I once heard that before the Internet and e-mail, people would engage in a strange activity entailing ink, paper and sticky flat squares that tasted funny. It was called called writing and sending a letter. I was reminded of this quaint notion yesterday at work when I was asked to scan a couple dozen vintage postcards depicting various sites around Chautauqua. I couldn't help but admire the sturdy cards for their artwork and age, as well as the notes penned on the other side — perhaps haphazardly at the time, unknowing of future eyes that might peruse them.
I especially enjoyed the one above, which reads: "The most remarkable thing about this place is the absence of skirts. All the girls wear knickers. I hope to see you in them some day. I'll bet you'd look cute. Ten girls here to every man. Best regards. Max Henrici." And with the magic of the Internet, I found his obituary and discovered that when Max wrote that postcard in 1924, he was 40 years old and a newspaper man working for the Pittsburgh Sun (and clearly must've sent the card to a rather cute coworker).
Here are some more...
1933.
1946.
1906. "Have received your letter. Will answer at once. We are having a good time. O how we wish you were here to hear the beautiful music."
1952.
1957. "This is a wonderful week filled with music, inspiring talks, educational films, forums, etc. Gladys and I have enjoyed some programs together. yesterday we stopped at the lakeside to watch a program for the birthday of a dog!"
1920.
1945.
1908. "I just acknowledged my assignment pretty late, for I got it the 4. I must bother you whenever my summer activity takes me to a beautiful place. The circumstances have been kinder that I expected, and I am busy with intellectual enjoyment and camp life. German was too easy, so I took French — Balzac. H.G. Griggs is lecturing here. I cannot half take in all that is offered."
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