Tag: Island

Europe, Military Postcards, Postcards

Nice spot in the Azores [1953, Portugal]

lostgreetings

Azores Postcard 1950s Vintage

I love this postcard. It’s so informal and full of life.

I wonder if 1SG (First Sergeant) Nikkel ever took a pass and made it out to this scenic spot in the Azores for a visit. I’m sure the islands were even more remote and exotic feeling in the 1950s than they are even still today.

Lajes Field, a small but strategically located air base in the Portuguese Azores out in the Atlantic Ocean remains an active part of the NATO foot print with strong U.S. Military influence.

Azores 1953 Vintage Postcard

Postmark: Missing (Azores, Portugal)

Handwritten Date: April 18, 1953

Stamp: Portugal

To:

  • Ex. Mo Senhor I ro. Sargento
  • Walter Nikkel
  • 1605 Air Police Sqdn. AATS
  • Lajes, Terceira

Front: S. Miguel—Açores—Lagoas Verde e Azul das Sete-Cidades  Foto Toste

18 April 53

I wish you & Mac are here with me. God damn it, this is a nice spot! Why don’t you take a 3-day pass (and Mac), & get the hell down here?! I am damn sure you both would like it muito!!

My best regards – [name?]

Aerial of Lajes Field 1950s

Note (3/11/2020): Thanks to Ricardo Reis for commenting to let me know that the last word of the message is “muito,” which is Portuguese for “much.”

Much appreciated!

Related Postcards:

Without a Blueprint [1951, N. Dakota] Same recipient (Walter Nikkel)

 

North America, Postcards

Quiet Island Trip [St. Barts, 1974]

lostgreetings

St Bart 1974 front

This postcard is somewhat standard for a vacation message sent to a friend, but I like to think there’s more than meets the eye.

I’m not sure Paula has embraced “island time” if she’s racing about, but it still sounds like a pleasant trip to the Caribbean. I wish I could join her on the lovely beaches with crystal clear water. Or, maybe she already has a companion that she’s too polite to mention, a well-tanned American gentleman with whom she’s enjoying the evening breeze and a rum cocktail on the weather-worn patio of an ocean side cafe. It’s the 1970s, after all.

St Bart 1974 back

To:

  • Mr./Mrs. M. H. Galbraith
  • 2217 Johnston Road
  • Columbus, Ohio 43220

Tues, Aug 20, 1974

Arrived here last Wed. after a rather quiet and not too interesting stay on Nevis. St. Barts is quite small but very lovely – good beaches and crystal clear waters. Weather has been fantastic, even if a bit warm. Most guests are French (and not overly friendly), but I have been able to meet some nice Americans. Have rented a car and am racing about. Love, Paula

Postmark: St. Barthelemy

Postage: Republique Francaise, 15 franc and 65 franc Stamps

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