I discovered Marlene's postcard album when I was going through her things. I was in a hurry then so bundled them up, and they've been sitting on my shelf since. Recently I circled back.
She collected postcards when she was a girl during the 1940's and continued through the 50's. It was either the rage to send cards back then or widely known that she collected, since there are several hundred in the bunch. Probably both are true. She had them to and from friends and family (among them Hattie, Hilda, Mildred, Martha, and Mitzi – for those who follow my sweater designs).
All delightfully vintage and visually interesting for that, of equal treasure, especially for me, are their backs. I saw where they lived through delivery addresses and their hand in their writing. Reading through I met my mum as a girl and a teenager, and my grandmother Mildred younger than when I knew her. I met my great-grandmother Martha too, for the first time.
Included among this vintage set, was one a little less so. At the very end of the postcard pile I found this.
Apparently I felt the need to clarify as sender.
I've put aside my knitting for the past several days to make their container as these cards are box-worthy for sure –
– keeping kindred spirits alive.