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.
Postcard Information
Postmark: CARTHAGE, ILL., OCT 13 1909
Sent To: La Harpe IL
Era: Golden Age (1907–1915)
Stamp: 1¢
Distance Traveled: ~15 miles
About This Card
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 — 10/28/09 Just a line to say I will be in C. about 9 or ten this morning. Hope you have had a fine time at the party. H.R.S.
Postcard Information
Postmark: LA HARPE, ILL., OCT 29 1909
Sent To: Carthage IL
Era: Golden Age (1907–1915)
Publisher: Isabel Cochran, Carthage, Illinois
Stamp: 1¢
Distance Traveled: ~15 miles
About This Card
Long Creek runs through the countryside near both Carthage and La Harpe in Hancock County, Illinois — it was familiar ground to Harvey, who grew up in La Harpe, and to Pearl, who lived in Carthage. Harvey signed this card “H.R.S.” — his initials — and sent it from La Harpe in October 1909, just over a year before their wedding on October 6, 1910. The note is brief and practical: he’ll be in Carthage around nine or ten in the morning. The creek in the illustration looks peaceful in autumn light.
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 — 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
Front — A hand-colored image of the Wheeler Park Picnic Grounds in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, showing a tree-lined path.
Postcard Metadata
Postmarked: Oklahoma City, Okla. — AUG 11 8-PM 19 09
Sent From: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Sent To: Miss Pearl Byers, 318 N. Fayette Street, Carthage, Illinois
Distance Traveled: Approximately 540 miles
Postage: U.S. Postage, One Cent, George Washington green stamp
Card Details: Divided Back era (c. 1907-1915), Published by Sadler & Pennington, Oklahoma City, Okla., Made in Germany.
Back — Correspondence from Harvey Sights to Miss Pearl Byers
Transcription
I guess you hardly expect to hear from me again but I waited until I got home to write. I would love to hear from you. My address is 218 East 10 St. Okla.
Historical & Family Notes
This postcard, sent from Harvey Sights in Oklahoma City to Pearl Byers in Carthage, Illinois, offers a glimpse into their early correspondence, hinting at a dynamic courtship. Harvey’s opening line, “I guess you hardly expect to hear from me again,” suggests a pause in their communication or perhaps a period of uncertainty, which he quickly aims to remedy by sending this note from his home address. The sentiment “I would love to hear from you” clearly indicates his desire to continue their connection despite any prior gaps.
The fact that Harvey waited until he was home to write suggests a personal touch to his message, reinforcing the emerging bond between them. As Pearl and Harvey’s story unfolds towards marriage, these early postcards become precious artifacts, chronicling the subtle emotional currents that shaped their relationship. His providing a specific address, “218 East 10 St. Okla.”, underscores his eagerness for a response and to cement their line of communication.
The image of the picnic grounds on the front, with its inviting paths and dappled sunlight, could subtly reflect the pleasant anticipation of future shared moments, even as their correspondence traversed hundreds of miles across the Midwest. The postcard serves as a tangible reminder of the effort and intention invested in building their relationship from afar, a common scenario in an era when such written exchanges were vital for maintaining long-distance connections.
Front — An embossed illustration of a holly sprig with red berries above a winter landscape scene and “A MERRY CHRISTMAS” message.
Postcard Metadata
Postmarked: Perris, California — December 22 (Year unreadable, likely early 1910s based on stamp and card type)
Sent From: Perris, California
Sent To: Miss Pearl Byers Carthage Ill.
Distance Traveled: Approximately 1,900 miles
Postage: U.S. Postage, One Cent, green Benjamin Franklin stamp
Card Details: Divided Back Era (post-1907)
Back — Correspondence from Harvey Sights to Miss Pearl Byers
Transcription
H.S.
Historical & Family Notes
This Christmas postcard, adorned with festive holly and a serene winter scene, carries a simple but significant message from Harvey Sights to Pearl Byers. The solitary “H.S.” initial, penned vertically on the correspondence side, speaks volumes about the growing connection between them, despite the vast geographical distance separating Perris, California, from Carthage, Illinois. The journey of nearly 1,900 miles underscores Harvey’s effort to reach Pearl during the holiday season, a time traditionally associated with warmth and connection.
The absence of a longer message might suggest a burgeoning relationship where a simple acknowledgment was enough, or perhaps a more private communication was shared via other means. This card serves as a tangible link in the evolving story of Pearl and Harvey, capturing a moment when their paths, though physically distant, were drawing closer. It’s a testament to the enduring tradition of holiday greetings and the personal touch postcards offered in an era before instant communication.
As an archival piece, this postcard not only documents a festive exchange but also subtly hints at the dedication involved in maintaining a long-distance connection during the early 20th century. For Pearl, receiving this Christmas wish from Harvey, even if brief, would have been a cherished reminder of his thoughts for her, further cementing their bond that would eventually lead to marriage and their daughter, Marnelle.
Front — A “Best Wishes” postcard featuring purple pansies, an embossed blue ribbon, and a framed rural farm scene.
Postcard Metadata
Postmarked: Carthage, Illinois — September 7, 1909
Sent From: Carthage, Illinois
Sent To: Mr. Harvey Sights, La Harpe Ill
Distance Traveled: Approximately 16 miles
Postage: U.S. Postage, One Cent (George Washington portrait)
Card Details: Divided Back postcard, popular from 1907 onwards, featuring embossed details.
Back — Correspondence from E.P.B. (Pearl Byers) to Harvey Sights
Transcription
Carthage Ill. Sept. 7-09. Rec’d card this morning as I came to work. Thanks “awfully.” It is dandy. E.P.B. Mr. Harvey Sights La Harpe Ill
Historical & Family Notes
This postcard offers a charming glimpse into the early courtship between Pearl Byers and Harvey Sights. Pearl, writing from Carthage, Illinois, expresses her thanks to Harvey for a card she received earlier that morning, playfully stating it was “dandy.” This exchange highlights their regular correspondence despite living a mere sixteen miles apart, indicating a blossoming romance through the daily ritual of postcard mail.
The sender’s initials “E.P.B.” are almost certainly Pearl Byers, aligning with the family’s identity rules and the ongoing narrative of their relationship. The card was sent on September 7, 1909, a significant period in their courtship before their eventual marriage and the birth of their daughter, Marnelle.
The message’s casual and affectionate tone—”Thanks ‘awfully'”—suggests a comfort and familiarity between Pearl and Harvey, showcasing a delightful snapshot of their everyday interactions and the simple pleasures of receiving mail from a loved one in the early 20th century.
Front — A sepia-toned image of the Old Mormon Jail in Carthage, Illinois, with a white picket fence.
Postcard Metadata
Postmarked: Iowa City, Iowa — July 8, 1908, 9 PM
Sent From: Iowa City, Iowa
Sent To: Mr Harvey Sightes, La Harpe, Ill.
Distance Traveled: Approximately 95 miles
Postage: 1 Cent U.S. Postage (Benjamin Franklin)
Card Details: Divided Back era (1907-1915)
Back — Correspondence from an unknown sender to Mr Harvey Sights
Transcription
Vanmeter Hotel Be good to you. Hello dad!- (Once upon a time) How are you, I am fine, got here about 1 o’clock mon night, having fine time. You adds this some day to fun address my E. M. Collars General Delived Iowa City, Io
Historical & Family Notes
This postcard, postmarked in Iowa City in 1908, is addressed to Harvey Sights, who would later marry Pearl Byers. The message, though informal and from an unidentified sender, offers a glimpse into the casual communications of the era, reporting on travel and a “fine time” to a father figure. The sender provides a return address for “my E. M. Collars” at General Delivery in Iowa City, suggesting either a temporary stay or a traveling companion.
The front of the postcard features the historically significant Old Mormon Jail in Carthage, Illinois, where Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, was killed. This landmark in Carthage holds particular relevance as it is the town where Pearl Byers resided and where she and Harvey Sights would eventually build their life together.
While not a direct communication between Pearl and Harvey, this postcard to Harvey connects to the broader geographical and historical context of their lives. It captures a moment in time when travel was an adventure, and postcards served as brief, tangible links between people across distances, even if just to share a historical site or a simple update on one’s well-being.
Front — Oval photographic insert featuring a young man in a long coat and hat standing on a porch, with bare trees in the background, next to a handwritten message.
Postcard Metadata
Postmarked: Hamilton, Illinois — March 11, 1909
Sent From: Hamilton, Illinois
Sent To: Miss Pearl Byers, Carthage, Illinois
Distance Traveled: Approximately 18 miles
Postage: One Cent U.S. Postage, Franklin profile (green stamp)
Card Details: Divided Back era (1907-1915)
Back — Correspondence from Harvey Sights to Pearl Byers
Transcription
and that is free and the broom since my May be I will find a camera along with me to take my picture I will try and after this for bring you to the dear your Bery Dear Pearl This leaves me very lonesome this after[text obscured by POST CARD graphic] Harvey
Historical & Family Notes
This postcard, sent by a young Harvey Sights to Pearl Byers, serves as a poignant artifact of their early courtship. Harvey sends a photographic image of himself, possibly his current appearance, and expresses a wish to either take another picture or visit Pearl, stating “I will try and after this for bring you to the dear.” This indicates his desire to see her and deepen their connection, which was common practice during this era of long-distance romance.
The message on the back, though partially obscured, reveals Harvey’s loneliness, starting with “Dear Pearl This leaves me very lonesome this after[…].” This personal touch underscores the emotional intensity of their correspondence. The relatively short distance between Hamilton and Carthage, Illinois, would have made visits plausible, adding anticipation to Harvey’s promise.
This card is a tender snapshot of their relationship before marriage, showing the efforts Harvey made to stay connected and express his feelings, using the popular medium of postcards to bridge the physical distance between them. The slight ambiguity in the sender’s signature on the front (“Bery”) further highlights the informal and intimate nature of their exchanges.
