From: Sylvia To: Miss Ethel Maurey. (1906-1910)
Dear Ethel,
You would enjoy seeing this place it is beautiful.
Sylvia
For the very few of you who are avid followers of my blog, you’ll notice something right off the bat about this postcard. If you’ve recently started following me, fret not sweet friend because you’re about to learn something that *may* help you win a random trivia night.
For those of you who don’t already know, the unique thing about this postcard is that the text is written on the front. Therefore we know that this is part of the “Post Card Period”. Simply put, the period between 1901 and 1907 where it was prohibited to write anything other than an address on the back of the postcard.
Although the postmark date is unreadable, my estimate is that the postcard was written somewhere between 1905-1910. Yes, I’m dating it after the divided back period began, because as we’ve seen before, just because you could write on the back of postcards beginning in 1907, didn’t mean everyone did.
Despite the short message, it truly is a lovely postcard. That’s likely one of the reasons Ethel kept it, and why it’s survived for over a hundred years. The soft glow of the sunset (or sunrise) in the background mingles with the bright cheeriness of the flower arrangements. I love the thought of the postcard itself exchanging hands time and time again, all of us agreeing with the sentiment of the sender.
But who was Ethel Maurey? And who was Sylvia? Well, it turns out I found both of them!
Ethel was born in Sunbury, PA in May of 1892 to Henry and Emma Fritz Sanders Maurey. That would put her anywhere between 9 and 15 during 1901-1907. Based on her obituary, Ethel led a life of great service, raised two sons (though one predeceased her) and was married for 56 years to Jesse Lloyd. Obituaries are difficult, because there’s so much left unsaid. We can’t know the day to day of her life. But we do know she lived through two major wars, could cast her first vote at the age of 28 (!!) and witnessed the assassination of JFK, the Civil Rights Movement, and the first man walk on the moon. Interesting indeed.
And what of Sylvia? Well, if my gut is right, Sylvia is actually Sylvania Maurey, Ethel’s sister. Sylvania was born in 1880, which made her 12 when Ethel was born. Why was Sylvia in Maryland visiting Eutaw Park? I’m not sure. The area still exists as an architectural district that housed many important residents at the turn of the 20th century. Was Sylvia visiting a friend? A college? Was she simply on a trip? Unfortunately the postcard doesn’t tell us.
However, it stands as a testament to the bond of the two sisters. Despite their age gap, Sylvia took time out of her trip to send a quick, and stunning, postcard to Ethel. Because of her bond with Sylvia, Ethel kept the card likely until the day she died. It took another 50+ years to make it into my hands. Which, frankly I find miraculous and serendipitous. It’s as though Ethel and Sylvia wanted me to share their bond with you, my dear readers. So, as you go about your day, think of Ethel and Sylvia, and reach out to your sibling, or best friend, or parents. I think they’d be glad you did.
Back of Postcard with Ethel’s address
Hipstory 