From Charles to Sarah Craven

Charles the sailor is at it again. The traveling Romeo sends romantic cards to Sarah, but does she know that Clara sends him cards with many kisses on them? I guess this is a romantic card, although the lady looks more masculine than her suitor. For earlier correspondence between Charles and Sarah, click here.

Here's the back of the card. The message reads:

League Island

July 11, 1910

Dear Sarah

How is the weather in Lawrence. I got a postal from Clara and her address. I have been out for a sail this afternoon. It's fine sailing up the Delaware river, nice and cool. Wish you were with me

Some day I'll take you out for a sail. your loving friend C.W.W.

 So, he has mentioned Clara; is it to let her know she has competition?

What's Up in Punxsutawney?

This is sort of an odd combination Memorial Day/Groundhog Day postcard. Anyway, it's as close as I get to a Groundhog Day postcard, because it was sent to someone in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, home of the Groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil. The front of the postcard is about remembering soldiers who died in combat, specifically in the Civil War.
 

The card was sent to Mrs. Sarah Malone in Punxsutawney in 1909.
The message reads:

Seattle Wash

4-21-09

Dear Sister Why don't you write

Was to Bremerton navy yard 17th

(????)

goodbye AHS

I don't know much about Sarah Malone, except that she was born about 1851 and was married to James Malone, who is listed as a farmer in the US census.

It really is Groundhog Day today, so if you want to find out more about the tradition or watch the live webcast of Phil, you can take your own virtual trip to Punxsutawney here.

Berlin State Opera - Germany

This opera house, now known as Staatsoper Unter den Linden, was destroyed not once, not twice, but three times, only to emerge each time like a phoenix from the ashes. The original building was inaugurated in 1742 and burned down 100 years later. The reconstructed building was inaugurated in 1844.  The opera house was bombed in 1941, but managed to reopen in 1942. A more severe bombing in 1945 resulted in ten-year rebuilding time.

After 1961and the Berlin Wall, the opera house was a bit isolated over on the east side. I went to see an opera here in 1981 when the wall was still up. The street was oddly quiet and there was something eery about the surroundings in general. Since the reunification, this street is once again vibrant and lively.

This card is from about 1898. Here's a picture of the opera house taken by Josef Lehmkuhl in 2005.

And here's the back of the card, printed on the strange blue card stock.