Post Cards

Like handwritten letters these communiques are disappearing. The original "tweet," Post Cards provide snippets of information, which capture experiences and memories of time. Their format reflects historical pictorials and enables arm chair tours of the world. Ages ago they were also used as holiday greeting cards.

Each time I visit a flea market I seek them out. Yesterday this one caught my eye. Sent from Fawnskin which is near Big Bear Lake in Southern California. Mailed August 19, 1974.

" Dear Debbie,

I am having alot of fun at Big Bear. The first night I got sick & threw up all over, but I fill fine now. Hope you fill fine. I will see you when I get back."

Luv Darha

Succinct.

Such a unique way to capture people, places and things. One that I have is a black and white photograph depicting an elderly Native American Indian woman bent over by the weight of the basket of wood she is carrying. The inscription reads, "Indian Life near Crescent City, Calif." Her forlorn look conveys her hardship. Penciled on the back is the name Polly Tootooney.

Some I've found from the Western Publishing and Novelty Company of Los Angeles depict California's nature icons; Death Valley and Yosemite National Park. I also have images of LA's City Hall, The Hollywood Bowl and Santa Anita Race Track from the 60's. I want to locate post cards of LA that no longer exists. The Brown Derby, Nickodels, Ambassador Hotel, Chasens.

I've kept numerous ones sent to me from friends during their travels. Those with exotic white sand beaches, castles, mummies, royalty, etc. One year a friend and I engaged in a Post Card "war." We each sought out the most unique we could find and mailed them to one another. Maybe I should restart that "war."

Finding old time Post Cards is akin to a treasure hunt. Doesn't mean I don't buy present day cards. I do. Have one bought on my last trip North to see Dad. The picture shows the Little Shasta Church (built in 1878) sitting beneath the majesty of Mt. Shasta. On the back of the card there is a map of Jefferson Territory. "A Place That Never Was Yet Will Always Be."

Another historical POV.