I have a lot of small collections. Some watches. Some pens. Some plastic key cards from Epic hotels. One thing I find to be a refreshing break in the midst of a typical business day is a look at a few old post cards. Like the one of the Sands in Vegas, above. A place I wish I could have gone.
Or, a place where a great man lived, dreamed and found his peace...
The Mount Vernon card is addressed to Miss Elizabeth Fay of Sherborn, Massachusetts. "Mr. Rice and I have a party of the school girls in Washington this week are having a fine time....this is G.W.'s back yard." April, 1914.A place I did not want to leave...
A place I know from long ago. Though I have yet to visit...
A place where a hero's service was born...
Once in awhile, an old card gives a tantalizing glimpse into a romance of long ago. The Country Club card was addressed to Miss Mary Clarke of Anadarko, Oklahoma. "I sure like it here. And me for the Navy. Now don't forget to ans[wer] for I would like to hear from you and all the people around there. [signed] Guy G. Aero Station Florida". April, 1917. From one of the first American airmen. I wonder if she heard of him again. Perhaps in the skies of France. Fighting the best in the world in a rickety second-hand plane. When the life span of a new Allied fighter pilot was less than three months. Or if he ever heard from her. Later, they put up a World War I memorial in Anadarko, Oklahoma...
I wonder if Guy G's name is on it...
I wonder if Guy G's name is on it...Finally, from a perfect little hideaway long ago lost to the blight of high rise development...
The message reads "My Paula...I mustered out last week. It sure is pretty here. I'm resting, drinking, soaking up sun and trying to figure out where I can find...[unreadable]...Wish you were here. My love always, Stan." March, 1946. Old post cards are easy to find. Generally cheap. Stimulating. Instructive. And, with a little imagination, the perfect escape from a busy day. Buy yourself some and take a little vacation.
I hear you Stan. When you find it, let me know.
Posts
8 comments:
Oh, very fun! I like hearing what was written on the backs.
Is that one of the Champs Elysees in Paris??
Oh, I love old postcards--at some point I'm planning on doing a post on some of mine, too. It's fun to Google the addressees, and see if there are any good backstories. (Typical librarian-ish pasttime.) Of course it's fun to imagine, as well.
Old post cards - what a great collection. The images and photos are much truer to life than many of the glitzy looking post cards today. It's the imagination that is the fun part.
Petunia, yes that is the C.E. I think the Arc at the end is just barely viewable and very mysterious.
Cashmere, I love doing that too! [you still have the best name...]
HTJ, you are so right. I really like it when you find a little note. It is very intriguing to me.
Thanks all for your comments and visits!
ML
I wonder what he was looking for.. Oh Stan... if ony you had had better penmanship:)
Marie, I KNOW!!! I just hope he found it. He was off to a good start anyhow in my opinion.
Thanks for the visit and the comment!
ML
ML - Great post. What is "the place I did not want to leave"?
Sartre, thanks for the visit and comment! I like your blog a lot and I am wishing all the best for you and your family in 09.
The place is Lexington, Virginia. I was there in the early 80s for awhile and would not have left but for the old "making a living problem".
ML
Post a Comment