Newton Falls, Ohio

Just so you know: My rule on postcards is that it has to have a photographic base. While it's obvious that some of the elements of this image have been added by hand, I'm reasonably certain that the original was a black & white photograph.

Addressed to "Mis F. Johnston, Springfield, Ohio, 117 Rici St." The message, "Dear Sister, I was down to mother's this P.M. & she is wondering why you don't write. Now do write to her soon as she longs to hear from yu. We are all well. Hope you are too. V." I think V must have chosen this card because his sister was spending way too much time on the Mahoning River doing whatever young ladies do on the Mahoning River. "PUBLISHED BY F. H. MATTES, NEWTON FALLS, OHIO. MADE IN U. S. A."

Strange Hat, Weird Mustache

A heart shaped hat and a pencil mustache. They must have been quite the couple. Printed on 5x7 inch paper, not a snapshot size, so I'm guessing that pencil mustache guy had a home darkroom.

Dot Wenzel, World's Smallest Entertainer

In 1950, Dot Wenzel married Don Williams and began performing under the name Dottie Williams. Dot and Don were both members of Nate Eagle's Hollywood Midget Movie Stars troupe. She was a singer and dancer, billed as The Miniature Rita Hayworth. I did a search on IMDB, and couldn't find a single screen credit for either Dot Wenzel or Dottie Williams. If there are any recordings of her I'd love to hear them. Printed on postcard stock.

Surge Electrobrain!

An advertising postcard from the Surge Dairy Equipment Company. "It's here! The Electrobrain Surge Pipe Line Washer that washes, rinses and sanitizes at just one push of a button!" About forty years ago I had a summer job at a dairy farm. I cleaned things with a shovel, not a push button. Those interested in a history of the Surge Bucket Milker can go to www.surgemilker.com

Finding Your Niche

Nice picture but the message on the back is better. "A small corner of the biggest job of my life. Just the niche I've always wanted. Pat, Kathy and Me." Who wouldn't want to find their niche?

On the Porch Steps

I'm guessing from the late thirties to early/mid-forties. Note the palm fronds in the background. Perhaps from Florida or southern California.

Mt. San Jacinto, 1943

Hand franked, "Hubert G. Cain, U.S. Navy, Columbia, Mo." Addressed to "Mrs. J.H. Cain, 201 So. Wright St., Champaign, Ill." The message, "Hi Folks, Well I arrived here Sat. at 12 o'clock. I am doing Los Angeles now. I have to take the 3:15 train and it's after one now. I'll write a letter as soon as I get an address. Jigs" Franking is a signature or mark placed on a piece of mail that allows the sender free service. Jigs could be a nickname or it could mean Lieutenant, Junior Grade. Mt. San Jacinto now has an aerial tram that goes to a state park at the peak. Navigate back one to see another Cain family postcard