Tag: Postcard

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Climate Education family History Photographs Postcards Teaching Vintage writing

Celebrating a Roaring 20’s Birthday: Warren Spitler’s Legacy and the Mystery of Effye

To: Mr. Warren Spitler From: Effye 1920

Am having the time of my life. Can you find me on the beach? Come down, the water is fine. All well and able to sit up an take notice.

Effye.

The 1920 census was the first census to record a population of over 100 million in the United States. 192o was the ACLU was founded, and Congress decided not to join the League of Nations. By August 26, the 19th Amendment of the Constitution was passed, granting women the right to vote. Racial tensions, however, ran high in the nation. Lynchings occurred in throughout the year in both the North and the South. The Roaring Twenties had truly begun.

If you’ve followed my blog for a while, you may recognize this card. This is one of the first cards I posted, and I didn’t research it. Since I had a bit of a late day at work, I decided to revisit the card and do a little bit of research. I wasn’t sure I’d be able to find anything — as you know that’s how the jelly rolls sometimes, but I like the art on this card. I think it’s beautiful and I love the beach scene. So, I figured I’d give it a go.

Imagine my surprise when I easily found a Warren Spitler in the family search records. Even stranger, Warren was born on September 18, 1884. The post date of this blog will be the anniversary of his 140th birthday! I’m a bit of a superstitious gal, and I can’t help but think Warren may have had something to do with the timing. Let’s get into it.

As I said, Warren was born on September 18, 1884 in Augusta, Virginia. There’s no (accessible) information on him until the 1930 census, which places him in Covington. He was 45, and living with his brother and his brother’s family. He’d remain there in the 1940 census as well. Both the census records and Find a Grave indicate that he was a salesman in a department store, though was type I don’t know.

It seems that Warren never married, so I wondered who Effye may have been and what relationship the two of them had. I thought perhaps a sister, though there was none that stood out as having the nickname Effye. There is an Abbie, so maybe that’s it? The handwriting also seems a bit childish to me, so I thought niece perhaps? But, searching through the family tree I can’t find many of his siblings who married. If you note the grave, Warren is buried next to his brother Clarence, also unmarried. I didn’t go deep into the family tree, but there weren’t many nieces or nephews to be found.

So, who is Effye? Is it a nickname for a sister or a niece? Is it a friend of Warren’s, or perhaps even a cousin? There’s a few cousins that could fit the bill, but again I came up short. Still, I hope that Warren found time to “sit up and take notice” on the beautiful beach with the people he loved.

Happy birthday Mr. Warren Spitler!

Front of Postcard, 1920

Categories
Education History Photographs Postcards Teaching Vintage Writing Prompt

Mystery Postcard from May to Miss Gertrude Jayne, 1910s: Miscommunications Through History

From: May (or Mary) To: Miss Gertrude Jayne. Date Unknown

Dear Sister,

Rec’d your letter yesterday but didn’t understand if you was coming this Sunday or next sunday so let me know for sure so that I will know what to do.

May

This particular postcard is a bit of a mystery, as there’s no stamp and no postmark whatsoever. There’s a divided back, so we know it has to be after 1907. It’s also probably before 1930 because of the style of the card and handwriting. My instinct tells me it’s somewhere between 1912-1922, though I lean towards the twenties.

There’s an urgency about this postcard that’s not apparent in some of my more recent cards I’ve analyzed. May is clearly anxious that she won’t be ready for her sister to arrive, and I have to wonder what the two were planning? Was Gertrude simply coming to visit May or was there something more involved? Maybe it was an event of some sort that May was helping plan, but Gertrude hadn’t been clear on the details.

The other question that burns at my mind is…how was this card delivered? The postage stamp area doesn’t have any sticky residue or tearing that would suggest the stamp was peeled off — though of course it could have been. But there’s also the lack of postmark which indicates that the card was never in fact mailed. Did May have someone take it to Gertrude? Maybe another family member or friend?

Or, was the card never delivered? Simply filed away in the back of a box somewhere only to be discovered and end up in the collection of James Woodruff? The card itself is sort of unremarkable. A pretty photo, but a bit damaged and weathered over time. There’s no embossing or gilt edges, so it’s strange that it’s survived the test of time.

Ok…what about our sender/recipient? Well, after two fantastic finds over the last few days, my luck ran a little dry. I can’t guarantee that I found Gertrude or her sister. I did find a Gertrude Jayne born in 1891 who had a sister named Mary, which I suppose could be our Gertrude. But, I feel like it’s a bit of a stretch. Especially since I don’t have a date on the postcard.

That leads me to James A. Woodruff who I thought might be the son or perhaps nephew of one of our ladies involved in the postcard. His mother did have the middle name of “Mae”, but doesn’t seem to have a sister named Gertrude. I was able to find some information on James. According to Find a Grave he was involved in historical research around his community. He died in 2004 at a relatively young age. I suppose his effects must have been donated, and I like to think that he’d be happy that the postcard became a bit of a public history project.

Though, I do wish I knew more about May (or Mary), Gertrude, and even James. I hope that Ma(r)y managed to get in touch with Gertrude and “knew what to do” for the Sunday that her sister arrived. Whatever happened, this postcard is so very human. We’ve all been on the other end of a vague message where we need more information. It’s good to remember that, for most of history, communication was not instantaneous, but long, muddled, and often fraught with worry.

Front of Postcard. Entrance to Oakridge Cemetary

Categories
Education History Postcards Vintage writing

Miss Ada Moll: Mama’s Spider Bite & Doctor’s Visits in the 1920’s

Mrs. J.A. Taylor: Circa early 1920’s

My Dear Beryl:

Received your (unclear) card and little note and glad to get both. Hope both of you are well and enjoying yourselves. Will be glad to hear more from you at anytime you’re not busy. We are all well except mama. She was bitten on the left eye Sunday by a poisoned spider and it was swelled up so tight she couldn’t see. Much better now. Have had Dr. Field 4 times. Can open eye a little now. Sorry you forgot the minte. Lots of love,

Ada C. Moll

Post Script: Do you remember ever seeing the view on the other side? Come over and we will take a ride. A.C.M

The date on this card is unclear, the ink lost to the ravages of time. However, I was able to find a Miss Ada C. Moll mentioned in an Indianapolis newspaper in 1925. I suspect this card pre-dates the mention, however since phone lines and wires were becoming more widespread by the 1920’s, I’d wager a guess that it’s within that time frame.

The 1920’s conjures up images of flappers, lipstick, dancing, cars, movies, progress, and fun. This card certainly has some of those aspects. In the 21st century, a postcard that exhibits nothing but a dirt road and telephone wires seems…bland. However, it’s no different than a postcard that features an image of modern wind turbines, or even a plane. That indicates progress. The postscript on the bottom of the card indicates fun and leisure. The Great War has ended, and the depression hasn’t hit yet, so times aren’t quite as rough as they’ve been.

Yet, in the midst of a changing century, we have a world in which doctors make house calls. It’s difficult to imagine the cost of a modern day doctor coming to your house not once, or twice, but FOUR times. However, apparently that’s what the case was. I suspect mama may have been in danger (or fearful) of losing her sight, hence why the doctor had been out so much. I know that if home visits for a doctor were within my price range, I’d probably do the same if my eye was swollen shut.

I’m sure that Ada was a sister of Beryl, or perhaps even writing to her sister and her niece. That being said, Beryl may have been an older sister in the employ or care of Mrs. J.A. Taylor — I’ve been able to find very little. As I’ve said often times before, women are often obscured in history since they married and took on their husbands name. For me, an amateur genealogist with limited time on my hands, it’s difficult to track down the real people. But I invite your suggestions, or even thoughts on Miss Ada C. Moll and her dear friend Beryl.

Front of Postcard, Evansville, Ind.

Categories
History Postcards Writing Prompt

Historical Postcard: Family Sickness in Akron, Oh – August 20, 1909

Miss Anna L Thomas: 1909

Akron, Oh. Aug – 20 -09

Dear Sister,

Came back to Aunt “L” yesterday 4 P.M. Will stay till Sat or Sun then mother is coming in. Aunt L is awful tired. Uncle L is no better. bad off. Had an awful bad night last night. Minnie is some better. Nettie is well hasn’t worked since Tues.

Love to all, your sis

— Elizabeth

Unlike some of my more recent posts, this card also does little more than reveal a (perhaps forgotten) family illness. Nevertheless, I always find these the most poignant, as they reveal that the everyday mundanities of life haven’t changed much in our human history.

Here, we have (seemingly) an entire family that’s been ill with some sort of sickness. Perhaps the flu, a cold, or something more serious — it’s impossible to know exactly. However, the card does provide some clues. We know the family has been tired, we know that the children (?) are recovering, and we also know that they haven’t been able to work for a few days.

The illness of Aunt and Uncle “L” prompted family to rally around them in an effort to nurse them back to health. Elizabeth stayed with them 3-4 days (August 20, 1909 was a Friday) and then presumably, her mother took over the care.

I have to wonder why Elizabeth refers to the family as Aunt “L” and Uncle “L”. I’m sure it’s a last name, but the parenthesis made me pause.

Dropping this into history a bit, I want to note that Pertussis vaccinations weren’t given until 1914, Diphtheria until 1926, and the flu until 1945. I can’t surmise if the “L” family had any of these diseases, but I can tell you that they all would have been contagious.

Additionally, the melancholy tone of this postcard is incongruous to the picture of the park, a place where we can imagine people walked and mingled and took air when they were healthy. Perhaps a silent wish for better times?

Entrance Grace Park, Akron, Ohio

Categories
History Postcards Writing Prompt

1907 Postcard: Silverton, Colorado – A Typical Rocky Mountain Town

Miss Elizabeth Jordan, 1907

This is a typical Rocky Mountain town

— Joe

In 1890 the West was officially “closed”. The United States had succeeded in its colonial aspirations of Manifest Destiny and settled from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The west may no longer have been “wild”, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t wily. Mining towns dotted the western landscape, as men toiled for all that glittered. In September of 1907, there were 45 states, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid were still alive (though in South America) and it would be another nine years before the last stage coach robbery occurred.

Silverton, Colorado was no exception. Home to both silver and gold mines, it’s feasible that Joe had gone west to take part in the vast industry and opportunity that the west offered. The Knickerbocker Crisis had yet to occur, and being out west probably allowed Joe to make some money in an effort to buy land. Was Joe a brother? A cousin? A lover? It’s impossible to know. Well, if not impossible, then at least difficult. What is clear, is that Silverton has not changed much from the front of the postcard.

Front of postcard, depicting Silverton, Colorado.

Silverton, Colorado in 2010, taken by By Daniel Schwen.

So, when Joe told Elizabeth that Silverton was a “typical Rocky Mountain town”, he couldn’t have known that it would become a historical landmark that preserved aspects a typical Rocky Mountain at the turn of the 20th century.

Categories
History Postcards Writing Prompt

Red Cross War Fund and Soldier’s Postcard: Private Charles P. Kerchner 1943

Mrs. William Kerchner: 1943

Pvt. Charles P. Kerchner

Dear Parents:

How are you all. I am O.K. and hope you are the same.

A simple message scrawled quickly in pen on the back of a beautiful postcard opens a door for us to understand a little more about postcard history, as well as World War II history.

When I began this project I knew nothing about the history of postcards in the United States or abroad. I’m still lacking in my historical knowledge, but I’m also learning with each post I create. One simple piece of information I’ve recently stumbled upon are the different “eras” of postcards.

By roughly 1930, “linen” type postcards had begun to circulate. These postcards have a different look and texture than the early 1900’s postcards. In fact, it may suprise you to find out that they look like they are printed on linen (shocking I know). The colors on these postcards also tend to be more vibrant and saturated. This postcard is no different. While the back is somewhat nondescript and not quite as pretty as some of the earlier postcards in my collection, the front is so beautiful it could be framed as a watercolor painting.

I assumed the “free” written in the stamp section had something to do with the fact that this is a soldier sending a postcard home to his family. A brief google search revealed that by World War II, if the soldier wrote his outfit and camp (along with the word “free” in the stamp box), then the postage was comped for him.

Another notable aspect of this postcard is the stamped “GIVE: Red Cross War Fund.” I have a few of these from postcards sent during WWII, but I find them fascinating reminders of a different time.

This is also the first postcard where I feel confident I’ve found some information on the original sender. Private Charles P. Kerchner survived the war, married, raised a family, and died in 2008 at the age of 87.

A lovely piece of history from a bygone era.

Front of postcard. Note the blues and yellows and pinks that serve as the masquerade of a sunset.

Categories
History Postcards Writing Prompt

Postcard from 1944: Connecting Lives Across Geographic and Cultural Differences

Mrs. W.W. Roswell, 1944

Dear Mrs. Roswell,

Just a few lines in answer to your recent little letter. You asked me if Sue would enjoy a little (??). I think she would love it as she loves mine. I have a 9-12 from China in my living room. Sue and (?) were here for dinner and Edwards 19th birthday party. So glad he could be home (rest of text unclear).

Lots of love to you forever

This postcard is slightly frustrating to me, because I can’t make large parts of it out. The handwriting is long and spread out, then scrunches together at the bottom and top as the writer tries to make up for her previous luxurious writing. Since this is 1944, and Edward is turning 19, I wonder if he went to war, or had been back from war. I can’t research it either, because I can’t quite make out the senders name or last name.

What I do love about this postcard is imagining the differences between the sender and the receiver. New York has always been a bustling center of activity, and in 1944 it was no different, especially with a war on. Hood River, Oregon, in contrast, is still fairly rural. The 2020 census indicated only 8,000 some odd people, up by 3,000 from the year 2000. That tells me that in 1944, it would have been a largely agricultural community, connected to the rest of the world by railway. Mrs. Roswell and her friend must have lived markedly different lives, but managed to connect through family ties and friendship.

Categories
History Local Government Postcards Writing Prompt

President Taft’s Visit and Grape Farming: Insights from a 1909 Fresno Postcard

Miss Nettie Snyder, 1909

Dear Friend Nettie,

Your nice set of cards reced. I have not got them and would be glad to get both sets in full. We have had no rain yet, but do not expect till next month. Yes I like celery. I wish I had some fudge. Do you make it or buy it. I like some grapes. We have grapes, more of them raised here than any other fruit. We have several kinds, we have the wine, tokays, malaga, sultana, large black grape, small water grape, Emperors, and many more that I do not know the name of. We have state fair. We have one in (unreadable), and our state fair will open soon. The Sacramento state fair is the largest. Come again. Will you get to see the president. He will be here next month. Write soon.

We have these flowers in our yard.

Lily Proser. 622 C Street, Fresno Cal

There is so much going on in this postcard and I love every bit of it. However, I first want to point out that Nettie and Lily are separated by over 2000 miles. Not only is the friendship important enough to be maintained, but Nettie had somehow managed to visit Lily in California (as indicated by the “come again”). The bonds between these two must have been strong and I have to wonder how old they were in 1909. At times, personal histories can be frustrating, especially since women change names at marriage. So, when given nothing but a maiden name, it’s difficult to trace in the (free) records.

The listing off of grape types is also an indication of how rural Fresno would have been in 1909. Founded in 1872 by the Central Pacific Railroad Company, Fresno was mainly a farming town known for…you guessed it! Grapes. It’s touted as the “raisin capital of the world.” So, while two lines devoted to grapes might seem a tad mundane for two girls to be writing about, it’s actually Lily telling Nettie about her families livelihood.

Furthermore, based on Lily’s postcard, we know that President Taft visited Fresno. She perhaps included it as bait to get Nettie back out to California. Since Lily sent her postcard in September of 1909, we can assume that she was speaking about the Presidents visit to city hall park in October of 1909. You can read a transcript of his speech here.

So, while on the outset the postcard doesn’t seemingly reveal more than idle chit-chat, overall, this one little postcard provides a slew of information about the everyday life of someone living in Fresno, California in 1909. What a great piece of history.

I hope Lily got some fudge.

Front of Postcard. Cactus Dahlia

Categories
History Postcards writing Writing Prompt

So Don’t Get Married

Mr. Frank Van Gordon, 1912

Dear Old Friend:

How are you. I am fine and dandy. Marie said she was raising (or saving?) her daughter for you so don’t get married. “Ha Ha”. I never got your letter until the other day and will just send you a card. Haven’t seen tasel(?) for a long time. Well so long my son.

Yours,

Chuck

542 N Elder Ave Indpls

My favorite thing about this postcard is actually not necessarily what’s written on the card, but the intricate “Post Card” script with the picture of the C. Other than that, I love the moniker “old friend.” I love the “fine and dandy”, I love the joking about getting married. These are clearly two people who’s bonds went deep.

Front of Postcard

Categories
History Postcards Writing Prompt

Is Your Cold Much Better?

Miss Lena Friedman, Date Unclear (I’d guess 1908 or 1909)

Dear Lena,

I am awful sorry I didn’t see you before I came home. Is your cold much better? And how is your sister? I hope she is getting better. I started back to school last Monday and it seems funny to be going to school after our vacation.

L (or I?)

This is such a sweet postcard because it’s somewhat clear it’s a young girl writing to her friend or relation (maybe a cousin?). What I love so much about history is that, despite the span of time that separates us from this postcard, human nature doesn’t seem to change much. This girl went on vacation, didn’t get the chance to see her friend, and wrote her a postcard. She was also back at school. I hope Lena and the sender remained friends as they grew up.

There’s a post script on the front.

This postal is not appropriate for now because it is quite cold down here now.

Front of postcard. “Summer On the Farm”