French Fish Friday

I just realized that it's been ages since I posted a French Poisson d'Avril card, so it's high time I posted some more. Be sure to click here to see an earlier post that explains all about the origins of the April 1 fish. And, if you are as captivated as I am by these fish, there are 9 other posts here on the subject.

The card's message reads:

You would know the reasons we are sending you these fish.

And don't you love that the woman is labeled as Louisa and the man's fish is labeled Urbain. Very cute.

Here's another gem:

More on Tracy Graham

No exciting news on these cards, except that now we know that Tracy's wife was called Lizzie - and that they had a niece named Anita. If you read the previous posts on Tracy Graham, you know that he was likely a real character.

I continue to dig through the cards, looking for more news on Tracy and his family.  The problem is that I very efficiently sorted the cards by events, holidays, and other categories. I realized, only too late, that I had separated a bunch of cards from one family or another that really should have been kept together. Many of the cards themselves are not that special; the family history and interactions are of more interest. The New Year's card was sent in 1913. There is no date on the other one.

The message reads:
Best wishes for a Happy New year to Uncle Tracy and Aunt Lizzie from their little Anita.

The message reads:
"The Season's Greetings."
Helen

Formosa Oolong Tea - Hiroshige

Here are two Japanese cards advertising Formosa Oolong Tea. These were generally handed out at exhibitions such as the Japan British Exhibition in 1910.  The illustrations on the cards are by the great Japanese ukiyo-e artist Hiroshige.

The backs of the cards look like this: