Front — A group of store employees or proprietors pose with a display case of umbrellas.
Postcard Metadata
Postmarked: Not Visible
Sent From: None
Sent To: None
Distance Traveled: None
Postage: Not visible (no stamp)
Card Details: Divided Back, Real Photo Postcard (RPPC) with “A Z O” stamp box (circa 1907-1920s).
Back — A list of names
Transcription
Fred Peasley Waldo Mason Miss Erbroidt Miss Osborn Tom Roberts Carrie Campbell Maude Biggs Mabel Roberto
Mason Dry Goods Store, La Harpe
Historical & Family Notes
This charming real photo postcard, likely dating to the early 20th century, captures a slice of small-town commerce, possibly the very store where Harvey Sights worked or visited. The image presents a bustling scene with employees, a counter, and umbrellas for sale, suggesting a dry goods or department store.
Front — An engraving depicts the Old Gittings Seminary in Laharpe, Illinois, noted as having burned on January 13, 1889.
Postcard Metadata
Postmarked: N/A
Sent From: N/A (Laharpe, Illinois implied by subject matter)
Sent To: (Address lines are blank on the card)
Distance Traveled: N/A (No addresses for calculation)
Postage: No stamp visible
Card Details: Undivided Back (common pre-1907), manufactured by A.T.F. Co. Chicago.
Back — Correspondence from Unidentified to Implied Recipient: Pearl Byers
Transcription
Show where the present F. A. Nelson home is.
Historical & Family Notes
This postcard offers a glimpse into local Illinois history, featuring an engraving of the Old Gittings Seminary in Laharpe, a town approximately 20 miles north of Carthage. The front explicitly notes the seminary’s destruction by fire on January 13, 1889, placing the card’s publication sometime after this event. The Undivided Back design suggests it predates 1907, aligning with the early courtship years of Pearl Byers and Harvey Sights.
The back of the card, while lacking a clear sender or recipient address, contains a brief, almost enigmatic message: “Show where the present F. A. Nelson home is.” This laconic note implies a shared local knowledge between the sender and the intended recipient, characteristic of correspondence between friends or family members within a close-knit community. It’s easy to imagine a young Harvey or Pearl sending such a card to the other, perhaps during one of their brief separations, sharing a point of interest known only to them.
The card serves as a tangible piece of the era, illustrating how local landmarks and everyday observations found their way into personal communications. While not a direct love letter, its inclusion in Pearl’s collection suggests it held some personal significance, possibly marking a location they visited or discussed, further knitting the fabric of their early relationship within the familiar landscapes of Hancock County, Illinois.
Front — A serene depiction of Woodbury Falls in Highland Mills, New York, with a short message on the right.
Postcard Metadata
Postmarked: Newburgh, NY — March 14, 1906
Sent From: Newburgh, NY
Sent To: Pearle Byers Fayette St Carthage, Ill. Box 611
Distance Traveled: Approximately 830 miles
Postage: U.S. 1-cent Benjamin Franklin stamp
Card Details: Undivided Back era (1901-1907)
Back — Correspondence from Carrie to Pearle Byers
Transcription
3 – 14 – 06 Thanks for card Was glad to hear from you Carrie Write soon P.S. Highland Mills N.Y.
Historical & Family Notes
This postcard, sent to Pearle Byers in March 1906, offers a charming glimpse into her early social life, long before her eventual marriage to Harvey Sights. The sender, Carrie, clearly a friend, expresses gratitude for a previous card and encourages further correspondence, highlighting the personal nature of such exchanges. The simple, heartfelt message, “Was glad to hear from you,” underscores the role of postcards in maintaining friendships and connections across distances in the early 20th century.
The card itself features a picturesque view of Woodbury Falls in Highland Mills, New York, a location mentioned by Carrie in her postscript, suggesting a personal connection to the scene. While not directly related to Pearl and Harvey’s courtship, such cards reveal the typical ways young women like Pearl engaged with their friends and world, building a network of social ties that would have been an integral part of her life.
The swift two-day delivery from Newburgh, New York, to Carthage, Illinois, demonstrates the remarkable efficiency of the U.S. postal service at the time. This allowed friends such as Carrie and Pearle to share news and greetings across vast geographical spans with relative ease, contributing to the rich tapestry of Pearl’s life story before she became Mrs. Sights.
A brick high school building with a prominent central tower is surrounded by large, leafy trees in Vineland, New Jersey.
Postcard Metadata
Postmarked: Vineland, New Jersey — March 23, 1908
Sent From: Vineland, New Jersey
Sent To: Effie P. Byers 318 Lafayette St Carthage Ill.
Distance Traveled: Approximately 940 miles
Postage: One-cent green Franklin stamp
Card Details: Divided Back era (1907-1915)
Back — Correspondence from Effie Blinn to Effie P. Byers
Transcription
Thanks for card. Mar 23 – 08 Effie Blinn 433 Almond St
Historical & Family Notes
This postcard, sent from Vineland, New Jersey, captures a polite thank you note from Effie Blinn to Effie P. Byers, likely Pearl Byers’ mother or another close relative residing at the family home in Carthage, Illinois. The consistent address of 318 Lafayette Street in Carthage underscores the enduring family connection to this location, a central hub for the Byers family.
The communication, though brief, highlights the era’s common practice of using postcards for everyday greetings and short messages, predating more immediate forms of communication. The swift delivery, reaching Carthage the very next day, also showcases the efficiency of the early 20th-century postal service for cross-state mail.
While not directly featuring Pearl or Harvey, this card provides a glimpse into the broader family network surrounding Pearl Byers before her eventual marriage to Harvey Sights. It helps establish the social context and communication patterns within which their own courtship would unfold.
Front — A tree-lined East Avenue in Vineland, New Jersey, featuring a path flanked by utility poles.
Postcard Metadata
Postmarked: Vineland, New Jersey — April 24, 1906
Sent From: Vineland, New Jersey
Sent To: Effie Byers, 318 Fayette st, Carthage, Ill.
Distance Traveled: Approximately 830 miles
Postage: One cent US Postage stamp, George Washington
Card Details: An early example of a Divided Back card, predating the official March 1, 1907, postal regulation.
Back — Correspondence from Effie Blinn to Effie Byers
Transcription
Effie Blinn Pardon delay
Historical & Family Notes
This early 20th-century postcard captures a serene tree-lined street in Vineland, New Jersey, a common subject for postcards of the era. The brief message “Pardon delay” suggests a simple, informal exchange, perhaps between friends or family. The card is addressed to Effie Byers in Carthage, Illinois, indicating a connection to the Byers family collection, although it’s not directly addressed to Pearl Byers, the primary recipient of this archive. It’s plausible Effie Byers was a relative, such as a sister or mother, in Carthage, broadening the familial scope of the collection.
The sender, Effie Blinn, likely a friend or acquaintance, took 17 days for this postcard to travel from Vineland, New Jersey to Carthage, Illinois, arriving on May 11, 1906. This travel time was typical for mail delivery across states in the early 1900s. The card itself is noteworthy as an early example of a “divided back” postcard, a design that allowed both the address and a written message on the back, even though the official postal regulation permitting this for domestic mail began nearly a year later in March 1907.
While this specific card doesn’t directly feature Pearl Byers or Harvey Sights, its presence in the collection offers a glimpse into the broader network of friends and family connected to the Byers household in Carthage, Illinois. These small, everyday communications paint a picture of daily life and relationships that would eventually intertwine with Pearl and Harvey’s own story.
Front — A grand, multi-story brick building, labeled “STATE HOME, VINELAND, N. J.” with trees in the foreground.
Postcard Metadata
Postmarked: Vineland, New Jersey — May 7, 1906, 4:30 PM
Sent From: Vineland, New Jersey
Sent To: Effie Byers, 318 Fayette St, Carthage, Ills.
Distance Traveled: ~870 miles
Postage: US One Cent Benjamin Franklin stamp
Card Details: Undivided Back postcard, “Copyrighted 1905 by F. P. Donahey.”
Back — Correspondence from Effie Bhien to Effie Byers
Transcription
Many thanks. May 7-06. Effie Bhien 432 Almond St.
Historical & Family Notes
This early postcard, dated May 1906, offers a glimpse into the Byers family’s extended network before Pearl’s extensive correspondence with Harvey Sights. Addressed to Effie Byers at 318 Fayette Street in Carthage, Illinois—the very home Pearl would share with her family—it establishes a foundational timeline for the Byers household. While not sent directly to Pearl, the card reinforces the consistent location of her family home, a place that would later feature prominently in her personal story and eventual courtship.
The image on the front depicts the “State Home, Vineland, N. J.,” historically known as the New Jersey Training School for Feeble-Minded Girls and Boys. This institution was a significant, albeit complex, part of early 20th-century social history, pioneering research in intellectual disabilities while also becoming entangled in the eugenics movement. The postcard’s image provides a window into the types of public institutions and social structures that existed during Pearl’s formative years.
The brief message, “Many thanks,” penned by “Effie Bhien” from nearby 432 Almond Street, suggests a simple, everyday acknowledgment. Such concise notes were common on undivided back postcards, where space for correspondence was limited. This card, a tangible artifact from 1906, predates the more romantic and detailed letters Pearl would later exchange with Harvey, yet it subtly grounds their story within the broader social and familial context of the early 20th century.
Front — A grand, Art Deco-style building entrance labeled “Entrance to Victory Field, Indianapolis, Indiana.”
Postcard Metadata
Postmarked: Indianapolis, Ind. — Apr 21, 1947
Sent From: Indianapolis, Indiana
Sent To: Mr. E.T. Mathias, RCA Rep. c/o Santay Corp. 351 N. Crawford Ave. Chicago 24 Illinois
Distance Traveled: Approximately 185 miles
Postage: United States Postage, Washington, 1 Cent, green stamp
Card Details: Divided Back era (post-1907)
Back — Correspondence from Frank to Mr. E.T. Mathias
Transcription
Dear Gene, Be patient please. The shocking truth will soon be revealed. Frank
Historical & Family Notes
This postcard, sent from Indianapolis in 1947, diverts from the primary Pearl and Harvey narrative, offering a fascinating glimpse into other connections within the family’s broader historical circle. Addressed to Mr. E.T. Mathias, an RCA Representative in Chicago, the cryptic message from “Frank” promising that “The shocking truth will soon be revealed” suggests a personal or professional intrigue unfolding in the post-war landscape.
The front of the card features the impressive Art Deco entrance to Victory Field, a prominent landmark in Indianapolis. While the postcard doesn’t directly involve Pearl and Harvey Sights, its inclusion in the collection enriches the historical context, illustrating the diverse lives and correspondences that co-existed alongside their romance. It hints at the complex web of relationships and the historical backdrop of mid-20th century America.
The mention of RCA and Santay Corp. places this card within the booming electronics and manufacturing industries of the time. This piece reminds us that multi-generational family archives encompass not just core family members but also the broader professional and personal acquaintances who shaped their world, each with their own stories waiting to be unraveled.
Front — A bustling view of Main Street in La Harpe, Illinois, featuring storefronts with awnings and a partially colorized brick building.
Postcard Metadata
Postmarked: Burnside, IL — June 20, 1907
Sent From: Burnside, Illinois
Sent To: Miss Pearle Byers, Carthage, Ill.
Distance Traveled: Approximately 11 miles
Postage: U.S. One Cent (Franklin)
Card Details: Undivided Back era (1901-1907), manufactured by Curt Teich & Co., Chicago
Back — Correspondence from Viwa S. to Miss Pearle Byers
Transcription
Viwa. S.
Historical & Family Notes
This early postcard, sent to the young Miss Pearle Byers, offers a quick glimpse into her social world during her formative years. The card features a common street scene of the era from nearby La Harpe, Illinois, a familiar type of imagery used for brief communications. The message, simply “Viwa. S.” on the front of the card, is characteristic of the concise messages exchanged on undivided back postcards where space for writing was limited.
Originating from Burnside, a mere 11 miles from Carthage, this card likely came from a local acquaintance or friend, Viwa S., whose brief greeting is preserved in this collection. These everyday interactions paint a picture of Pearl’s life before her marriage to Harvey Sights, highlighting the connections she maintained within her immediate community.
The postcard itself is an excellent example of the transitional period in postcard history. Though postmarked in June 1907, after divided backs were permitted, its layout with “NOTHING BUT THE ADDRESS ON THIS SIDE” firmly places it stylistically within the Undivided Back era, suggesting an older card still in circulation.
Front — A view of Anthony’s Nose, a forested mountain along the Hudson River in the New York Highlands.
Postcard Metadata
Postmarked: Vineland, NJ — June 5, 1906
Sent From: Vineland, New Jersey
Sent To: Effie Byers, 318 Fayette St, Carthage, Ill.
Distance Traveled: Approximately 900 miles
Postage: 1-cent Benjamin Franklin stamp
Card Details: Undivided Back postcard, published by The American News Company, Leipzig, Dresden.
Back — Correspondence from Effie Blinn to Effie Byers
Transcription
Effie Blinn will answer your letter soon!
Historical & Family Notes
This early 20th-century postcard captures the majestic scenery of Anthony’s Nose overlooking the Hudson River in the New York Highlands. Sent by Effie Blinn from Vineland, New Jersey, it assures the recipient, Effie Byers of Carthage, Illinois, that a letter is forthcoming. The simple message, “will answer your letter soon!”, suggests an ongoing correspondence between the two.
Given that this postcard is addressed to Effie Byers at the same Carthage address as Pearl Byers, it’s highly probable that Effie Byers is a close family member, perhaps Pearl’s mother or sister. This card offers a glimpse into the broader network of family and friends surrounding the main characters of the collection, documenting their connections and the common practice of sharing travel experiences through postcards.
The card’s “Undivided Back” design, typical for postcards predating 1907, means the entire back was reserved for the address, pushing the message to the front alongside the image. The 1-cent postage for domestic delivery was standard at the time, allowing for wide circulation of these early photographic travel mementos.
Front — A serene, sun-drenched palm-lined avenue with pedestrians strolling, labeled “Palm Walk, Palm Beach, Lake Worth, Fla.”
Postcard Metadata
Postmarked: Lady Lake, Florida — March 1, 1906
Sent From: Lady Lake, Florida
Sent To: Miss Pearle Byers, Carthage, Ill.
Distance Traveled: Approximately 955 miles
Postage: One-cent Benjamin Franklin stamp (green)
Card Details: Early Divided Back (postmarked 1906, before official US domestic authorization in 1907; sender utilized both address and message sections for correspondence)
Back — Correspondence from Ernest D. Sh. to Miss Pearle Byers
Transcription
Published in Ger. for Geo. R. Lawrence. Palm Walk, Palm Beach, Lake Worth, Fla. Merry Xmas for exchanging cards with Mr. Sights. Ernest D. Sh.
Historical & Family Notes
This postcard, sent from sunny Florida in 1906, provides an intriguing glimpse into Pearl Byers’ social sphere before her marriage to Harvey Sights. The message from Ernest D. Sh. explicitly mentions “exchanging cards with Mr. Sights,” suggesting that Harvey was already a known figure within Pearl’s wider network of acquaintances and that social correspondence was a common practice. This early mention, even if indirect, foreshadows the deeper connection that would eventually develop between Pearl and Harvey.
The card itself, an early example of a divided back design postmarked a year before its official authorization for U.S. domestic mail, reflects the evolving nature of postcard communication. The sender’s decision to write the message across both the designated message and address portions of the card highlights a charming disregard for strict postal conventions, prioritizing the full message over proper formatting.
Such exchanges served as vital threads connecting individuals across distances in the early 20th century, fostering relationships and maintaining social ties. For Pearl and Harvey, this postcard from a faraway destination underscores the broad geographical and social contexts that shaped their lives before they became central to each other’s.
Front — A view of the Chanute Public Library in Chanute, Kansas, with a handwritten note “Miss Pearl 3.5.08” at the top.
Postcard Metadata
Postmarked: Chanute, Kansas — November 23, 1907
Sent From: Chanute, Kansas
Sent To: Miss Pearl Byers Carthage Ill.
Distance Traveled: Approximately 410 miles
Postage: One Cent U.S. Franklin stamp, green
Card Details: Divided Back Era (1907-1915)
Back — Correspondence from Harvey Sights to Miss Pearl Byers
Transcription
Dear Pearl, Was glad to hear from you. We are having nice weather here this week. Had a good rain yesterday. I wish I was there to spend my birthday with you. Your Harvey
Historical & Family Notes
In this heartfelt message, Harvey Sights sends an early birthday wish to Pearl Byers, lamenting his absence for her December 4th celebration. The postcard, postmarked November 23, 1907, captures the anticipation of Pearl’s special day from afar, as Harvey expresses his desire to be with her. The front of the card depicts the Chanute Public Library in Kansas, where Harvey was at the time, offering a glimpse into the locale from which he sent his affections.
This card perfectly illustrates the challenges of courtship across distances in the early 20th century, relying on the postal service to bridge the miles between Chanute, Kansas, and Carthage, Illinois. The sentiment “I wish I was there to spend my birthday with you” speaks volumes about the growing bond between Harvey and Pearl, hinting at the romantic connection that would eventually lead to their marriage.
The small, handwritten note “Miss Pearl 3.5.08” on the front of the postcard appears to be a later annotation, possibly by Pearl herself or a collector, indicating a date that doesn’t align with the 1907 postmark but might mark a significant memory associated with the card. It further solidifies the postcard’s personal significance within Pearl’s collection.
Front — A hand-colored postcard depicting the brick Town Hall of Peabody, Massachusetts, with a large tree on the left.
Postcard Metadata
Postmarked: Peabody, Massachusetts — January 20, 1907
Sent From: Peabody, Massachusetts
Sent To: Miss Pearle Byers, 318 N. Fayette St., Carthage, Ill.
Distance Traveled: Approximately 1,050 miles
Postage: One Cent U.S. Postage, Franklin (green)
Card Details: Divided Back Era (produced by The Rotograph Co., N. Y., City, Germany; postmarked before the widespread domestic Divided Back adoption in March 1907)
Back — Correspondence from M. M. Powers to Miss Pearle Byers
Transcription
1-18-’07 M. M. Powers.
Historical & Family Notes
This early postcard, dated January 18, 1907, and postmarked January 20, 1907, presents a hand-colored image of the Town Hall in Peabody, Massachusetts. Sent by M. M. Powers to Pearle Byers in Carthage, Illinois, it is unusual in that the only handwritten message beyond the address is the sender’s signature and the date on the front of the card. This suggests a very brief, perhaps casual or purely demonstrative, exchange.
The card is a product of The Rotograph Co., based in New York City but with manufacturing noted as “Germany.” This highlights the significant role of German printers in the early postcard boom in the United States. Its “divided back” design, with a dedicated space for the message and address, was officially sanctioned in the U.S. for domestic postcards starting March 1, 1907. This card, postmarked slightly before that date, indicates it was likely an imported card using the divided back format already popular in Europe, predating the American regulation.
Although the sender isn’t Harvey Sights, this postcard adds another piece to Pearle’s growing collection of correspondence, showcasing her connections across different parts of the country. It captures a moment in her life just a few years before her eventual marriage to Harvey, documenting the diverse array of people who communicated with her during her youth in Carthage.
Front — A vibrant garden path lined with white and pink marguerite hedges in Santa Monica, California.
Postcard Metadata
Postmarked: Not visible
Sent From: Not specified by sender
Sent To: Miss Pearl Byers, Carthage, Ills.
Distance Traveled: Cannot calculate, sender’s location not specified.
Postage: Missing/Not applied (Domestic: One Cent specified)
Card Details: Divided Back era (post-1907), published by Edward H. Mitchell, San Francisco / Wellington, Kansas.
Back — Correspondence from W H Nelson to Miss Pearl Byers
Transcription
Dec. 4th 1909 Best wishes and many happy birth days yet to come. W H Nelson Miss Pearl Byers Carthage Ills.
Historical & Family Notes
This festive postcard, dated December 4th, 1909, marks a special occasion for Miss Pearl Byers: her birthday. The sender, W H Nelson, extends heartfelt “best wishes and many happy birth days yet to come,” highlighting the tradition of celebrating milestones through handwritten notes. The front features the picturesque Marguerite Hedge in Santa Monica, California, an intriguing choice for a sender likely from further east given Pearl’s Illinois residence, suggesting a souvenir from travel or a purchased scenic view.
While this card doesn’t explicitly involve Harvey Sights, it captures a glimpse into Pearl’s social circle and the importance of personal connections during her formative years. These early birthday wishes underscore a period of her life before her eventual marriage, emphasizing her individuality and the network of friends and family who celebrated her. It’s a reminder of the simple yet profound ways people connected across distances in the early 20th century.
Front — A vintage postcard of the Nebraska State Capitol building in Lincoln with a prominent dome.
Postcard Metadata
Postmarked: Superior, Nebraska — July 22, 1908
Sent From: Superior, Nebraska
Sent To: Mr. Harvey Sights, LaHarpe, Ills.
Distance Traveled: Approximately 400 miles
Postage: United States of America, Benjamin Franklin, One Cent (green)
Card Details: Divided back postcard, featuring publisher details “Elite No. 118. J. Frank Du Toit, Dist. Lowell, Neb.”
Back — Correspondence from Carrie to Harvey Sights
Transcription
Superior July 20. Dear Harvey am at Superior with the uncles and aunties. Having a good time. Hope you are well, if it is still warm. Though are you out on the line today. Lew is here. Pleading Carrie.
Historical & Family Notes
This postcard offers a glimpse into Harvey Sights’ life and family connections before he married Pearl Byers. Sent by “Pleading Carrie” from Superior, Nebraska, it reveals that Harvey had family, specifically “uncles and aunties,” living or visiting there. The affectionate closing “Pleading Carrie” suggests a close relationship, possibly a sister or cousin, who misses him or wants him to visit.
Carrie’s question, “Though are you out on the line today,” hints that Harvey might have been traveling for work or had a regular route, perhaps as a salesman or in a similar profession that kept him “on the line.” This detail provides a valuable insight into Harvey’s early career or activities.
The card, addressed to Harvey Sights in LaHarpe, Illinois, from a family member in Superior, Nebraska, paints a picture of a young man with a life connected to extended family, even as he was potentially on the move for work. It helps contextualize Harvey’s experiences before he became a central figure in the Sights-Byers family arc.
