Air mail – Lost Greetings

On a Budget [1990 – Stockholm, Sweden]

October 19, 2017May 28, 2018 Kate

World traveling on a budget isn’t easy, but this family seems to have enjoyed their visit.

This is how we all shared our adventures with friends and family before Facebook and Instagram changed everything, for better or worse.

Dear Sue & Gene,

Thanks for your letter. You’re right Stockholm & Sweden are beautiful. The train ride here was very scenic. Lots of lakes & forests. Dad says it reminds him of his uncle’s properties in Canada.

Most of the affordable hotels were full, now we are staying in a private apartment. It has a beautiful view of the City Hall.

Hope spring finds you both well & happy. I know you’ll be busy. “Hello to Jen & Helen”

Love, Dad, Linda, Sean & Patrick

Postmark: Stockholm, Sweden – April 23, 1990

Other Locations, Postcards

Greetings from the “Land Down Under” [1971 – Australia]

August 3, 2017September 4, 2017 Kate

A description of jet-lag, the superb inflight service, and the quirks of Australian plumbing & electrical fixtures fill up this traveler’s early 1970s message back to the states.

Sydney, Aust. 7-14-71 2:45 A.M.

Hi Neighbors,

Greetings to you from the “Land Down Under.” I hope this reaches you before you leave. Here it is early morning & I’m wide awake (it is about 11:45 A.M. there on 7-13. It was an 18 hour flight down here on Qantas with excellent service – 1 stewardess & 5 men stewards to serve us. The weather here is sunny & bright even tho it is the dead of winter. Where we have the yellow pages in the phone book – there are pink & the hot & cold faucets are opposite ours & the light switches work upside down. The people are friendly. Have a good trip.

Sincerely, Walt Neiman

Sent to: Kalama, Washington

Postmark: Potts Point, Australia – July 14, 1971

Image: Sydney Harbor Bridge, view of Express Way and North Shore

Postcard Context

Qantas introduce the “Jumbo Jet” into their fleet in September 1971 (Qantas.com), just after the above postcard was sent. Take a look at this meal service.

Image source: Flickr Commons https://flic.kr/p/7ZCzr7

Please be good boys [1961 – Washington, D.C.]

March 24, 2017September 6, 2017 Kate

1961 Washington DC American Airlines image lg

This dad misses his sons. I miss the time before TSA screening lines.

But, this is really a very sweet postcard message from a dad.

1961 Washington DC American Airlines message lg

6:15 Sun NITE

Hi boys,

Daddy is sitting in the place while they re-fuel and take on food for our supper in Knoxville. I wish you could see the big DC-6 I’m on. And the weather is so pretty. I do wish you could have flown with me.

Please be good boys, and I’ll be writing you every single day.

Love, Daddy

To:

Mike & Perry Lindquist
Route #3
Portland, Tenn.

Postmark: Washington, D.C. – Nov 5, 1961

Stamp: $.07 US Air Mail

Image: American Airlines 707

Commentary, Postal History

Is National Air Mail Week still a thing?

March 21, 2017July 28, 2020 Kate

It seems that the “National –insert cause here– Week” concept has been around for much longer than I thought.

At its introduction, one had to pay a premium for air mail service (24 cents) compared to regular first-class mail (3 cents). With the serious occupational hazards the first air mail pilots endured, I think the price was justified.

According to Edward A. Keogh, 1927, the earliest Air Mail service in the United States carried many more postcards than other type of mail, by a landslide, though the dates over which this tally was amassed is unclear.

Postcards	32,415	87%
Letters	3,993	11%
Circulars	1,062	3%
Total	37470

Though postcards are becoming rarer, we are now more dependent on air transport of mail than ever. How could we get our online purchases “over-nighted” without our packages continuing to take to the sky?

Side note: Philately is far too competitive for my taste, but I recently learned more about the famous “Inverted Jenny” stamp, the holy grail of stamp collectors valued at about $1 million. The stamp came about because of the rush to produce the 24 cent air mail postage. I much prefer the humanity that is revealed on vintage send postcards, but it’s also a hobby that’s much easier on the wallet than stamp collecting.

Tag: Air mail