An archive of over 1,100 early 20th-century postcards from one family. One new postcard every day.
Back — Rec’d your card, many thanks for same. how does the wea- ther strike you – to hot here for me. suppose you enjoy the sunny days latly. the writer. Bess.
Back — Friend Pearle:- Rec’d your letter and card O. K. would of ans sooner but am harvesting now and as busy I can [illegible] [illegible] Did you enjoy yourself when H. B. and E. H. were there, wish I could of been there but could not [continued on top margin:] V. H. [?] H. B. or Eva have not gone yet still is going for social.
Back — Seeing lots of old friends at Homecoming going to Picnic to morrow then back to Chicago. Had a big storm here last night. love from Grandma
The Carthage Jail was built in 1839 and became, on June 27, 1844, the site of the murder of Joseph Smith, founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his brother Hyrum. A mob stormed the jail, where Smith was being held on charges of treason, and shot both men. The LDS Church acquired the building in 1903 and has operated it as a historic site ever since. Grandma sent this hand-colored postcard during Homecoming in August 1938, saw lots of old friends, and mentioned a big storm the night before. The jail she photographed or purchased a card of had been standing for nearly a century and had housed the most consequential prisoner in American religious history.
Back — Just about time to hit the trail Have seen Docs. Harris & Ed Cutlers W. Nichols. Ran or Marnel & Neal just left Ray & E. Ethel got run over by a car and was in to see Dr. but he was not in they are coming back to morrow to pick up Mr. B. Horace is taking me to Guys to morrow Eve all are comfortable here well [?] but Lizzie is not any to good just now. tell you more when I get home. Love Harve
The Stone Inn in Carthage, Illinois was a two-story stone building on or near the town square — one of the older commercial structures in the city, built from the local limestone that defined early Carthage construction before brick became the dominant material. Harvey sent this real photo postcard, signing it “Love Harve.” Harvey had grown up in La Harpe and moved to Carthage when he and Pearl married in October 1910; the Stone Inn was part of the commercial geography of the town he adopted. The building’s stone construction set it apart from the later brick commercial blocks that surrounded it.
Back — Am at Elva’s till Sat P.M. If you think I had better come home phone me after 7. Marnelle can. Got moms card last night. John D leaves for camp next week. No time for more now. Am sewing for Elva. Go back to Guys [?] Sat then home Sun. P.M. is plan now. Pearle.
The Methodist Church in Carthage, Illinois — shown here in a linen-era postcard — was a large brick building with a prominent tower that anchored the residential neighborhood where Pearl lived at 318 N. Fayette Street. Pearl sent this card herself, which suggests she was either sending it to someone who’d asked about the church, or simply documenting the neighborhood she lived in for someone far away. The church building visible here dates from the late nineteenth century and remained the center of the Methodist congregation Pearl would have known throughout her years in Carthage.
Back — 8/16/09 Had a chat with Aunt M. today. Am nearly down and out tonight. Did you hear what a time they had here this morning? Don’t forget the races. Big crowd here every day. I sent you 7 pictures of the park, and did you find one with some fellows on the porch? I stayed all night at the Hotel last night. Going home tomorrow morning. Can you read this With love Elva
Back — Carthage Ill. 10-13-09 Hello Pearle. What do you know about this? Hope you will get this card safe. am glad you are having a good time only wish the weather was better. never mind the weather. Ask Harvey if he Dares me. Better not. Hallie.
The interior of the Presbyterian Church in Carthage, Illinois shows the characteristic worship space of a mainline Protestant congregation in a small county seat: pale walls, wooden pews, a central pulpit, colored glass in the windows. Hallie sent this real photo postcard from Carthage — the kind of postcard a congregation member might send to a friend who had moved away, showing what the church looked like inside. Carthage’s Presbyterian congregation was established in the early years of the town’s settlement and remained one of the city’s significant institutions.
Back — Received your letter last night had made all purchases Thursday. Do not get to work at all Saturday So nothing happened will be there either in a.m. or be on [illegible] about noon for [illegible] was well. He [?] is late and am tired so will go mail this and retire Ray
This real photo postcard of a grocery store window display in Quincy, Illinois is a small window into the retail world of early-twentieth-century commerce. The window is filled with sacks and containers — flour, possibly grain, canned goods — arranged for display in a manner that valued quantity and variety over design. Ray sent this card from Quincy with a brief note. Quincy grocery stores in this period served a large regional market, and the window display reflects the practical character of commerce in a river city that still had deep agricultural connections to its hinterland.
Back — Hello Pearle, How many eggs did you eat Easter. I didn’t count mine. I didn’t have as good a time this Easter as I did last. Did you, How are you getting along. I am as mean as ever. As Ever Alda / ] Alda
Back — How is Ferris? Have you got over that fit you had that Sunday eve? ] From C.H.
Front — ] A.E.T.
Back — ] Dear Pearl: Could not find any card of the telephone office but will send you one when they get some more in. Everything perfectly lovely here. how is [crossed out] is sister? Write sooner. Alley.
Front — I wonder how many long, hot, tiresome days I have spent in each of these buildings
Back — Am looking for some occupation to keep me out of mischief. Please excuse pencil as I am too lazy to go to the desk. As ever E.P.B.
Back — The Plastics party has been definitely set for nov. 13. on mon. nite. all come that can. I think Mary wd like to come with you. John goes to school that nite. I think Arvetta may want to come with you too. not sure yet if she can come at all. but mary can talk to you all between now & starting time. Hope all can come Love Mae [?]
