonderful concert every day. Last -- we went to W.G.N. broadcast station. Tonight Podolsky has invited his piano pupils out to his home. Am at the -- Dearborn Hotel. --- up today. So much to crowd in 2 weeks. Hope you are having a nice time. Love to all / Anna May / Thanks for helping me.

It seems Sherwood Music School is now part of Columbia College in Chicago. I sympathize with the sender; I lived in Chicago five years, and there wasn't enough time.

Won't Be Long 'Til You're Up

Postmarked 9 August 1943
New Westminster, British Columbia

Message:

Dear Chrissie: / Well how are you. I'm in Canada with Mom and Dad. Having a grand time. won't be long 'till your up. see you soon. / Love, Dad, Mom, Shirley

My First Card to You

Postmarked 8 August 1950
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

POSTCARD CAPTION:

The magnificent building of classic Greek architecture, with touches of Italian Renaissance, costing $11,000,000, overlooks the new Safety Building, Vocational School, Auditorium, and U.W. Extension Building.

Message:

Here's my first card to you - Hope you do not have one like it. Glad to have met you - God bless you and yours.

Sunday Stamps: Pioneers of Industrial Design

Since I am fascinated by industrial design, I was thrilled when the USPS released the "Pioneers of Industrial Design" stamps.

Visit Viridian's Postcard Blog for more Sunday Stamps!

I May Get to See Your City Some Day

Postmarked 4 August 1944
Boston, Massachusetts

Postcard Caption:

STATE HOUSE Located on Beacon Street at the head of Park Street. The hill on which the State House stands was originally called Treamount, later this was changed to Sentry Hill when it was used as a look-out, and after the erection of the Beacon in 1634-1635, it received the name Beacon Hill. The cornerstone of the "Bulfinch" front was laid on July 4, 1795 and the extension was built in 1889 at the cost of four million dollars.

Message:

---Billy: I may go to Laredo, Texas this fall. That's only the width of Texas from "Clovis" N.Mex. I may get to see your city some day! -- it's about the same size as Boston? Just teasing - Best love, --

The State House today:

He Sure Looks Swell

Postmarked 3 August 1953
Washington, DC

POSTCARD CAPTION:

Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument from the Air, Washington, D.C.

Message:

Dear Mom and Dad, / We are at the station getting ready to go home. Saw Carl yesterday and today. He sure looks well now and seems so much better since the last [time I] saw him in May. Write soon / Love / Bill and Clara

In Case Any One Wants to Know

Postmarked 2 August 1944
Quebec, Canada

Message:

Dearest Mother: / Arrived O.K. Had a very nice trip. Fred is working so I went out around town this morning. Am going to have my hair done this afternoon. In case any one wants to know am visiting a sister. See you soon. Rufus

What an intriguing message! I wish I knew why the trip was so clandestine.

Ford Rouge Factory | Dearborn, Michigan

Over the weekend, George and I visited Detroit and while there, we took a tour of Ford's Rouge Factory. Very, very interesting. I also noticed that many of the information displays incorporated vintage postcards!