Friendship - When My Tan Wears Out

1900s, Friendship, General Correspondence, Golden Age (1900–1915), Sent From: Illinois, Subject: Buildings & Architecture

Postcard #0058: Casual Greetings from Indian Mound Park, Quincy

June 5, 2026 No Comments

A vintage, hand-tinted postcard showing a verdant landscape of Indian Mound Park in Quincy, Illinois, with rolling grassy hills, a prominent mound with steps, and scattered trees under a light sky, overlooking the distant Mississippi River. — Front — A hand-tinted postcard featuring a scenic view of Indian Mound Park in Quincy, Illinois, overlooking the Mississippi River.

Postcard Metadata

Postmarked: Quincy, Ill. — AUG 25 4 PM 1908
Sent From: Quincy, Illinois
Sent To: Miss Pearl Byers, Carthage, Ill.
Distance Traveled: Approximately 32 miles
Postage: One Cent U.S. Franklin stamp, green.
Card Details: Divided back postcard, printed by “Leipzig Berlin Dresden Litho-Chrome”, trademark indicates “Printed in Germany”.

The back of a 1908 divided-back postcard with a green one-cent U.S. Franklin stamp, featuring a handwritten message in dark blue ink from — Back — Correspondence from Elva to Miss Pearl Byers

Transcription

Hello kids! Got here p.m. sound. Have a dandy room. Will have to write before long. Elva 438 N. 8th st.

Historical & Family Notes

This postcard offers a glimpse into Pearl Byers’ social circle before her eventual marriage to Harvey Sights. The sender, Elva, is likely a friend or relative, providing a quick update from Quincy, Illinois. The casual tone and simple message, “Hello kids! Got here p.m. sound. Have a dandy room,” reflect the common use of postcards for brief, informal communication in the early 20th century, a time when such exchanges were cherished links between distant friends and family.

The card’s front depicts Indian Mound Park in Quincy, a notable local landmark with its historic earthworks and scenic views of the Mississippi River. Such picturesque views were popular subjects for postcards, allowing senders to share a bit of their travels or local attractions with recipients back home. Even a relatively short trip to a nearby town like Quincy would have been an occasion worth noting and sharing with friends like Pearl in Carthage.

While Harvey Sights isn’t directly mentioned in this particular correspondence, this postcard beautifully illustrates the rich tapestry of relationships Pearl maintained. These frequent, small exchanges kept her connected to a broad community of friends and family, forming the supportive network that would surround her as she eventually married Harvey and started her own family, enriching the Sights’ family legacy.

1900s, Family Correspondence, Friendship, General Correspondence, Golden Age (1900–1915), Sent From: New York, Subject: Nature & Landscapes

Postcard #0057: Woodbury Falls Thanks and Greetings

June 4, 2026 No Comments

A hand-tinted postcard image of Woodbury Falls, Highland Mills, New York, showing a wide waterfall cascading over rocks into a stream below, surrounded by lush green trees and foliage. A handwritten message is visible on the right border with the date 3-14-06 and signed by Carrie. — 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)

The back of an undivided postcard with a 1-cent Benjamin Franklin stamp postmarked Newburgh, NY, March 14, 1906, at 6:45 PM. It is addressed in cursive to — 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.

1900s, Family Correspondence, Friendship, Golden Age (1900–1915), Sent From: Illinois, Subject: City & Street Scenes

Postcard #1073: A Brief ‘Viwa. S.’ from La Harpe’s Main Street

May 30, 2026 No Comments

A vintage postcard depicting a lively Main Street in La Harpe, Illinois, circa early 1900s. The street is lined with multi-story brick buildings, some featuring striped awnings over ground-level shops. People are visible walking on the sidewalks and in the street. A prominent three-story brick building, partially hand-colored in red, stands further down the street. The sky is light, and trees are visible in the distance. The bottom left corner reads — 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

The reverse side of the postcard features the standard — 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.

1900s, Friendship, General Correspondence, Golden Age (1900–1915), Romance & Courtship, Sent From: Florida, Subject: Nature & Landscapes

Postcard #0053: Florida Palms and a Request for a “Novel Not Complicated with Love”

May 29, 2026 No Comments

A vintage postcard depicting a lush Florida landscape with tall palm trees and dense green foliage along the banks of a reflective stream. The scene is bathed in the warm light of sunrise or sunset, with a vibrant orange and green sky. The water perfectly mirrors the trees and sky. Text on the bottom left reads — Front — A scenic view of palm trees and other tropical foliage reflected in a tranquil body of water under a colorful sky, labeled “Ormond Key near Daytona.”

Postcard Metadata

Postmarked: Lady Lake, Florida — March 10, 1906
Sent From: Lady Lake, Florida
Sent To: Miss Pearle Byers, Carthage, Ill.
Distance Traveled: Approximately 970 miles (1560 km)
Postage: One cent United States stamp featuring Benjamin Franklin, green.
Card Details: Undivided back, typical for postcards sent before March 1, 1907.

The back of a vintage undivided postcard with a green one-cent Benjamin Franklin stamp postmarked — Back — Correspondence from C.H.S. to Miss Pearle Byers

Transcription

Ormond Key near Daytona. Many thanks for your card, exchange again and again. Your friend C.H.S. Send me a small novel not complicated with love something of your own. Box of flowers.

Historical & Family Notes

This early postcard, dating from 1906, shows the sender, C.H.S., corresponding with Pearl Byers from sunny Florida. The reference to “Ormond Key near Daytona” places the sender on what was then a popular winter resort destination, indicating some travel or leisure activities. The message, though brief, hints at a warm and continuous exchange, stating “exchange again and again.”

The most intriguing part of the message is the playful postscript: “Send me a small novel not complicated with love something of your own. Box of flowers.” While signed simply “Your friend C.H.S.,” the initials “H.S.” align with Harvey Sights, Pearl’s future husband. The request for a novel “not complicated with love” could be a teasing remark between two individuals who are perhaps just beginning to navigate the complexities of their own budding affections, subtly hinting at an interest beyond mere friendship. The mention of “Box of flowers” further adds to this gentle flirtation.

This card provides a charming glimpse into the early stages of communication between Pearl and her circle, potentially even with Harvey Sights himself, before their relationship fully blossomed. The request for a personalized “novel” suggests an intimate understanding and shared sense of humor between the correspondent and Pearl, laying groundwork for a deeper connection in the years to come.

1900s, Friendship, General Correspondence, Golden Age (1900–1915), Sent From: California, Subject: Nature & Landscapes

Postcard #0050: Mountain Railway Vista from Mt. Lowe R.R.

May 26, 2026 No Comments

A vintage colorized postcard depicting a dramatic mountain landscape with a railway track curving along the left side. Tall pine trees frame the left and right, with some dead trees in the center adding to the rugged scene. Distant mountain peaks are visible under a light blue and yellow sky. The foreground shows the train tracks receding into the lush green forest. — Front — A colorful illustration of a mountain railway track curving through a forest with distant peaks under a vibrant sky.

Postcard Metadata

Postmarked: Los Angeles, California — May 3, 1909
Sent From: Redondo, California
Sent To: Mr Harvey Sights La Harpe, Illinois.
Distance Traveled: Approximately 1,900 miles
Postage: United States of America, One Cent, Franklin 1706-1790 stamp
Card Details: Divided Back era postcard (circa 1907-1915), Published by Krebs., Los Angeles, Cal., No. 4605, Printed in Germany.

The back of a vintage postcard with a brown paper texture. On the left side, handwritten cursive script in black ink reads — Back — Correspondence from E. Allan Banks to Mr Harvey Sights

Transcription

Redondo, Cal April 30/08. How do you like This for a scene? E. Allan Banks.

Historical & Family Notes

This postcard offers an intriguing glimpse into Harvey Sights’ life before his courtship with Pearl Byers. Sent by a friend, E. Allan Banks, from Redondo, California, it features a scenic view from the famous Mt. Lowe Railway. The message, “How do you like This for a scene?”, suggests a shared appreciation for natural beauty or travel between Harvey and his friend. While the message is dated April 30, 1908, the postmark clearly shows May 3, 1909, indicating a likely clerical error in the year written by the sender.

The Mt. Lowe Railway, located in the San Gabriel Mountains near Los Angeles, was a popular tourist attraction known for its breathtaking views and engineering marvels. This card hints at Harvey’s social circle and interests, receiving correspondence from friends who traveled or lived in distant, picturesque locations. It’s an interesting piece showing the world Harvey inhabited before Pearl became the central figure in his correspondence.

While this card isn’t from Pearl, it contributes to the broader narrative by painting a picture of Harvey’s life and connections prior to his significant relationship. It’s a reminder that even future spouses had their own lives, friends, and experiences before their paths intertwined, adding depth to their eventual shared history captured in this collection.

1900s, Friendship, General Correspondence, Golden Age (1900–1915), Pearl Byers Collection, Sent From: Florida, Subject: Nature & Landscapes

Postcard #0049: Picnic Trip on the Ocklawaha River, Florida

May 25, 2026 No Comments

Black and white postcard image depicting two people in a small rowboat navigating a narrow section of the Ocklawaha River in Florida. The riverbanks are heavily forested with tall cypress trees draped in Spanish moss, creating a dense canopy. The water is calm, reflecting the trees and sky. The printed caption at the bottom reads — A scenic view of two people in a rowboat on the Ocklawaha River, Florida, surrounded by cypress trees draped with Spanish moss.

Postcard Metadata

Postmarked: Lady Lake, Florida — May 11, 1906
Sent From: Lady Lake, Florida
Sent To: Miss Pearle Byers. Carthage, Ill.
Distance Traveled: Approximately 988 miles
Postage: One Cent, U.S. Postage, Benjamin Franklin stamp
Card Details: Undivided Back era (pre-1907), Address only on right side. Publisher: No. 1219. Frank Huld, Publisher, New York.

The undivided back of a vintage postcard featuring a green one-cent Benjamin Franklin postage stamp in the upper right corner. The main postmark reads — Back — Correspondence from Ernest Bligh to Miss Pearle Byers

Transcription

Off for the picnic How would you like this trip— Ernest Bligh.

Historical & Family Notes

This postcard, sent to Pearl Byers in May 1906, offers a glimpse into her social life before her marriage to Harvey Sights. The sender, Ernest Bligh, describes a picnic on the scenic Ocklawaha River in Florida, asking Pearl if she would enjoy such a trip. This suggests a friendly relationship, perhaps a travel companion or an admirer, highlighting Pearl’s wider connections before settling down.

The Ocklawaha River, famous for its lush landscapes and cypress swamps draped in Spanish moss, was a popular tourist destination in the early 20th century. This postcard captures the allure of such natural beauty and the burgeoning trend of travel and leisure, with postcards serving as a common way to share experiences from afar.

While this card is not from Harvey, it enriches Pearl’s personal narrative, painting a picture of a young woman receiving mail from various acquaintances and experiencing life’s adventures, even if vicariously through postcards. The Carthage postmark indicates receipt on the same day as dispatch from Florida, a common yet intriguing postal anomaly for the era, suggesting a rapid journey or perhaps a timestamp discrepancy.

1900s, Friendship, Golden Age (1900–1915), Pearl Byers Collection, Sent From: Florida, Subject: Nature & Landscapes

Postcard #0048: A Banana Blossom from Ernest D. S.

May 24, 2026 No Comments

A colorized vintage postcard showing a large, cream-colored banana blossom hanging from a green banana tree stalk, with small green bananas starting to form at the top of the blossom. The background is a warm, mottled brown. Printed text — Front — A vibrant illustration of a banana tree’s large, pendulous blossom with emerging fruit.

Postcard Metadata

Postmarked: Lady Lake, Florida — March 20, 1906 (Received LaGrange, Illinois — March 23, 1906)
Sent From: Lady Lake, Florida
Sent To: Miss Pearle Byers, Carthage, Ill.
Distance Traveled: Approximately 1150 miles
Postage: One Cent U.S. Postage (Benjamin Franklin)
Card Details: Undivided Back era (Pre-March 1, 1907), manufactured by B. D. Kropf, Milwaukee.

The back of a vintage postcard with a light tan surface. A green one-cent U.S. Postage stamp with Benjamin Franklin's portrait is affixed to the upper right. Two circular postmarks are present: one from — Back — Correspondence from Ernest D. S. to Miss Pearle Byers

Transcription

Letters and card received will write soon. Ernest D. S.

Historical & Family Notes

This postcard, sent from a warmer climate in Florida, offers a glimpse into the diverse correspondence Pearl Byers received. While not from her eventual husband, Harvey Sights, it confirms Pearl was an active recipient of mail, maintaining connections with various friends and family members across the country. The sender, Ernest D. S., acknowledges previous correspondence, indicating an ongoing exchange.

The postcard’s depiction of a banana blossom highlights an exotic fruit for many Midwesterners at the turn of the 20th century. Such imagery provided a window into distant lands and unfamiliar flora, a common theme for postcards intended to transport recipients beyond their immediate surroundings. This particular card showcases the aesthetic appeal of nature photography combined with the practical function of postal communication during a burgeoning era of travel and correspondence.

1900s, Friendship, General Correspondence, Golden Age (1900–1915), Romance & Courtship, Sent From: Washington, Subject: Religious Buildings

Postcard #0047: Chehalis Churches and a Pen Pal’s Bank Job Update

May 23, 2026 No Comments

Vintage multi-panel postcard depicting five different church buildings in Chehalis, Washington, with decorative floral borders. The churches include Presbyterian, Evangelical-Lutheran, Methodist, Christian, and Baptist, each shown with their distinct architectural styles. — Front — A multi-panel collage showcasing five different church buildings in Chehalis, Washington, including Presbyterian, Evangelical-Lutheran, Methodist, Christian, and Baptist.

Postcard Metadata

Postmarked: Chehalis, Washington — May 2, 1908
Sent From: Chehalis, Washington
Sent To: Miss Pearl Rogers, Carthage Ill.
Distance Traveled: Approximately 1850 miles
Postage: One Cent Benjamin Franklin stamp
Card Details: Divided Back era postcard, Made in Germany

Handwritten message on the back of a vintage postcard, addressed to Miss Pearl Rogers in Carthage, Illinois. The card bears a Chehalis, Washington postmark dated May 2, 1908, and features a one-cent Benjamin Franklin postage stamp, with additional sender information at the top left. — Back — Correspondence from Marguerite G. Lattler (likely) to Miss Pearl Rogers

Transcription

A friend Pearl, I believe one you an answer excuse me for the delay but I thought I had answered. How are you I wish I knew you personally. I have finished school and am working in the Bank in Chehalis. I like it fine.

Historical & Family Notes

This postcard, while part of the Pearl Byers collection, is explicitly addressed to “Miss Pearl Rogers.” Given the project’s primary focus on Pearl Byers of Carthage, Illinois, this discrepancy in the recipient’s surname presents an intriguing genealogical question. It may suggest a previous family name, a different recipient, or a common addressing variation of the era, inviting further research into its precise connection to Pearl Byers’ personal archives.

The sender, likely Marguerite G. Lattler from Chehalis, Washington, apologizes for a delayed reply, indicating a pre-existing correspondence between the two. Her message provides a snapshot of life in the early 20th century, sharing personal news of finishing school and beginning a new job at a local bank in Chehalis. The expression “I wish I knew you personally” suggests their relationship might have been primarily through letters or distant acquaintance, rather than close physical proximity.

The significant distance between Chehalis, Washington, and Carthage, Illinois, highlights the importance of postcards as a primary means of long-distance communication and maintaining social connections during this period. The card offers a glimpse into the sender’s new career path and general well-being, sharing a common theme of personal updates exchanged across vast geographical divides.

1900s, Friendship, Golden Age (1900–1915), Sent From: New York, Subject: Nature & Landscapes

Postcard #0042: Niagara Falls Greetings to “Fine Pearl”

May 18, 2026 No Comments

Vintage postcard showing the American Falls at Niagara Falls, New York, with a large steel arch bridge spanning the Niagara River above the falls. Mist rises from the powerful waterfall, and a few small figures of people are visible on a pathway on Goat Island in the foreground. The image has a sepia tone, indicative of early 20th-century photography. — Front — A scenic view of the American Falls at Niagara Falls, New York, with the Upper Steel Arch Bridge and tourists on Goat Island.

Postcard Metadata

Postmarked: Niagara Falls, N.Y. — August 14, 1909
Sent From: Niagara Falls, N.Y.
Sent To: Miss Pearl Byers, Carthage, Ill.
Distance Traveled: Approximately 580 miles
Postage: U.S. POSTAGE ONE CENT green stamp, featuring a profile of George Washington.
Card Details: Divided Back era (1907-present), allowing separate sections for message and address.

The back of a vintage postcard featuring a divided back for message and address. Handwriting in cursive reads — Back — Correspondence from Frank to Miss Pearl Byers

Transcription

Niagara Falls, N.Y. Aug. 14. To fine Pearl, Great. Frank.

Historical & Family Notes

This postcard from Niagara Falls to Miss Pearl Byers in Carthage, Illinois, provides a glimpse into Pearl’s social circle before her eventual marriage to Harvey Sights. Sent by a sender simply identified as “Frank” on August 14, 1909, the brief message, “To fine Pearl, Great,” suggests a casual yet warm acquaintance. Niagara Falls, then as now, was a quintessential destination for scenic wonder, often associated with romantic getaways and honeymoons, though Pearl was still a young, unmarried woman at the time of this correspondence.

The simplicity of the message, a common characteristic of early 20th-century postcards, doesn’t reveal the nature of Pearl’s relationship with Frank. He could be a friend, a family member, or perhaps even a suitor before Harvey Sights entered her life more prominently. Regardless, the card serves as a charming piece of ephemera, documenting a moment in time when Pearl was receiving greetings from various individuals and locations, contributing to the rich tapestry of her personal history.

1900s, Friendship, General Correspondence, Golden Age (1900–1915), Sent From: Iowa

Postcard #0041: When Are You Coming Over In This Country Again?

May 17, 2026 No Comments

A vintage hand-tinted postcard featuring a scenic view of the Royal Hotel in Auchterlochan, Kyles-of-Bute, Scotland. The image shows a large white hotel building next to a paved road, where a lone male figure walks. To the right, several small boats are moored in a calm body of water, with rolling green hills in the distance under a light blue sky. Handwritten initials — Front — A hand-tinted postcard depicting the Royal Hotel and a coastal road in Auchterlochan, Kyles-of-Bute, Scotland, with a lone figure walking and boats moored by the shore.

Postcard Metadata

Postmarked: Wever, Iowa — JUL 22 1908
Sent From: Wever, Iowa
Sent To: Miss Pearle B. Byers, Carthage, Illinois
Distance Traveled: Approximately 23 miles
Postage: United States of America, One Cent (Benjamin Franklin stamp)
Card Details: Divided Back Era (post-1907)

The reverse side of a 1908 divided-back postcard, postmarked — Back — Correspondence from Ray to Miss Pearle B. Byers

Transcription

Hello Pearle when are you coming over in this country again. I expect me from not waiting before I have biansy two. Ray.

Historical & Family Notes

This postcard, featuring a picturesque scene of the Royal Hotel in Auchterlochan, Kyles-of-Bute, Scotland, offers a glimpse into Pearl Byers’ social connections prior to her marriage to Harvey Sights. Despite the Scottish imagery on the front, the card was postmarked from Wever, Iowa, and sent to Pearl in Carthage, Illinois. The sender, identified only as “Ray,” asks Pearl, “when are you coming over in this country again,” implying Pearl may have been traveling or was expected to visit Ray’s locale.

The message suggests a friendly, familiar relationship, possibly with a relative or close friend who lived a short distance away in Iowa. The casual nature of the message, despite the exotic foreign scene, highlights the common practice of using any available postcard stock for correspondence, regardless of its pictorial content, focusing primarily on the message itself.

This card is a small testament to Pearl’s life and relationships before she became Pearl Sights, showcasing her network of acquaintances and the broader world she navigated through correspondence, even as simple as a postcard sent across a short regional distance.

1900s, Friendship, General Correspondence, Golden Age (1900–1915), Sent From: Colorado

Postcard #0039: Trip to the Colorado Mountains and Electric Business Internship

May 15, 2026 No Comments

Vintage postcard showing a hand-colored image of the Toltec Gorge in Colorado, with a river flowing through large boulders, snow-covered banks, and steep rocky cliffs under a golden, orange-hued sky, with scattered evergreen trees. — Front — A vibrant, hand-colored view of the Toltec Gorge in Colorado, with a river flowing through snow-dusted rocks and steep, pine-covered cliffs under a golden sky.

Postcard Metadata

Postmarked: S.A. Denver, Colo. — June 25, 1908
Sent From: Denver, Colorado
Sent To: Miss Pearl Byers, Carthage, Ill.
Distance Traveled: Approximately 715 miles
Postage: U.S. POSTAGE ONE CENT (Green George Washington stamp)
Card Details: Divided Back postcard, Litho-Chrome by Leipzig, Berlin, published by The Colorado News Company, Denver, Colo.

The back of a 1908 postcard with a green one-cent George Washington stamp postmarked — Back — Correspondence from D.S.W. to Pearl Byers

Transcription

June. 25.08 Miss Byers. Just returned from trips to mountains and was pleased to find card awaiting me, From july 1st I will have intern in the electric business in San Marciali. weather down here is too warm, & it is very dry for this time of year your friend D.S.W.

Historical & Family Notes

This postcard, sent to Pearl Byers in 1908, offers a glimpse into a potential early admirer or friend, D.S.W., before her eventual marriage to Harvey Sights. The sender shares news of recent mountain excursions and an upcoming “intern” position in the “electric business in San Marciali,” likely referring to San Marcial, New Mexico, a significant railroad town known for its engineering activities. The mention of the weather being “too warm” and “very dry” for the time of year provides a vivid, if brief, snapshot of the conditions in the American Southwest over a century ago.

While the sender is not explicitly Harvey Sights, this card is part of a collection leading to Pearl and Harvey’s story. It’s plausible that this correspondence represents a friendship Pearl maintained, or perhaps even an early professional contact for Harvey, who was known for his engineering work and travels. The timing predates much of the known extensive correspondence between Pearl and Harvey, suggesting a period when Pearl was cultivating various relationships.

The card’s front, depicting the dramatic Toltec Gorge, captures the adventurous spirit of the sender’s mountain trips. This kind of scenic postcard was very popular during the Divided Back era, allowing for both a picture and a personal message to be shared across vast distances, connecting people like D.S.W. and Pearl Byers, even as their lives unfolded in different regions of the country.

1900s, Friendship, General Correspondence, Golden Age (1900–1915), Sent From: Germany, Sent From: Kansas

Postcard #0038: A Quick Note from Lebanon, Kansas, with a View of Dresden’s Zwingerhof

May 14, 2026 No Comments

Hand-colored vintage postcard of the Zwingerhof, a grand Baroque palace courtyard in Dresden, Germany, featuring ornate buildings, manicured gardens, a central fountain, and a figure in historical attire on a path. The sky is light blue with soft clouds, and the palace architecture is detailed with classical elements. — Front — A hand-colored image depicting the elegant Zwingerhof palace and gardens in Dresden, Germany.

Postcard Metadata

Postmarked: Lebanon, Kansas — January 24, 1907
Sent From: Lebanon, Kansas
Sent To: Pearle Bryers, Carthage, Illinois
Distance Traveled: Approximately 370 miles
Postage: One Cent, Benjamin Franklin (U.S. Series of 1902)
Card Details: Divided Back era (early example, pre-dating the official U.S. divided back standard of March 1, 1907)

Vintage postcard back with a handwritten message in cursive on the left side, reading — Back — Correspondence from Frankie to Pearle Bryers

Transcription

Postkarte. Card and letter recd. will write soon Frankie

Historical & Family Notes

This postcard offers a glimpse into Pearl Byers’s broader social network prior to her marriage to Harvey Sights, as she receives a brief acknowledgment from a sender named Frankie. The early 20th century saw a boom in postcard popularity, with people often sending quick notes like this one rather than full letters. This card, postmarked just over a month before the official start of the Divided Back era in the U.S., showcases an early adoption of the format, allowing for both address and message on the back.

The exotic image of the Zwingerhof in Dresden, Germany, provides a stark contrast to the everyday, concise message from Kansas. It reflects a common practice of the time: using scenic or international cards for purely domestic, informal communication, bridging vast geographical and cultural distances through a simple piece of mail.

While this card doesn’t directly mention Harvey Sights, it helps to paint a more complete picture of Pearl’s life and her connections before her romance with Harvey blossomed. It shows her as a recipient of regular correspondence, illustrating the everyday communication practices of young women in rural America at the turn of the century.

1900s, Family Correspondence, Friendship, General Correspondence, Golden Age (1900–1915), Sent From: Iowa

Postcard #0035: Lake Starker, Always Remember, Never Forget

May 11, 2026 No Comments

A hand-colored vintage postcard depicts a serene green lake reflecting trees on the left, with two ducks on the water. On the right bank, a tall metal water tower stands next to a white building with a red roof under a light blue sky with white clouds. — Front — A scenic, hand-colored view of Lake Starker in Crapo Park, Burlington, Iowa, with a water tower and building visible on the far bank.

Postcard Metadata

Postmarked: Not Postmarked
Sent From: Burlington, Iowa
Sent To: Miss Pearl Byers, Carthage Ill
Distance Traveled: Approx. 38 miles
Postage: Domestic One Cent (indicated by stamp box)
Card Details: Undivided Back (circa 1906)

The undivided back of a vintage postcard features the printed text — Back — Correspondence from Annie to Miss Pearl Byers

Transcription

Always remember never forget Aug. 11th 1906. Annie.

Historical & Family Notes

This postcard, sent by someone named Annie to Pearl Byers in 1906, offers a glimpse into Pearl’s social life before her eventual marriage to Harvey Sights. The message, “Always remember never forget Aug. 11th 1906,” strongly suggests a significant shared memory or event that took place on that particular date between Pearl and Annie. The image itself, featuring Lake Starker in Burlington’s Crapo Park, illustrates a popular scenic and recreational spot of the era.

Crapo Park, established in 1895, was a beloved local destination, known for its picturesque landscapes and facilities, making it an ideal setting for outings and creating lasting memories. This card serves as a tangible reminder of a moment in Pearl’s youth, connecting her to friendships and experiences that shaped her life prior to her primary role as a wife and mother in the Sights family.

While the exact nature of the August 11th event remains a mystery, the sentiment of the message emphasizes its importance to both Annie and Pearl. Such postcards were vital for maintaining connections in a time before modern communication, preserving snippets of personal history and social bonds.

1900s, Friendship, General Correspondence, Golden Age (1900–1915), Sent From: Iowa

Postcard #0034: Swiss Cottage in Crapo Park, Burlington, Iowa, with a Memory from September 5, 1906

May 10, 2026 No Comments

A vintage, handcolored postcard featuring a two-story Swiss-style cottage with a red roof, surrounded by lush green foliage and vines, situated on a hillside with a body of water visible in the background under a light sky. The text — Front — A handcolored image of a quaint Swiss Cottage nestled on a hill overlooking water in Crapo Park.

Postcard Metadata

Postmarked: Not visible
Sent From: Burlington, Iowa
Sent To: Miss Pearle Byers, Carthage, Ill.
Distance Traveled: Approximately 65 miles
Postage: Domestic One cent (stamp box indicates)
Card Details: Undivided Back (pre-1907), Handcolored, published by The Rotograph Co., N. Y., City. (Germany.)

The back of a vintage postcard with an undivided back, showing a large — Back — Correspondence from Jennie to Miss Pearle Byers

Transcription

Jennie Remember Sept. 5, ’06.

Historical & Family Notes

This postcard, sent to Pearle Byers, provides a glimpse into her social life before her significant connection with Harvey Sights. The sender, Jennie, uses a specific date, September 5, 1906, suggesting an event, anniversary, or shared memory that was important to both friends. It’s a sweet, personal message indicating a close bond between Pearle and Jennie, predating the main courtship narrative with Harvey.

The setting of Crapo Park in Burlington, Iowa, with its picturesque “Swiss Cottage,” reflects the popular tourist destinations and scenic spots that people enjoyed and commemorated on postcards during the early 20th century. This card helps to establish Pearle’s personal network and the popular culture of the time, showing her receiving mail from friends even before her path truly intertwined with Harvey’s.