London - The Big Funny City in 1912

With traffic from the Olympics, it may have been easier to get around London in 1912 than it is today.  The first card is in fairly rough shape, but it includes a wonderful message written exactly 100 years ago today.

The message reads:

Chichester, Aug. 2' 1912

My Dear Alfred

I was much pleased today to find your kind note in my mail-bag! Thank you for remembering me.

I remember when your Father was about your age, that his grandmother took him to England. I have thought of it several times since I came here.

This card shows you one of the finest places in London. It is a big funny city. Do you see that two story omnibus?  with stair on the outside. It is one of the hundreds we see, and they are all covered over with posters advertising whiskey and beer, and soap and bread +c+c.

We are having a good time and seeing many fine things.

I hope you are all well. Give my love to your Father + Mother and all.  your Friend,

E.C. Harrington

Here are two more cards of the same era.

Newgate Gap - Margate, England

Most of all I love postcards that show a snapshot of life as it was at that moment, people going about their business and perhaps stopping briefly to look at the camera. What happened just before the photo was taken? Did the man fall of the bike? Are the people on the iron bridge above watching this scene or looking out to sea? In any case, I would love to jump into the scene and take a walk to the refreshments shop, built into the rock face,  before I head down to the shore at Cliftonville, the coastal area of Margate, a town located in South East England.

This card shows the original bridge, built in 1861, a 42-foot span at an elevation of nearly 60 feet.  In 1907, a decision was made to replace the bridge with a new more ornate one.

Here's the back of the card. It's addressed to Mr. Chilvers, c/o Mrs Miles, Lower Lodge, Kingswood Manor, Burgh Heath near Epsom with a message that reads:

1 Princes St 

Margate

Dear Wilf

All right

Hope you are

Tram Tuesday - Salford, England

If you were standing here today in Salford near Manchester, you would be in the middle of the motorway. But back when this photo was taken, Cross Lane was a vibrant street with trams, shops, and the Ship Hotel and its famous Ship Pub. The Ship Hotel was built in 1888 and demolished in 1973 after many colorful years and many visits by foreign sailors and locals alike.

On this postcard you can see The Ship on the left-hand side. Jessie was staying just down the street from The Ship where you see the X.

At the time this postcard was published, circa 1910,  Greater Manchester had an extensive tram system. According to Wikipedia, the tram system provided 200 million passenger journeys per year by 1915 on 662 vehicles. At that time it was the most popular form of transportation. The tram system recovered quickly from damage during World War I, but was closed for a time in 1918 to stop the spread of the Spanish Flu.

In the 1940s,  tracks were pulled up to provide steel for the war effort. As in many places, the trend was to abandon trams for buses. Salford tram service ended in 1947, with Manchester service ending just two years later.

Here's the back of the card, with Jessie's message:

Dear Leon

Where I have put that cross is the place Street I am staying in I often ride on the street car to town lovingly Jessie

Does the fact that she refers to the street car instead of a tram indicate that she was perhaps visiting from the United States?

You can view a video of Salford history and The Ship at Salford Online.

York, England

In retrospect, it occurred to me that I should have taken some of my UK postcards along for our recent trip so we could try to capture the same views today. Too late, but in a few cases the views turned out to be fairly similar just by chance.  Here's an old postcard of York, with a view of the Minster from the city wall.  Note the long line of laundry hanging out to dry in the lower right corner.

This photo is taken from a little bit further back, and unfortunately we can no longer see the clothesline, but the general scene is little changed from a hundred years ago.

As tourists, there are some things that are remarkable to us that locals would not even look at twice. Certainly the food is different. We found ourselves fascinated with Cornish pasties, with each shop claiming to have award-winning versions, though specific award names were never mentioned.  I think they probably all deserve awards.

Mushy peas were also new to us, served with fish and chips or with pasties. They don't sound glamorous, but mushy peas are good.

Most American buildings have not been around long enough to see this kind of settling, so we found the sloped floors, cracked walls, and crooked door frames to be pretty interesting. This one is at Betty's Tea Room in York.

I don't think this hair color has made it to Oregon yet, though it would do a lot to brighten up our wet and gloomy winters, as would the pink dresses.

Here's a previous post on York and the its trams.

I Do Not Cycle

The problem with a postcard, or even a letter, is that you may not know what was communicated in previous correspondence, so there are invariably mysteries.  There's nothing mysterious about the front of the card, but the message could use some explanation.

 

Wilf sent this card from Coventry, UK in May 1910 to Miss Polly Lee in Bridgnorth.

Here's the back of the card.

The message reads:

Dear Polly

have just received your letter but shall not be able to answer it very soon as I have got to go to Coventry for the Sunbeam on a little bit of business so I cannot say how long I shall be before I shall get back but I expect it will be Tuesday but I will write as soon as I can! I Do Not Cycle? Wilf

What could he mean? 

Here's a picture of Polly's house, courtesy of Google.


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I revised this post based on the comments below. Yes, it's Sunbeam, as in bicycles. And here's a great link to a blog that talks about Coventry's role in the bicycle industry. Those Sunbeams were beautiful. Here's the link that Lisa provided ion the comments below: http://www.localhistory.scit.wlv.ac.uk/Museum/Transport/bicycles/Sunbeam.htm

To Ruth from Ethel and Fred

Ethel sent her sister Ruth in London a few cards - one from Felixstowe and one from Folkestone.

Here are the backs of the cards in the same order.

The message reads:

Dear Ruth just a card to ask you if you can put me up for one night as I shall be home on Thursday and shall probably go to the flat on Friday. I shall not come until after xx o'clock as I shall be calling at mothers first hope you are all well Love from Ethel

The message on this one is a little harder to make out, but seems to say:

14 Warren Rd Folkestone

Dear Sister This is where all the big Pots stay there are two bandstands and a new Hall called the Cliff Hall also Leas Pavilion where we went to a Variety show called the Golden Gommes it is very good there are also some lovely walks below the cliffs We had a ride on the Model railroad at Hythe. We hope you are all well today Love Ethel and Fred.

We are at Swingate (?) today

Snowdon Railway

Every now and then when I'm reading other blogs I'm inspired to dig up a related card from my collection. In this case I was reading about Mt. Snowdon in North Wales on Sheila's blog, A Postcard A Day. I like her post because it not only tells about Mt. Snowdon, but also has a message from the sender recounting the experience of hiking to the top. Sheila also mentions that while many people seem determined to hike the summit, a train was  built in the 19th century. Here's that train.

There is a lot more information on the official railway website, although I couldn't seem to find information on how long the journey takes. I would probably want to hike up and take the train down, but the site warns that there is not always space available for one-way trips down.

Unfortunately, no message on the back.

Special at the Brighouse Cemetery

I bought this postcard along with some other Yorkshire postcards that I posted previously.  I almost didn't buy this one, but somehow the No Dogs Admitted sign convinced me.  I'm not suggesting there's any logic to that; it's just the way it happened.

I looked for some more images of the cemetery and found some nice ones at Malcolm Bull's Calderdale Companion. I also came upon a site that claimed to be the blog of Brighouse Cemetery and had this to say:

Welcome to the blog of Brighouse Cemetery

Hello! Brighouse Cemetery is in business in Brighouse, ENG, and is interested in doing business with you. Contact Brighouse Cemetery to request a deal, get a coupon or to do business.

I am not sure what kind of deals they might offer...half off? Maybe an Early Bird special? Group discount? Whatever the case, don't delay - I'm sure it's a limited-time offer.

Here's the back of the card.

Huddersfield, England

I just came across these postcards this last weekend. I felt an immediate sense of recognition, although I've never been to Huddersfield or anywhere in Yorkshire for that matter. I am only familiar with Huddersfield, because I know that's where Alan of News from Nowhere  fame lives.

Anything I told you about Huddersfield would just be rehashed from Wikipedia, but I will tell you that this park is still there and appears to be popular. One of the park's most popular events is an annual Caribbean Carnival. I don't know who came up with that idea, but I think it would be a nice gesture if folks in the Caribbean reciprocated with a Yorkshire Festival of some kind.

I like this second card very much. The scan may not show the metallic quality of this silver print, so you'll just have to take my word for it.

There appears to be a sign on the left for Marshall's Pianos and a hotel on the right the ____ Imperial Hotel. Of course, the first thing I did was to get on Google street view and go for a little walk around the area. New Street is still there, but it seems to feed into lots of other interesting streets, so off I went. When you walk with Google, you walk down the middle of the road. That may be why this poor lady looks the way she does. What happened to her legs? Do you think I should call a virtual ambulance? And look at all the Sumo wrestlers in the windows!


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These walks down the middle of the road are particularly disconcerting when you forget that the Brits drive on the left-hand side. I feel lucky to have survived this virtual adventure.  I walked briskly into a dead-end street, turned around, ended up at a massive bus station and then decided to head out to the countryside on Ashes Lane. It was so green and beautiful, and I was captivated by the stone walls. I may have to visit for real some day.

Here are the backs of the cards in the same order. Sadly, no messages.

The Royal Infirmary - Manchester, England

Although it's small, you can see a double-deck tram on the left. One of the things I appreciate about this card is that it was sent from Manchester, England to Manchester, New Hampshire in the United States. The infirmary had recently been moved to its new location when this card was sent in 1908.

The message to P.N. Champion reads:

The King is coming to open this place next July. Sincerely Yours

JJ 2145

Good Bye

King Edward the VII did indeed open the building. It sustained quite a bit of damage during World War II, but there have been a number of additions since then too.

Streetcar Sunday - York, England

Bootham Bar is the one of the famous gateways through the city walls of York. There has been a gate of one kind or another here since 71 AD when the city was founded by the Romans. At that time, the city was known as Eboracum. When the Angles took over in 451 AD, the city became known as Eoforwic, which has a certain ring to it if you can pronounce it. It didn't become known as York until the 13th century.

York started out with horse-drawn carriages or buses as public transportation (i.e. no rails). They also used steam-powered trams briefly before changing over to electric trams in 1909. If you look closely, you can see that this one has two decks, and the barrier on the top one is quite low. Sit down, gentlemen or you may be knocked off the tram when we pass through one of those gates.

As buses gained in popularity over the next few decades, the decision was made to stop running the trams. The last one ran in 1935.

Here's the back of the card, showing that it was printed by E.T.W. Dennis & Sons.  I don't encounter  their cards very often.

To Miss C. Bee

Here's another card from the Bee family, this one sent to Chrissie Bee in Edinburgh, Scotland from her friend in Kingham, England:

The message reads:

c/o Davidsons

2 Bayview Kingham

D/C.

Having a ripping time. We met Isa J. + A.S. this afternoon + are spending the evening with them. This is the nicest card I can get.

Your loving chum

Jean

I certainly would like to visit Kingham, which was voted 'England's Favourite Village' 2004 by Country Life magazine. It is described as a beautiful unspoiled Cotswold village with elegant stone and thatch cottages dating from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Picadilly Circus

Wow, the backside includes a quote from the Prime Minister. Which Prime Minister? Does it matter? It seems to me it does.  It turns out this quote is from Winston Churchill, from a 1940 speech calling all men to fight against the Nazis. So, why don't they include his name?

And here's another view from a little later:

I love all of the ads, and I'm glad to know that Guinness is good for you. Bovril is also front and center. Don't tell anyone, but I actually like the stuff.

This card was sent in 1954, though the picture is from an earlier date. Here's the back, with no quote from any Prime Minister:

The message to the H. Hieronimus Family reads:

I expect Char will remember this spot. Lots of nite life

Leaving in 1/2 hour for Brussels, beautiful country you bet. Love Uncle Henry

Earlier this year, the Vintage Postcard Gallery blog featured another Valentine's postcard of Piccadilly Circus. It seems full of traffic just like these, but there is not an advertisement to be seen, which I find peculiar.  I guess it was  limited to one part of the intersection. Be sure to take a look at the other post here, because Debs will actually tell you about Piccadilly Circus too, something I neglected to do.

Streetcar Sunday - Hastings, U.K.

Hastings is located on the coast of East Sussex in England. Historically, the town has been an important fishing port and a tourist destination.

Hastings had tram service between 1905 and 1928. Initially, most of the system operated with overhead wires, except for some areas right along the waterfront, such as this one. They were operated on what was called a Dolter stud contact system, which was later determined to be too dangerous, because it occasionally electrocuted horses. So, in 1914 these were replaced with petrol electric trams. However, in 1921 this section was converted again and operated on overhead wires along with the rest of the system. In 1928 the entire system was converted to trolley buses, but there has been recent discussion in Hastings about re-introducing trams.  For more detailed history of the Hastings trams, check out this website. If you are interested in the future of trams in Hastings, you may want to check out the Hastings Tramway Club.

Hastings has another claim to fame: Fred Judge, photographer and postcard publisher. This postcard could well have been printed by Judge, especially as his shop is in the center of the photo! Here's an enlargement so you can see it clearly. Fred and his brother started producing postcards in 1903.

If it is a Judges card, the number in the stamp box would help to determine an approximate (O.K., very approximate) date. The earliest numbered series in 1906 started out at 50. This one is numbered 4719. I would guess that the card is from about 1910, whether or not it was printed by Judges. By the way, Judges is still printing postcards.

Oh, and here's what the same corner looks like today:

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The Ultimate Postcard Bargain

Where do you go to buy postcards? You can buy them at antique stores, garage sales, auctions or online. If you're looking for something specific, online auctions and websites are probably your best bet. But, if your interests are broader and you love a variety of postcards, there's another great option; it's what I call the 20-cent bin. This is especially great if you're just starting to collect postcards and don't know exactly what you want.

Postcard clubs often have boxes where members can deposit their unwanted postcards. These postcards are then available for sale to other members and visitors, often for 10 or 20 cents each. The proceeds help to support the postcard club. I am always surprised at the treasures I find in these boxes. They may not be in mint condition, but they are treasures nonetheless.

Here are some of the cards I have rescued from the 20-cent boxes (the first one alone has given me at least $2 worth of laughs):

 

I am a member of two postcard clubs, the Webfooters, where I bought these fine cards for a total of 80 cents and the San Francisco Bay Area Post Card Club. Unfortunately, I don't live close enough to San Francisco to attend any of their meetings, but I like to support this club because they have a great newsletter and a fantastic website. Their reference links are amazing. Without their website, I never would have known that there are people who specifically collect corset postcards or that there is a Virtual Corkscrew Museum Postcard Gallery. I also noticed that one of the newer members in one of these clubs specifically collects postcards with accordions on them (there must be a law against that.)

Here are some other postcard clubs (in no particular order) that might interest you:

Pacific Northwest Postcard Club (Seattle, WA)

Metropolitan Postcard Club of New York City

The Taconic Postcard Club (Yorktown Heights, NY)

Lehigh Valley Postcard Club (Bethlehem, PA)

Lancaster County Postcard Club (Lancaster, PA)

Rhode Island Postcard Club, North Providence, RI

Twin City Postcard Club (Minneapolis/St.Paul, MN)

Four Lakes Postcard Club (Madison, WI)

Heart of Ohio Postcard Club (Columbus, OH)

Wichita Postcard Club

Dallas Metroplex Postcard Club 

Capital of Texas Postcard Club (Austin, TX)

Tuscon Postcard Exchange Club

Tropical Postcard Club (Pompano Beach, FL)

Toronto Postcard Club

Vancouver Postcard Club

Norske Postkortsamlere (Oslo, Norway)

Queensland Card Collectors Society (Brisbane, Australia)

Princess Anne

Today was supposed to be the day that I posted the follow-up to a previous post entitled Draw that Bridge.  I promised to post a card of the bridge that was actually built and invited you to submit your own vision of what that bridge would or could be. I have received one submission so far, so I am allowing one extra day just in case you want to submit something. Truth be told, I'm running a little behind anyway, so I was happy to put it off for a day.

Princess Anne thinks this is hilarious. This is a real photograph postcard of the very joyful princess. She was born in 1950, so the postcard is probably from about 1954. Princess Anne is currently tenth in line for the British throne. She is the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.

Here's a link to the previous post so you can submit your bridge idea. Do it for Princess Anne.

Kirkstone Pass, England

This postcard may not have color, but it definitely has movement. Be sure to click on it to get a closer look. It shows horse-drawn carriages descending from Kirkstone Pass in the English Lake District in the county of Cumbria. A motorcar has pulled off to the side, perhaps to get out of the way of the fast-moving carriages. The Kirkstone Inn (not visible here) stands near the summit of the pass and has been there since the 16th century. You can still rent a room here or a bunk in the dormitory and get some refreshment in the bar.

You probably won't be able to ride a horse-drawn carriage down from the Pass anymore, but many cyclists and runners enjoy the challenge both uphill and down. The ride is a steep one; in places the gradient is 25%! Although the ride down by carriage was probably fun and exciting, the ride up was known as the struggle, because horses were unable to pull the weight of the carriage with passengers, so people had to get out and walk to the top. The ride down was winding, dusty, and bumpy, and passengers were packed in tightly. The first carriage is carrying 19 passengers along with the driver. It looks as if it would have been easy to fall out.

Here's another view: