Tag: travel

Europe, Postcards

Rain [Switzerland, 1966]

Kate

switzerland-1966-p

Intriguing because of its brevity, this postcard was presumably sent to make the recipient aware that the sender made it to Switzerland. The Liebensbergers clearly knew about this trip ahead of time, but they don’t know much more after reading this note.

switzerland-1966-m

Rain the first day.

  • Gw.
  • Mr. & Mrs. Paul Leibensperger
  • 201 9th St.
  • Shoemakersville, PA. 19555
  • U.S.A.

 

Postmark: Luzern, Switzerland – November 11, 1966

Image: Luzern, Kapellbrücke mit Pilatus (Luzerner Tracht) [Luzern, Chapel bridge with traditional dress]

Military Postcards, Postcards, United States

Without a Blueprint [1951, N. Dakota]

Kate

Fargo ND 1951 Postcard

I love how the message on the comic side, “Just Married,” matches perfectly with the life events on the reverse. It seems that every possible milestone and location has been mentioned, from one coast to the other (Maine to California) and even the big sky country in between. This postcard is delightfully all over the place.

Fargo ND 1951 Postcard back

Hi Nick-

Had nearly forgotten about that $5. Little more delay then will fwd to you in Calif. Next straight to Conn(?)., got married, a ’47 Chev, then drove to Mont, now heading to Presque Isle, Me (23rd FE. Ny.) Next project is getting a new car, then freedom from the above!

Hope to see you & family, please ans. to Ny address after I write again.

Red Serginson (T/Sgt)

  • T/Sgt Walter Nikkel Jr.
  • A.F. 37710692
  • 641 Morey Ave
  • Del Caso Htgs
  • Sacremento, Calif.

Postmark: Fargo, N. Dakota, Aug 12, 1951

“Can’t you architects do anything without a blueprint?”

Related Postcards:

Same Recipient: “Walter Nikkel” – Nice spot in the Azores [1953, Portugal]

 

Europe, Other Locations, Postcards

Making great progress [Israel, 1950]

Kate

View from the Carmel, Vintage Postcard - Israel 1950

This postcard comes from a fascinating time and place. Sent from Italy (as indicated by the postmark), the sender mentions writing it on the shores of Galilee in the first years of the new nation of Israel. If you can translate the Hebrew text, I’d love your help reading what it says.

Vintage postcard message

Tuesday, Jul 25, 1950

Dear Paul, This is written on the shore of Galilee. Whole trip has been wonderful. Have kept going day & night the past ten days in Palestine. Israel is making great progress. We’re coming home soon as possible now, the Lord willing. Best wishes to you & your family – George W Dettoff

To:

  • Mr. Paul Brown
  • Rt. 6
  • Murfreesboro, Tennessee
  • U.S.A.

Postmark: Ferrovia, Roma 1950

Stamps: Italian 20 lire & 50 lire

 

Europe, Other Locations, Postcards

Steel Holiday [Istanbul, 1977]

Kate

I once spent Christmas (when my husband was deployed) speaking German with a Greek friend, at her grandparents’ Gasthaus in Bavaria — not a blood relative of mine within several time zones. This postcard is from a sender who is also far from home at that time of year when most of us are trying to get “home.”

Spending the holidays away from home is always an interesting prospect. In this case, the sender is also undertaking a business endeavor — building a steel mill in Turkey. I do wonder if they completed the project within the two years they mention in the postcard.

If you too ever have the chance to spend the holidays in a more adventurous location, I recommend giving it a try.

istanbul-1977

istanbul-1977-2

12/11/77

Greetings from Istanbul, Turkey. Rausu[?] Engineers and I are trying to build a steel mill, hopefully before spring 1979.

Seems like a long way from Dearborn, Chicago and friends which makes holiday season a little more meaningful –

Ginny[?] & Joe Faloon

Kucuk Bebek Lad[?]

Bebek Istanbul Turkey

To:

  • Mr. & Mrs. James A Merry
  • 10316 West Charter Mall Rd.
  • Thiensville Wisconsin 53092
  • U.S.A.

Image: Istanbul – The mosque of Soliman the Magnificent and the Golden Horn          

Postmark: illegible, Turkish postage

 

 

                          

North America, Postcards

Quiet Island Trip [St. Barts, 1974]

Kate

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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Postcards, United States

Anne’s Boss [1932, Washington]

Kate

Washington 1932 front

This short message is one of my favorites. It’s early 1932. Herbert Hoover was president, Duke Ellington would write “Don’t Mean A Thing, If it Ain’t Got That Swing,” and Anne had seen hide nor hair of her boss.

There are so many questions left unanswered. How long had she been in Olympia waiting? Why was she expecting to meet her boss? What line of work was she in? The concise language and the fact that she’s “still waiting” tell me there’s an interesting story behind this card.

Washington 1932 back

 Hello There,

Well, I’m still here & haven’t seen my boss yet. Will write to-morrow.

Love – Anne

To

  • Mr. John O Hunt
  • Tennessee City, Tenn.

Postmark: Jan 11, 1932 – Olympia, Washington

Front: New Governor Hotel, Olympia Wash.

Military Postcards, Postcards, United States

Managed to get to the show ok [1944, KS]

Kate

Colorado&Kansas 1944

Lloyd Marress WWII Postcard Series (#5 of 5)

I wonder if this soldier is writing to his mother or his wife. Either way, I hope the show was enjoyable, and that he made it home to see her in Tennessee.

Colorado&Kansas 1944 back

Friday Night (Saturday)

Dearest,

It surely is a [fine?] nite out here but I managed to get to the show O.K. Things are running as usual, still on the job. hope you are still O.K. I’ll write a letter soon.

Lots of Love

Buddy

Postmark: 9 AM April 9, 1944 – Topeka, Kansas

From

  • Cpl. L.H. Marress
  • 25th. Adr’m. SQ. (S).
  • Army Air Base
  • Topeka, Kansas.

To

  • Mrs. Gladys Marress
  • P.O. Box 114
  • Linden, Tennessee.

Other postcards sent by Lloyd “Buddy” Marress

 

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Europe, Postcards

Driving the tires right off [c.1985, Italy]

Kate

Postcard Italy 1980s Postcard

I can’t decide if I would want to travel with the sender of this postcard or not. It would certainly be an adventure, but my clothes would need a wash and my pockets might be empty at the end. Still, it is wonderful to read about the sender embracing the spirit of travel and enjoying viewing both the majestic landmarks and the beautiful people.

Enjoy. This postcard isn’t too terribly old, but fun to read nonetheless.

Italy 1980s Postcard

Postmark: Nov, 1980s? Pallanza (Italy)

100 Lire Poste Italiane stamp

To

  • Aarolyn & Paula Galbraith
  • 1600 S. Joyce St B-408
  • Arlington 2, Virginia U.S.A.

Image: Lago Maggiore, Isola Bella

Had an audience with Pope Paul – he gave you his best.

Aarolyn & Paula

We are driving the tires right off the red V-W but are really getting around. Roma was really the grandest city I’ve ever been in – Tivoli, Villa D’Este, Baths of Caracalla, “sound & light” etc. etc. Plus the Italian men!! Our craziest stunt was climbing to the top of Mt. Vesuvius in a strong wind & rain storm. Loved the Italian Rivera but hated the dirt & grabbiness of the south. Heading up to Switzerland & finally to Rotterdam by the 12th. Due to lack of funds doubt if we’ll go to Spain – plus my clothes are filthy.

LRL

Europe, Postcards

Missed our plane [c.1955, Rome]

Kate

Roma 1950s

Roma 1950s back

Sept 16, circa 1955

Postmark: “Attenzione!” (no postage)

Front text: Roma – Colosseo

To

  • Mr. & Mrs. J. C. Paputon
  • 352 East Fifth Ave
  • Lancaster, Ohio
  • U.S.A.

Hi

Missed our plane to [Czech?] had to stay in Copenhagen overnight. Had a wonderful time with the relations they were all so kind. Will tell you when we see you. Saw Vienna but since we missed [each?] plane to Vienna had only one day there. Now seeing Rome by sight seeing bus. Beautiful country so much to see.

Love, Pauline & Elroy

Notes: Date estimated based on the vintage busses on the front of postcard and other features.