To Mrs. M.J. Bee

This card was sent to Mrs. M.J. Bee in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1917 by an active serviceman in WWI. Active servicemen didn't need to affix postage, so there is no stamp, but it does have a stamp showing it was passed by the censor.

And here's the back of the card:

The message reads:

Dear Mrs.  Bee,

Just a P.C. at present. You will have heard from Mother by this time, what kept me so long in writing. Well I am pleased to say that I have got settled down again, and also that I am getting on alright. How are you all at Home, remember me kindly to everyone, With love to all, I remain your Sincere Friend Dod

Write Soon

XXXXX

Northern Pacific's North Coast Limited

This was the way to travel. The North Coast Limited was one of the first named trains in the United States, and it had a reputation for elegance and impeccable service. It started service in 1900 and operated between Chicago and Seattle until the day before Amtrak started service in 1971. The trip took approximately 45 hours.

The train even provided postcards such as this one, which you could mail from the on-board post office on your way to the on-board barber shop. You can find out much more about the history of the North Coast Limited at American-Rails.com.

Here's the back of the card.

The Fabulous Postcard Projector

It's not even Christmas yet, but here I am the recipient of a marvelous gift. It is so fabulous. Earlier this year, Tracy over at Tracy's Toys bought something she had never seen before--an early 1900s tin postcard projector.  You insert a postcard, and you can project the image on a wall.  I remember seeing it and marveling at it, but I never thought I'd have one of my own. Then, out of the blue, Tracy decided to send it to me. Wow!

Here is the back, where you insert the card. The chimney serves to dissipate the heat from the light bulb.

Here are some side and front views, showing the lens.

And, yes it works, although it takes awhile to switch cards, so your audience may lose patience. I don't see any reflector in the box though, so I'm not sure exactly how it works. Here's a diagram from a 1909 Popular Mechanics article that shows a postcard projector with two lights.

If you love gadgets and toys, be sure to take a look at all of the other good stuff over at Tracy's Toys. Eventually Tracy is going to run out of space to display her collection and she'll have to open a museum. I'm looking forward to that day.