"Have you thought about writing your family history, but found yourself stuck from the start? Writing a family narrative can be a daunting task, but Karen Jones Gowen found a way to bring her mother's story to life." (Homespun Magazine)

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Ninety years ago, before texting and Twitter...

Today my mom would have turned 94. Here is a postcard that was sent to her on the occasion of her third birthday. Which makes this postcard over 90 years old! It was sent from her Aunt Elizabeth, who lived in Lincoln, Nebraska.

In case you can't see the inscription on the front, it says,

A Happy Birthday

Dance and play the livelong day
And startle the air with a song.
And keep just as happy as you can
Till the next one comes along.



 And on the back is a message written in pencil!!  Here is what it says:


Right, I don't really expect you to be able to read this. So I'll transcribe it for you. It's addressed to Lucille Marker, Inavale, Nebr. c/o J. Marker (her dad John Marker). The message says,


My Dear Girlie--


I believe a little girl is three years old now. Do you miss Aunt Bernice, it is nice for me to have her in Lincoln. Hope Mama bakes "her little girl" a cake if she is a good girl.


Auntie Elizabeth

What a delightful message from the past to discover on my mother's birthday!
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9 comments:

  1. UnknownJanuary 18, 2011 at 7:12 AM

    I love it. It's cool to see some of the most fun memories creep back into your life when they're needed the most. I'm glad to see that this card is still around, what a lovely memory :)

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  2. Linda G.January 18, 2011 at 8:19 AM

    Aw, what a sweet keepsake. I love "startle the air with a song" -- wish I'd thought of that.

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  3. Jeri FranzJanuary 18, 2011 at 8:56 AM

    oh, that's so sweet....glad you got that card..there were so many cards mother had saved....a tender mercy for you karen

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  4. Jessica BellJanuary 18, 2011 at 9:06 AM

    Wow. That is so adorable. YOu must cherish it!

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  5. Julie BJanuary 18, 2011 at 9:11 AM

    How cool is this. Mother would be pleased

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  6. Old KittyJanuary 18, 2011 at 9:22 AM

    Awww wow. That's lovely and so precious!!!! Thanks for sharing, take care
    x

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  7. Hilary Melton-ButcherJanuary 19, 2011 at 1:37 AM

    Hi Karen .. I think it's wonderful you still have those memories and records - her high school graduation photo to the right looks gorgeous .. so much ahead for her .. and she lived a fulfilling life too. Happy memory day - with many thoughts .. Hilary

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  8. Deniz BevanJanuary 19, 2011 at 5:25 PM

    That's lovely! I'm always fascinated by old postcards and letters, and when they're in the family it's doubly exciting.

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  9. Sharon K. MayhewJanuary 19, 2011 at 7:43 PM

    This is why you should write letters and cards...and save them.

    (((hugs))) Karen, I'm sure today has been a bit of a struggle.

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I don't post very often, but if you leave a comment I'll know someone is out there reading. And then I will post more! Bwa ha ha!

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