Vintage Postcards 1908-1914

 

Back before telephones were common, my family communicated by postcard.  Much as we would send a text today, postcards were used to send a short note letting the family know that one had arrived safely or was planning to come for a visit the following weekend.  

My grandmother, Lavinia Wands, was living with her parents Olive and Harrison Wands in East Syracuse, NY.  Her older sister Katherine Wands Pierce lived in Tully, NY with her husband Than and her daughters, Olive, Frances and Lois.

The postcards flew fast and furiously.  Many displayed images of local scenes and buildings in Syracuse and surrounding area.  The collection below was placed in an album by one of my highly organized ancestors.  Below is just a sampling:

 

 

Peoplescape - New Orleans Style

 

Marilyn Pegler was probably Janice's biggest fan.  She had a whole collection of Peoplescapes, and when Mother's Day approached her husband commissioned one especially for her.  They loved the French Quarter, and even had an architect design their home with a Big Easy esthetic.  Their home featured white wrought iron railings like the ones in the painting.  

Zoom in to see the details.  

I am sure my mother had a story in mind to make this more than just a pretty picture.  Her daughter says that the woman in the painting bore no resemblance to Marilyn.