Category: Teaching

Categories
Climate Education Flash Fiction History Photographs Poems Poetry Postcards Teaching Vintage writing Writing Prompt

Mysteries from the Boardwalk: A 1915 Postcard from Atlantic City

To: Miss Annie Earl. From: AS(?) 1915

I wish I could send you more than a (unreadable)

In 1915, Woodrow Wilson was president, the United States began it’s occupation of Haiti, the Lusitania was sunk by a German U-Boat, and the United States recognized the new Mexican Government as a de-facto government.

This is one of the few cards I have that’s from a true resort town, and I love the vibes of it all. By 1915, Atlantic City was already a destination city, bringing in over 500,000 people by rail every year. At this time, the boardwalk was over 7 miles long, and an array of large hotels sprawled along the ocean, some capable of holding up to 2,000 guests. I have to assume that the sender of this card was in Atlantic City on vacation, though, of course, they could have been a seasonal worker.

As beautiful as the card is, it’s a tad frustrating because there’s simply not much information. The last word is illegible (for me), and even the sender’s signature is nothing more than scrawled initials. I do have the name “Annie Earl”, but even that led to a dead end. There were many, many, Ann’s, Anna’s, and Annie’s that fit the time frame — and while I have a suspicion of which one or two might be correct, I don’t feel confident enough to write about them. So, I’ll leave you with some theories.

My first guess is that this is one of two types of card. Either, from one sibling to another, or from one friend to another (with a possible romantic entanglement since that’s how I role). My gut feeling tells me this is probably an older sibling writing to a younger one. Maybe they were working in Atlantic City but couldn’t send money, or maybe they simply didn’t have enough time to send a full letter.

My less prominent theory — but perhaps more fun one — is that this is a beau writing to his girl. Maybe he was down on his luck and had gone to Atlantic City to earn some dough and that didn’t go through. Maybe he wanted to get enough money to marry. I genuinely don’t think this is the case, but since I’m left with little information, it’s fun to think about the possibilities.

Either way, it’s a beautiful card with elegant and sweeping handwriting. It feels like there’s a cool breeze drifting in from the ocean, and I envision the sender quickly writing out the letter on the boardwalk, squinting their eyes against the sun. What a lovely memorial to a July day.

“Scene at the Inlet”

Categories
family History parenting Poems Postcards Teaching Vintage writing Writing Prompt

A 1907 Postcard and the Short Life of Tillie Seedorf

To: Miss Tillie Seedorf. From: Stella Ford. 1907

Dear Friend.

I received your postal O.K. It was very pretty.

Yours truly,

Stella Ford

As you know, 1907 and 1908 are some of my favorite years to collect postcards. I’m particularly drawn to period in history that are transition years — where rules are not yet fully written on how to deal with a changing landscape. It’s small, but the switch from un-divided back postcards to divided-back postcards feels like a space where rules aren’t quite clear yet. This particular card notes that if it’s to be sent abroad, it can only be used as the address to the sender. Even though a place like England got rid of the divided back earlier than the United States.

The theme for this week seems to be “young friends,” which I’m perfectly content with. I think so many of us forget that young children and teens have ALWAYS been young children and teens throughout history. Their brains developed roughly the same as ours (not accounting for environment). They struggled with adults and loved their friends, even when those friends were far away.

In something that’s close to a miracle, I’m pretty sure I found both girls, though I’m a little dicey on Tillie. I don’t have a lot of information for either of them, though. It’s one of those situations where the trail runs cold because I won’t pay my way past an information wall. But, allow me to introduce them to you.

Stella Ford was born on June 10, 1892, the third child of four children born to Benjamin Ford and Hulda Wells. When she sent her postcard, she would have been 15 years old. In 1916, she married Charles Kinney. I don’t have record of children between the two, so I’m unsure if the record is true, or if the children simply aren’t attached.

Tillie was a bit of a more difficult find. There were Seedorf’s living in Kanakee in 1907 and beyond, and I had to do some family tree digging. However, I finally found (what I think is) a match.

Mathilda S. Seedorf was born on March 25, 1885 to Friedrich Seedorf and Mary Mueller. She was the third child, but first daughter to the couple, and one of 8 children. She doesn’t appear to have married, and died relatively young: October of 1931 at the age of 46.

What’s interesting about her record, is that there’s a probate document attached. When her father died in 1920, she received an $8000 inheritance. The inheritance is one of those cold, black and white facts that carries a lot of weight. I can’t possibly know exactly what was going through her mind, but we can know that there was grief, possibly loneliness, and maybe even anger.

What is clear, however, is that Stella Ford and Tillie Seedorf cared for each other. This card is beautiful, with colors that are vibrant and descriptive over a hundred years later. I hope Tillie and Stella maintained a friendship for the rest of their lives.

“Strengthening rows prone from the mountain run. The flocks–their fleeces glistening in the sun.”

Categories
Education family History parenting Photographs Poems Postcards Teaching Vintage writing

Unraveling a 1910 Mystery: Who Were Eddie R. and Anna Mathes? A Postcard’s Clues to Friendship, Family, or Courtship…

To: Anna Mathes. From Eddie R. 1910

Hello Annie.

How are they coming. Fine I suppose. We are all very good down here. We are making the mission now and have to be good. I suppose you are having a fine time up there.

Eddie R.

In 1910, William Howard Taft was president, Joyce Hall founded Hallmark Cards, the first unofficial Father’s Day was observed, and although aviation is getting off the ground (see what I did there?), the first American pilot dies in a crash in front of 5,000 spectators. America had lived in the 20th century for a decade, and it was already looking to be a doozy.

The more I read this card, the more questions I seem to have. Eddie and Annie seem to be young…perhaps what we would deem upper elementary or middle school age (between 10-14). But, based on the context of the card, I can’t tell if the two are related, friends, or if this was some sort of project or pen-pal scheme.

Both Annie and Eddie were a little difficult to track down in the records. Anna because I’m not sure if her name is spelled incorrectly on the card. It could be Mathes, but it could also actually be Mathis. Especially if Eddie wasn’t sure. But, I only found one Anna Mathis born in Chaska — so I’m thinking I found a match.

Anna Mathis was born in June of 1893 to a German father and Dutch mother. She was the oldest of two children and lived in Chaska (a suburb of Minnesota) for at least 20 years. This puts her at about 17 when she received this card. Older than I would have guessed, but still a teen.

However, 1910 is when the record runs out, though her father died in 1917 and her mother remarried in 1919. I went through Anna’s cousins on her mother’s side, and didn’t see an Ed, Edward, or Eddie. There’s no family information listed on her father’s side, which means if Eddie was a cousin from her dad’s family…I wouldn’t know. However, Anna’s dad immigrated from Germany in his 30’s, so unless he came over with a brother or sister, it’s unlikely Eddie is from that side of the family.

Our trail runs out there, I’m afraid. My guess is that Eddie is still younger than Anna, and was probably prompted by a parent to write. It’s possible he was older and that there was a small courtship going on, but this feels more familial than anything. What do you think?

“Bird’s Eye View of Minneapolis, West of Fourth Street”

Categories
Education family History Photographs Poems Postcards Teaching Vintage Work In Progress writing

“Did You Get a Man Yet?”: A 1915 Tease and the Mystery of Single Susie

To: Miss Susie Miller. From: Bill. 1915

Well did you get a man yet, if not if I would know I would bring up a duch-man(sic). Love and kisses.

From,

Bill

In 1915, Woodrow Wilson was president, “Typhoid Mary” infected 25 people and was put in quarantine for life, Babe Ruth hit his first career home run, the film Birth of a Nation was released — a precursor to the second iteration of the Ku Klux Klan (also established in 1915), and the R.M.S Lusitania was sunk on it’s way to Britain by a German U-Boat.

And apparently, Bill was trying to hook Susie up with a “duch-man”.

I first have to say, I really love this card. Like, more than love…I adore this card. It’s playful, flippant, goading — everything I need for a little drama in my life. Written in pencil that’s faded only slightly over the 100 years it’s been in circulation, this card feels familial. Like something a brother might write to a sister. So, when I began to research the card, that’s where I started.

I’ll be honest, there were so many Susie and Susan Miller’s of various ages in 1915, that I can’t be sure I found the right one. I will say, I only found one with a brother named “William”, which can be shortened to “Bill.” Is this confirmation bias? Probably, since that’s what I was looking for. However, the card tells me that this is one of two situations:

First, a family member (brother) is teasing Susie. Second, Bill is actually sweet on Susie and is also teasing her (lol I found someone else for you lol). I lean toward the first scenario, so I’ll describe the people I found. You can make your best guess as well.

Susan G. Miller was born in Pennsylvania on May 26, 1895. She had two other siblings: Edward W Miller (1890) and William B. Miller (1892). It seems Edward died young, in 1918. Based on the date and his grave, I think he was probably killed in World War I, though whether he died from gas, bullets, or Spanish Flu is unclear.

The two remaining children, William and Susan, lived with their mother Maude until at least 1940. That’s where the records for both William and Susan end. I’m unsure when William died, but Susan lived until April of 1986, and passed away at the age of 91. I can’t find a grave for her, nor could I find additional information about her past 1940.

For some reason, it always makes me a little sad when I find a person who seems to have lived a life alone with no spouse and no children. It makes me wonder why. I understand that now, in 2024, it’s often a choice to remain unattached. For man (especially women) this is a form of freedom we’ve never been historically afforded.

But typically, a 20 year old girl in the early 1900’s would have been expected to marry. Though, Susan did live out her formative years under the shadow of World War I, the riotous 1920’s, and the crushing 1930’s. It’s possible that social change combined with the economic struggle of the Great Depression prevented her from finding “the one.”

It’s also possible that she wanted to remain with her mother and brother (perhaps one or both were ill?), or she simply wanted to make her own path. For a woman in the 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s, this would have been difficult — but not impossible. Susan lived through a vast expansion of rights for Americans. She may have seized her opportunity and marched to the beat of her own drum.

And that, my friends, is true freedom.

Until next time!

Mineral Spring Park, Reading, PA

Categories
Education family History Photographs Postcards Teaching Vintage Writing Prompt

Vacation Vibes and Weigh-Ins: A 1946 Postcard with Hidden Stories

To: Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Else From: Alas(?) 1946

Hi!!

Came up here Sun. for our second week. Herb stepped on the scales last nite — but not me! I can walk right past them. Temp. was 101 yesterday 0n the mainland but in our “no.12” it wasn’t so bad. Is Waterloo still only nine miles from Lake?

Alas(?)

In 1946, Harry S. Truman was president, the Philippines is granted independence by the United States (lest we forget that we for sure held territories and still do), the first underwater test on a nuclear bomb is conducted at Bikini Atoll, Dr. Spock released The Common Sense Book of Baby and Childcare, and It’s a Wonderful Life is released in theaters. Civil and social strife are still rampant, with a variety of lynchings that take place in the south, but the government is (slowly) moving toward civil rights laws.

In 1946, World War II was over, and the age of the United States had begun. The US had escaped from the war almost unscathed, and although this was a time of prosperity (for some), values began to move further and further right as the US struggled against Russia. Although it would be another 8 years before “under God” was added to the Pledge of Allegiance (1954), the US still felt the need to “prove” our superiority. This began the age of the baby boom.

When researching this postcard, the first thing that struck me was Alas’ mention of “Herb stepped on the scales.” I don’t know enough about vacationing in the 40’s to know if that was something that people regularly did (weigh themselves on vacation…) or if the “stepped on the scales” phrase means something different than what my modern mind understands. But, I did find a pamphlet for the lodge for sale on Ebay, and it looks nice! Horseback riding, tennis, shuffleboard, golf nearby, a pool and a lake. There’s also winter sports apparently. So, it seems that perhaps if you’re being active you might want to see if you’ve lost weight. But not Alas. I love a queen who knows how to protect her peace.

As for Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Else, I believe I found them. Though, I do think this postcard was written from a woman to a woman, so let’s begin by uncovering Mrs. Melvin Else. Mable Setz was born in 1907 in Waterloo, Wisconsin and lived nearly a full century, passing away on March 29, 2004. She and Melvin married August 28, 1936 when they were both 29 years old. Melvin died relatively early, in 1984 at the age of 76. Mable, however, kept on, living her whole life in Waterloo. No children are listed on the family search, so I’m unclear if they did have children, or if the children just aren’t listed.

What was their tie to Alas and Herb? I had hoped that either Melvin or Mable had a brother or sister that would help me find the other couple, but neither had siblings that even remotely matched with the names. I’m thinking perhaps cousins, or even old friends from Melvin’s military days (he served in WWII)? It would explain the question of “Is Waterloo still only 9 miles away from Lakes” Which…is a strange question since I can’t imagine a lake or a city are going to move.

Either way, the connection was strong enough that Mable and/or Melvin kept the postcard. Now, I have the pleasure of recounting Alas and Herb’s adventure to you, my dear readers. May we all have the strength of Alas to “walk by” those proverbial scales.

Deer Trail Lodge, Lake Nokomis, Heafford JCT., Wisconsin

Categories
Education History Photographs Poems Poetry Postcards Teaching World War II Writing Prompt

No Rest for the Wicked: The Life of a Teacher in 1945

To: Mrs. J. Clarkson, From: Ruth. 1945

Monday Evening

10:30 PM

Sept. 3, 1945

Dearest Mother,

Haven’t seen this yet, but there’s a view for you. (unclear) badly put in our first work day and it wasn’t too bad. Spent the morning registering and signing forms. Had a picnic lunch out on the lawn and back to lectures and instructions until 5 p.m. Came back to hotel, changed, and (unclear) to a place called “Treasure Island” for dinner. Did some window shopping on the way back and here I am. Have to be Johnny-on-the-spot tomorrow at 9 a.m. Howe’s everything?

All my love,

your, Ruth.

September 3, 1945 was “Victory over Japan” day, or V-J Day, as that’s when Japan officially signed documents of surrender. Though, you wouldn’t know it from this particular postcard. In fact, there’s no mention of the war at all, not even a passing relief that it was finally over. As a historian, I find this fascinating.

In 1945, citizens of the United States had borne witness to the horrors that came out of the end of World War II. Liberated concentration camps, sunken faces of POW’s, and Nuclear Bombs pervaded newspapers for months. It’s no wonder, then, that Ruth simply tried to lead a normal life. As we know so well, when everything around you feels like it’s tumbling down, you cling to what you can control. Perhaps that’s what Ruth was doing, leaning into the mundane because she could control it.

When I started out, I wasn’t sure I would find Ruth or her family. I did have her first and last name, but I didn’t have the name of her mother, or father. However, after digging a bit on the internet, I found that in 1938, Ruth was teaching high school. The entry is as follows:

Miss Ruth Barbara CLARKSON
Who has taught at the Lincoln School for several years and is completing her first year at Manistee High School, received her A.B. degree from the University of Michigan. She teaches civics (12), economics (12), sociology (12), and English (11). Miss CLARKSON was born in Highland Park, Illinois, and is a graduate of Manistee High School. She assisted the Junior Class sponsor with the J-Hop.
(“Most Popular” female faculty member)

Since Manistee is a relatively small town, and since the time-frame sits right, I figured I had our Ruth. More digging, and I confirmed that Miss Ruth Barbara Clarkson, the most popular female faculty member at Manistee High School in 1938 is very likely our Ruth. I managed to find her grave, which lists her father as Joseph W. Clarkson. Hence, “Mrs. J. Clarkson.”

Ruth was born on October 9, 1910 to Joseph and Bessie Clarkson. Because of that wonderful yearbook blurb, we know that she earned a degree at the University of Michigan, and taught high school for several years. She died on April 13, 1963 at only 52. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to find an obituary.

Why was she in Washington D.C? The tone of the card indicates she was doing some sort of work, and that she planned on going to Mount Vernon. And, I have to wonder, did she take students on a trip out there? Was it some sort of Civics convention? I myself will be taking the 8th graders I teach to Washington D.C. this Spring. It’s possible that she was on some sort of school trip. Perhaps that’s why she went through a list of everything they did. And maybe that’s why she had to be “Johnny-on-the-spot” in the morning. She had a bunch of students to wrangle!

It’s only conjecture, of course. The postcard gives us a lot of detail, but very little actual knowledge. What is apparent, however, is that she must have been close to her mother.

I do love this postcard. I hope Ruth had a wonderful time, and I hope she spent more lovely days in Washington D.C. seeing the sights, and taking picnics on the last days of summer.

“Washington’s Home” Mount Vernon, VA.

Categories
Education History parenting Photographs Postcards Teaching Vintage Writing Prompt

“Take Care of Puff and Fluff”: Exploring 1957 Through a Family Postcard.

To: Master David Thomas. From: “Mom” 1957

Tues Eve.

Dear David,

How are you today. The water looked like this, so John hasn’t been swimming yet. We had dinner with Stella yesterday and we drove around. We crossed on the ferry boat today. I should get your Canadian dollar tomorrow.

Love, Mom

Take good care of Puff and Fluff

In 1957, Dwight D. Eisenhower was president (with Nixon has his VP), and despite the attempt at gilded edges, the nation was entering a massive era of change. Elvis Presley moved his family into Graceland, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella was shown on television, and West Side Story opened on Broadway. The Little Rock Nine were enrolled in Little Rock Central High School, and eventually the National Guard had to be sent in to allow the students to enter. The 50’s were in full swing, an era of prosperity for some and civil action for others.

For those of you who read my blog daily, you may notice that the front of this postcard is the exact same as the front of my postcard from yesterday. The difference between the two, however, is 30 years. While yesterday’s postcard was written by a young man to his friend, this postcard is much more maternal. Signed only “mom” and filled with family news about the vacation. My favorite part about this particular message is the name of the pets, who I’m guessing are cats? Puff and Fluff are the most adorable names for animal friends. I also love that mom referred to her son as “Master David Thomas” as though he’s lord of the house while they are away. It’s very sweet.

Ironically, I struggled to find “Master David” in the archives. I suspect this is because he’s still alive. I could find record of a David M. Thomas still living in Wheeler, Michigan. This David was born around 1948, which would have put him at 9 years old at the time of the postcard. This feels fitting. It’s possible he stayed home with a grandparent while the parents and older children (or aunts and uncles?) went to Lake Michigan. It’s also possible the parents were doing a college tour with the elder son (John, perhaps?). Anyway, if a person is still alive, they don’t really exist much in the archive except through census records.

If I knew who “mom” was, I’d probably be able to find the family. But, alas, that’s the way it goes sometimes.

Nonetheless, I do hope that puff and fluff were well taken care of, and given lots of extra treats by the man of the house, Master David Thomas.

As an aside, I also tried to research the postcard itself, and it turns out that they were fairly popular! Which, considering I have two of the exact same image 30 years apart, isn’t too surprising. But, I do wonder who sold them. Was the postcard picked up at a local shop? Was this image so popular it was constantly in print? For anything to survive multiple editions over 30 years is quite the feat. If only my endeavors could be so prolific!

“A Rough Day on Lake Michigan” Photo Postcard

Categories
Education family History parenting Poems Postcards Teaching Vintage Writing Prompt

The Mystery of Mabel Setz: A Glimpse into the Roaring Twenties

To: Miss Mabel Setz From: Ernest 1928

Dear Mabel,

I haven’t seen the kettle on the picture but expect it is supposed to be scenic.

Don’t play too much tennis and give my love to “Bertha”. We’re having a lot of fun.

Ernest

In 1928, Calvin Coolidge was president, alcohol was illegal, and no one knew it quite yet, but the “Roaring Twenties” was coming to a close. Amelia Earhart was still alive, and Mickey Mouse made his debut. The age of entertainment brought to us by screens was beginning. It’s shocking how far it’s come since then.

Perhaps it’s because this postcard comes from 1928, perhaps it’s the joke about tennis and “Bertha,” perhaps it’s simply that there is a full picture postcard of the “Kettle” which appears to be a cauldron decorated by forest loving witches (or if you’re an ACOTAR girlie, by Elaine). BUT, this whole postcard feels like it could be straight out of the Great Gatsby. All that’s missing is a pier with a green light, fancy parties, and the most beautiful shirts you’ve ever seen.

East Ellsworth is a small town located in Pierce County, Wisconsin. Apparently, the train companies couldn’t build in Ellsworth proper, so they set up a depot about one mile away. This became “East Ellsworth.” At least, according to the internet. As far as I can tell, “the old kettle” doesn’t exist any longer, though it certainly looks like it used to sit on a quaint camp/hiking area. Maybe Ernest was there on a camping getaway with family, or maybe hanging with friends? Hard to know, but we know he thought of Mabel.

Mabel Setz was born on January 21, 1907 to Robert Setz and Eda Langlot Setz. At the time of this postcard, she would have been 21, and by the census of 1930, she was working as a book keeper at a local company. I wonder whether she worked by choice or by circumstance, since the stock market tanked in 1929. However, her parents were mid-sixties. Since she was the youngest, and still living with her parents, it makes sense that she might have worked to help with expenses. Mabel married Melvin Henry Else in August of 1936, and passed away in March of 2004 at the dignified age of 97.

As for Ernest, unfortunately I couldn’t find him. Without a last name, it’s fairly difficult unless he happened to be attached to the family in some way. He was neither brother, cousin, or husband. So whatever Ernest’s relationship to Mabel may have been must remain a mystery to us. I won’t lie, whenever I’m researching postcards between young people, I always hope to find out that they ended up married. I suppose it’s the hopeless romantic in me.

Maybe Mabel and Ernest suffered the same romantic fate as Gatsby and Daisy (though hopefully without the murder…), maybe they loved each other, but could never quite find their way to be together. Maybe, they simply remained friends. Whatever the case, I hope Ernest finally got to see the Old Kettle while in Ellsworth.

“The (old?) Kettle” Tourist Park, East Ellsworth, WIS.

Categories
Education History Photographs Poems Postcards Teaching Vintage World War II writing

1945: The Canal Zone’s Unique Postcard History

To: Mr. Scott R. Galbreath From: Robt. (Robert) 1945

Dear Scott —

Hope all the family are ok by now and especially Exa. Scott will you try to get me a set of those 5¢ stamps recently issued on the different nations of the Allied Nations. Mgt (Margaret?) is supposed to do it, but I’m afraid she has slipped up. Also any other recent stamps, just 1¢ mint and send them to Mgt and I’m telling her to send you whatever they cost. I’m trying to get some nice ones here for both of us.

Best Regards,

Robt. (Robert)

I talked about it in a recent post, but in March of 1945, WWII was on it’s way towards being over. Allied troops were pushing Germany ever inward. FDR would be president for just over 30 more days, Americans launched the Battle of Iwo Jima in the Pacific Theater, and the Academy Awards were broadcast over radio for the first time. I don’t know why, but it always seems so strange to have something as incongruous as WWII and Academy Awards happening at the same time. As we know, the world rarely stops moving for big events (except Covid!), but still, it’s strange to see something as normal as the Academy Awards next to the Battle of Iwo Jima.

This particular postcard is super interesting, first because it’s postmarked from the Canal Zone (as in Panama Canal). Second, you can’t tell, but the postcard has a sort of metallic sheen to it. I’m unsure if it’s from age or if it was always the nature of the card, but it’s super cool to see in the light. I’ll try and capture it on video and post it to my Instagram account if you’re interested.

Through 1945 (and beyond) the Canal Zone was also deeply segregated by race. The “Gold” roll workers were almost all white US citizens, while “Silver” roll workers were non-white, non-US workers. The titles “gold” and “silver” stems from an earlier practice of literally paying white Americans in gold and non-white, non-Americans in silver.

Interestingly, the Canal Zone also issued their own stamps until 1978. The stamp is on the card, and not super obscured, but I’ve added a picture of it at the bottom as well. Even though the zone had their own stamps, that sort of mundane existence may be exactly what Robert chafed against — hence his request for various other stamps from his friend Scott. Poor Margaret, I wonder what she did to muck up his stamp order so poorly.

And what of Robert and Scott? Surprisingly, I found Scott immediately, largely because the name of his wife is so unique. Though, I’ll admit I thought it was Eva at first. Scott Robert Galbreath Jr. was born in Paris, Texas on September 13, 1908. In 1945, he would have been 36 years old. He lived with his wife, Exa, and his daughter Ammie, who was 7 in the census of 1940. From what I can tell, he was a manager at an insurance company. At least that’s how the census listed him in both 1930 and 1940. I even managed to find Exa in the record, though obscured by her husbands name, attending a silver tea for charity.

Although Family Search does not list any children, I did find his daughter, Ammie’s, obituary, which indicates that Scott had at least one son…yep…you guessed it…Scott Galbreath III. It’s always very rewarding when I’m able to track down snippets of a life from a postcard.

Robert and Margaret, however, remain a mystery. I had hoped that one of them was related to either Scott or Exa, and perhaps they were indirectly related (cousins or something), but they were not direct brothers or sisters of either one of the Galbreath’s. Though, judging by Scotts photo (on Find a Grave), I have to believe that he got poor Robert the Allied Nations stamps he so desired. I hope Robert enjoyed the heck out of them.

Front of Postcard, featuring the Administration Building of the Canal Zone

Categories
Education History parenting Photographs Poems Postcards Teaching Vintage World War II writing Writing Prompt

Miss Isabell Cox: Exploring 117 Year Old “Junk” Mail

To: Miss Isabell Cox From: Pittsburg Press 1907

Take my advice — Stop the Saturday Evening Post and take the Pittsburg Press

When I first scanned this card into my digital collection, I didn’t take much notice of it other than the postmark. It had come to me as part of a bulk lot, and I was new to collecting. The card looked old, and it felt old, and the postmark confirmed that it WAS old, and that was all I needed. So I scanned it in.

Only once I really started to create this blog did I realize what I had.

Junk mail. I have 117 year old junk mail. This junk mail is almost as old as Edward Cullen. Now, if this were an actual connection, of course this would be so super cool. But junk mail? It’s a little disheartening to know that people were getting non-desired mailers even during the undivided back period. Though something about it does feel so…human?

For a western town, Greeley, Colorado was quite up and coming. Originally founded as an “agricultural utopia” based on farming, temperance, and religion, the town seemed always on the forefront of modernity. Telephones were installed as early as 1883 and electric lights graced the Greeley downtown by 1886. It’s fitting, therefore, that the residents were interested in the Saturday Post, since it truly was the bees knees. It’s just as fitting that the Pittsburgh Press was trying to get a hold on the burgeoning town.

And what of Isabell Cox? First, I suspect the name was misspelled (does nothing change?), though it could be Isabella Cox, I suppose. I thought for sure I’d be able to find some semblance of her, but of course the archival Gods laughed at my certainty and left me stumped. In the end, there were a few good options. One Isabella Cox who was living in Colorado, but moved to New York by 1910, and an Isabel Cox who lived in the correct city…but was 4 in 1907.

I’d like to think this was sent to the 4 year old. Because of course it was. We’ve all received random junk mail for our children, and it seems that the turn of the 20th century was no different than the new millennia. Proof that times change, methodologies change…but capitalism never changes.

Undivided back, addressed to Miss Isabell Cox