If this is Thursday it must be postcard, 743

 

 

 

 

 

Merry Christmas

 

The vintage illustration from ca 1900 on this unused modern postcard was reproduced by a local company, Laughing Elephant.  The illustrator is not identified.  The card features two children and a cut Christmas tree. 

 

Christmas trees are usually evergreen conifers, such as spruce, fir, or pine.  Today there are also realistic artificial trees, some even with lights already attached and ready to plug in.  The tradition or custom of having a Christmas tree originated in places like Germany, Latvia and Estonia, where Protestant Christians brought and decorated trees in their homes.  Long ago instead of artificial glass, wooden, or metal ornaments things like roses made from paper, tinsel, apples, cookies, and candies were used as decorations.  Moravian Christians were the first to illuminate Christmas trees with candles.  The candles were set in holders that clipped onto a branch and had a drip dish affixed to catch the hot melting wax.  After electricity was common in homes, candles were replaced by Christmas lights as we know them today.  An angel, representing the Angel Gabriel, or a star, for the Star of Bethlehem, is often placed on the top of the tree.  Some people still add candies, gingerbread, chocolate, handmade ornaments, or ribbons, as tree decorations in addition to store bought ornaments. 

 

Evergreen trees symbolize eternal life.  The triangular shape of an evergreen tree is also a symbol of the Trinity and points to heaven.  Anciently, tree worship was common among pagan Europeans.  In pre-Christian times it is believed that trees or evergreen branches, were used as decorations by the ancient Romans as part of the holiday called Saturnalia, in honor of the god Saturn, held in mid-December.    Even after Christianity was introduced in Scandinavia, ca 1000 AD, their houses and barns might be decorated with evergreens to scare away the devil. 

 

For additional information, see:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_tree

https://laughingelephant.com

 

 

 

If this is Thursday it must be postcards, 742

 

 

 

 

 

Lectern, inner room of the hall of Old University, Heidelberg, Germany

 

The Old University in Heidelberg, Germany is featured on the front of this card distributed by Edm. V.  König, Heidelberg.  M. Bauder is identified as the photographer in the space at the upper right corner where a stamp would be placed on the reverse side of the card.  At the lower left corner on the reverse is F 137.  The place is named at the upper left corner as “Heidelberg – Alte Universität, Aula.”  There is no date on the card; however, it does have scalloped edges that were popular from the 1940s to the 1960s.  The card is a color picture and is likely to have been distributed closer to the 1960s. 

 

The hall shown on the card is the main assembly hall and lecture theater of the University.  Built over a period of 23 years between 1712 and 1735, the Old University was based on plans by the baroque architect Johann Adam Breunig.  It replaced a four-story college building erected in 1591.  The name “Old University” came into use in the 1930s after another lecture hall was constructed and called New University. 

 

As can be seen on the card, the wall behind the speaker’s platform is the focal point of the room with the arched painting by Ferdinand Keller (1842-1922).  The painting depicts the foundation and history of the University allegorically.  The wooden ceiling has four round paintings by Rudolf Gleichauf (1826-1896) of female figures.  The figures represent Philosophy, Medicine, Jurisprudence and Theology.  The walls list 37 names of famous Heidelberg scholars, divided into two rows.  The entrance area commemorates the Grand Duke of Baden.  A tablet of congratulations from the University of Freiburg dates 1886 hangs above the doorway.

 

Today the Hall of the Old University is used mainly for academic celebrations, and as a venue for concerts, readings, and presentations, especially awards of cultural prizes. 

 

For additional information, see:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_University,_Heidelberg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johann_Adam_Breunig

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferdinand_Keller_(painter)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudolf_Gleichauf

 

If this is Thursday it must be postcards, 741

 

 

 

 

 

Palazzo Vecchio, Florence, Italy

 

The Palazzo Vecchio, or Old Place, in Florence, Italy is featured on this pink tinted unused vintage postcard.  While the card does have a blurb at the upper left corner on the reverse it does not identify the photographer or the publisher/printer.  With a magnifying glass it is possible to see horse drawn wagons at the right near the arches and at the left center near the building, making it possible to estimate the date of the picture to the late 1890s or early 1900s.  The card has a divided back narrowing the publication date to after 1902 for the card itself.  The blurb is in English and says:  “The Palazzo Vecchio, Florence, Italy—For many years this magnificent building was the seat of the Florentine government.  The court of the Palace dates back from the 16^th century.  On the right of the picture is the Loggia de artists, in marbles and bronzes.”

 

Before full-color photographs were common or available for reproduction, various methods of tinting or coloring pictures was a popular trend on cards like this one.  Pink or light red seems to be predominant on most early tinted cards.  Sometimes more than one color was used.  This card has a slightly darker reddish tint on the building behind the main structure.  The foreground is a very pale pink in contrast. The top of the tower is partially cut off on the card, hence there is not a complete image of the entire building.

 

The Palazzo Vecchio has had different names at different times over the centuries.  It was called Palazzo della Signoria, Palazzo del Popolo, Palazzo dei Priori and Palazzo Ducale depending upon what entity was using the building.  The people of Florence decided to build a palace here that would be more secure and defensible in times of conflict.  Construction for a new building began in 1299 on the ruins of Palazzo dei Fanti and Palazzo dell’Esecutore di Giustizia that had once been owned by the Uberti family.  The Uberti were said to be rebels and the new fortress palace was built to prevent that family from rebuilding at that location ever again. 

 

A cubical shaped building it is made of solid stonework, with two rows of two-lighted Gothic windows, each with a trefoil arch.  Decorative bas-reliefs by Michelozzo were added in the 15^th century.  Crenellated battlements are supported by small arches and corbels.  There is also a simple tower with a clock. 

 

When Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici moved his official seat from the Medici palazzo to this palace in 1540 he renamed it Palazzo Vecchio or Old Palace.  He also commissioned an above-ground walkway called the Vasari corridor that went from the Palazzo Vecchio through the Uffizi, over the Ponte Vecchio to the Palazzo Pitti.  He also moved the seat of government to the Uffizi.  Today most of the Palazzo Vecchio is now a museum. 

 

For additional information, see:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palazzo_Vecchio

 

If this is Thursday it must be postcards, 740

 

 

 

 

 

Skyline view of Cologne, Germany, ca 1979

 

This is a used postcard postmarked 1979 and featuring a silhouette view of the Cologne on the Rhine River, Germany.  At the upper left corner on the reverse, it reads:  “Köln Am Rhein. Rheinufer mit Dom, Gr. St. Martin und Rathausturm” [view with Rhine River, Church of Great St. Martin, and the City Hall].  At the bottom left corner on the reverse is:  Fabaufhame: Horst Zeithen [color by Horst Zeithen].  The center line also on the reverse side has the code Z 100, and Gertrud Zeithen with an address as the printer/distributor. 

 

The handwritten message was sent unsigned to the writer’s mother and perhaps a brother.  Part of the message is worth repeating here as it mentions the Cathedral in Köln.  “…The Cathedral in Köhn is one of the finest in all of Europe.  With many works of art and lots of gold.”  The stamp was one from a set issued in 1977 that featured castles and palaces. 

 

 German stamp issued in 1977, one in a set featuring castles and palaces

 

St. Martin’s, also known as Great Saint Martin Church, can be seen on the left side of the card.  The foundations date to about 960 AD and rest on remnants of an earlier Roman chapel.  That chapel was on what was then an island in the river.  A Benedictine monastery was housed there for a time.  Today the buildings, including the tower, form one of the landmarks of Cologne’s Old Town.  It was badly damaged during World War II.  At the time the postcard was sent restoration may have been in progress but the project was not completed until 1985.

 

On the right side of the picture is the Cologne City Hall or Rathaus complex comprised of several buildings.  The city council and the offices of the Lord Mayor are found in the complex.  It is the oldest city hall in Germany with the oldest of the several structures dating back approximately 900 years.  Buildings that were added over the centuries are representative of several different architectural styles from Gothic, Renaissance, to Modern Movement.  The site was home to the former Ancient Roman Ptraetorium that was destroyed by an earthquake in the late 8^th century. 

 

Cologne is the fourth most populous city of Germany with over one million inhabitants in the city proper and over 3 million people in the Cologne Bonn urban region.  The city is home to more than 30 museums and is a major cultural center for the Rheinland area of Germany.  The University of Cologne is one of Europe’s largest and oldest universities. 

 

The Rhine River is seen in the foreground of the photograph.  It is one of the major rivers in Europe and begins in the southeastern Swiss Alps and flows downstream from Lake Constance running eventually down into the Netherlands and emptying into the North Sea.  It is the second longest river in Central Western Europe after the Danube.  It also contains Rhine Falls the most powerful waterfall in Europe.   

 

For additional information, see:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cologne

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cologne_City_Hall

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Martin_Church,_Cologne

 

If this is Thursday it must be postcards, 739

 

 

 

 

 

Thanksgiving greeting, ca 1910-1920

 

This reproduced vintage illustration was printed by the local company, Laughing Elephant.  They specialize in vintage artwork/illustration preservation and reprinting.  If the artist or illustrator has signed the work, then Laughing Elephant will credit them.  No signature or initials appear on this illustration, so we do not know who created it.  The dress the girl is wearing suggests that it dates from between 1910 and 1920.

 

Although wild turkeys were found in America at the time the Pilgrims, a feast such as we know now as a Thanksgiving dinner most likely does not date from that era.  Instead, it is more likely that writers during the 19^th century, who were popularizing the holiday, featured a turkey dinner and all the trimmings.  The original Pilgrims relied on ingredients native to America that they learned were edible from Native Americans and by experimentation.  Foods such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn or maize, squash/pumpkin, green beans, ad cranberries. 

 

Thanksgiving is a national holiday but also a time to reflect and express gratitude. 

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

For additional information, see:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanksgiving

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanksgiving_dinner

https://laughingelephant.com

 

 

 

If this is Thursday it must be postcards, 738

 

 

 

 

 

George Washington quote from Farewell Address, 1796 and Mount Vernon, dated 1944

 

This used tinted Linen postcard is a M W M Litho card featuring a portrait of George Washington, a quote from his Farewell Address, and his home, Mount Vernon.  The card is postmarked 25 January 1944 and although it was mailed it does not have a stamp.  Where the stamp should be placed is a cancellation mark:  “B War S Bonds and…”  [Buy War Savings Bonds and Stamps].  On the reverse center line is MWM Color Litho Postcards Made Only by MWM, Aurora, Mo.  Linen cards were popular from 1930 to 1945. 

 

There is no evidence that a stamp was removed from the card.  During World War II there was a shortage of postage stamps and it is possible to find some cards and letters with a cancellation mark like the one on this card but no stamp.  The postage fee was probably paid at the post office at the time the card was mailed.  Or, sometimes letters and cards without stamps were paid by the recipient as postage due.  Soldiers could write “Free” where the stamp should be placed and not have to pay to send letters home even from overseas. 

 

Mount Vernon is the former residence of George Washington who was the first president of the United States.  A Founding Father, he was also the commander of the Continental Army in the Revolutionary War.   The land for the estate was purchased by the Washington family in 1674.  At the time of the purchase the property was known as Little Hunting Creek Plantation being named after the nearby creek.  The original wooden house was built in a loose Palladian style around 1734 by Washington’s father, Augustine Washington.  After George’s older half-brother, Lawrence Washington, inherited the property he renamed it after Vice Admiral Edward Vernon.  It is located on the banks of the Potomac River in Fairfax County, Virginia.  George Washington leased the estate beginning in 1754 and became the sole owner in 1761.  When he became the owner, he chose to keep the Vernon name.  Washington expanded the house twice, once in the late 1750s and again in the 1770s.  This was the home of George Washington for the rest of his life.  After his death in 1799 the estate declined as it was passed down through several generations.  The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association took over ownership of the mansion and part of the property in 1858.  In 1960 it was designated as a National Landmark, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Today it is still owned and maintained in trust by the Mount Vernon Ladies Association.  It is open to the public daily.

 

The quote on the card:  “Every portion of our country finds the most commanding motives for carefully guarding and preserving the Union of the Whole” is from Washington’s Farewell Address of 17 September 1796.  It was written as a letter to friends and fellow-citizens after 20 years of public service near the end of his second term as president.  This was just before he retired to his home at Mount Vernon in 1796.  The first draft was written in 1792 by James Madison when Washington was thinking of retiring after one term as president.  Alexander Hamilton amended the original letter in 1796 to include support for the government and the adoption of the Constitution at the conclusion of Washington’s second term. 

 

For additional information, see:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Washington%27s_Farewell_Address

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Vernon

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_savings_stamps_of_the_United_States

 

If this is Thursday it must be postcards, 737

 

 

 

 

 

Marienburg, Westpr. [West Prussia] now Malbork, Poland

 

This unused, divided back vintage postcard features a black & white photograph from Echte Photographie.  Along the center line on the reverse of the card is “Verlag H. Hemmpel, Buch u. Papierhdlg., Marienburg, Westpr.—"  The code 63398  1F is found at the lower right corner on the reverse.

 

The Knights of the Teutonic Order founded the town of Marienburg in the 1200s.  The castle was built during that period and acted as the order’s headquarters.  It was also one of the residences of Polish kings.  As a fortified castle it was Europe’s largest Gothic fortress and the world’s largest brick castle.  Construction lasted nearly 230 years.  It is a complex of three castles combined into one. 

 

No World War I battles were fought in Marienburg; however, there was an influx of refugees, inflation, unemployment, and shortages of food supplies that caused hardships.  Near the end of World War II, most of the local population fled or were evacuated.  There were fierce battles here in early 1945 and about 50% of the castle was destroyed.  In June of that year the town was turned over to Polish authorities and the town was renamed Malbork.  Polish people displaced by areas annexed by the Soviet Union began repopulating the town following World War II.  Bricks from the ruins were used to rebuild the oldest sections of Warsaw and Gdańsk instead of restoring the Malbork Old Town. 

 

For additional information, see:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malbork

If this is Thursday it must be postcards, 736

 

 

 

 

 

 

“The War, 1914-18, L C H – Visé, Paris …”

 

This unused Vintage postcard has a divided back.  There is no blurb on the reverse to identify the printer/publisher or photographer.  The title is found at the top on the front of the card.  L C H Visé indicates official approval for French cards issued during World War I.  Also included in the title is 517 – VERDUN – La Cathédral vue de cote [VERDUN side view of the Cathedral].  The black & white photograph shows a soldier walking along the street and some damage on the roof of the church. 

 

The Verdun Cathedral, also known as the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Verdun [our lady of Verdun], is a Roman Catholic church located in the town of Verdun, Lorraine, France.  In 1906 it was declared a historic monument.  There have been several buildings erected and destroyed on this site.

 

As early as 330 Saint Saintin or Sainctinus, evangelized the city of Verdun and became the first bishop.  At that time a church was dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul.  A later bishop had a cathedral built inside the walls of a ruined Roman building on the current location.   In 990 Bishop Haimont had a cathedral built with a nave, two transepts, two apses, and two belltowers.  In the 12^th century the east choir and the cloister were added about the same time.  In the 14^th century the cathedral was refurbished in the Renaissance style.  More changes occurred in the 1500s.  A bolt of lightning set the roof and towers on fire in 1755 resulting in significant damage to the nave, the east tower, the organs.  Repairs were finished in 1760.  In 1793 the cathedral was pillaged.  During World War I the cathedral was severely damaged.  The eastern block was totally destroyed and the towers were never rebuilt.  During restoration between 1920 and 1936 a number of Romanesque features were re-discovered as well as the crypt.  This cathedral is the oldest in Lorraine and celebrated its millennium in 1990.

 

Situated on both banks of the river Meuse the name Verdun means strong fort.  During World War I Verdun was the site of a major battle.  The battle was the longest lasting of WWI, and one of the costliest in military history.  It led to enormous loss of life and many casualties. 

 

For additional information, see:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verdun

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verdun_Cathedral

 

 

If this is Thursday it must be postcards, 735

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Halloween!, ca early 1900s

 

This reproduced Vintage Halloween illustration postcard is unused and was printed by the local company Laughing Elephant.  The illustration has everything one could want for a Halloween card, a witch on a broomstick, a full moon, a lit jack-o-lantern, bats, somewhat stormy looking sky, and best of all a black cat.  I don't think I have seen another illustration with a witch riding a broom side-saddle with the bristles of the broom at the front.  Aren't they usually riding on the handle of the broom with the bristles at the back?  Just curious.  No candy or other treat-like goodies but a small verse as was typically seen on many early 1900s postcards.  Unfortunately the illustrator is not identified.  

 

 

Look into my eyes.  You are in my power...
 

 

As some readers know we had a marvelous black cat living with us for 18 years.  She passed away about a year and a half ago and we miss her.  She was a character and could be rather difficult sometimes.  Even terrifyingly scary at other times.  But she could also be a lap cat with plenty of purrs and fur as soft as a cloud.  

 

 

Happy Halloween TBS!  We loved you in all your moods and you were a real spooky black cat,

 

If you like vintage illustrations, check out Laughing Elephant at:

www.laughingelephant.com

 

 

If this is Thursday it must be postcards, 734

  

 

 

 

Ketchikan, Alaska, 2025

 

This is another postcard from our Alaska cruise in July.  It features a partial view of Creek Street.  This card and a few others were purchased onboard the cruise ship.  

 

 Creek Street has two sides, both on pilings

 

 

Dolly's House, once a brothel now a tourist attraction

 

On the previous trip to Alaska Bob and I had walked down to the totem heritage center and then back along to Creek Street via the Married Man’s trail.  This time we walked down to the Rock sculpture and on the main streets to connect with Creek Street.  

 

 The Rock sculpture group

 

 

 Plaque on the sculpture 

 

 

The Rock is a collaborative sculpture that features aspects of the culture of this part of Alaska.  Everyone from native peoples, to lumberjacks, fishermen, and miners, are represented.  Several artists worked together to create the entire grouping.

 

 

 

Ketchikan Creek at the end of Creek Street
 

 

Ketchikan is named after Ketchikan Creek.  It is the earliest incorporated city in Alaska (1900) and is located in the southeasternmost part of Alaska.  Creek Street is built over the river on stilts or pilings as a way to get around laws concerning brothels and saloons.  Since the buildings are not technically on the land, they were exempt from the laws.  Today there are many shops along the boardwalk “street” and many artisans have works for sale.  

 

  

 

Ketchkikan is full of steep hillsides up the surrounding mountains.  I won’t complain about our stairs after seeing how many the people who live in this house have to go up.

 

 

 

Ketchikan is known as the “Rain Capital of Alaska.  A giant rain gauge is found in the downtown area near the visitor center.

 

 

 

Also near the Visitor Center is this helpful map with points of interest

 

 

On our walk to Creek Street we came upon this very tall totem pole 

 

 

 Once on Creek Street we encountered a large group of people looking up into the trees.  One look up and we saw why.  This bald eagle was sitting up there looking down on all the tourists.

 

  

 

Saxman Village Totem Park, Ketchikan, Alaska. 2024

[Photo by Mark Kelley*] 

 

This second postcard features the Saxman Village Totem Park.  It is part of the Images of Alaska series by Mark Kelley.  The card was printed in Canada and has PC2312 at the upper left corner on the reverse as part of the blurb.  The blurb reads:  “Saxman Village Totem Park.  Ketchikan is the totem pole capital of the world.  Saxman Village Totem Park, south of downtown, features the most standing totem poles, 25 poles, in one location in the world.”  This is one place that we would like to visit someday.  It is just far enough away from where the ship docks that we could not walk to it.  There is an option to sign up for an excursion trip, for a large fee, that includes a bus ride to the site, a meal, and a program.  It would take all of the shore time and not allow us to meander around and look at other things in the city, so we opted not to do that.

 

 A last view of Ketchikan from our room aboard the ship

 

For additional information, see:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ketchikan,_Alaska

 

* To see more photographs by Mark Kelley:   https://www.markkelley.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If this is Thursday it must be postcards, 733

 

 

 

 

 

Sitka, Alaska, 2025

 

I picked up several postcards when we took an Alaska cruise in July.  This card features a view of small islands near the town of Sitka.  The card was purchased on the ship and I sent the original to my friend who lives in Italy.  The cards were printed in Canada and part of a set with pictures of Alaska. 

 

The cruise ships do not dock right in the town of Sitka but there are free shuttle buses that go from the dock to the town.  The bus ride is about 15 or 20 minutes and passengers are dropped off near the shopping area.  There are several buses and they run continuously every few minutes making it convenient to shop, walk, take an excursion, or just meander around. 

 

Last time we were here we walked to the Pioneer Home and the Pioneer Cemetery to find information about Adolph Landaas the younger brother of Maggie Landaas Lorig and Petra Landaas Lee.  Adolph had been part of the Alaska Gold Rush.  He lived in Fairbanks until his retirement years when he moved to the Pioneer Home in Sitka.  We also walked to the National Park but only looked at the things close to the entrance.  This time we wanted to walk through the park where there are beautiful totem poles all along a trail through the woods.  We did not walk the entire loop but went far enough to see many of the poles.  In one case we watched a crew cleaning a pole.  

 

 

 

Sign at the entrance to the park

 

 

 

One of the many totem poles in the park

 

 

 We thought this was interesting.  A crew was cleaning one of the totem poles using soap and water.  The men were in the cherry picker basket and could be raised or lowered as needed to do the cleaning.

 

 

 This pole was roped off and either unpainted natural wood or was getting a new coat of paint.  

 

 

Close up look at one of the carvings 

 

 

Here and there we found placards similar to this one that provided information about the poles and general history.

 

 

When we returned to the area near the bus stop, we looked in a few shops and bought a couple of items.  Then we went inside Saint Michael’s church, also known as the Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel.  It is a cathedral of the Russian Orthodox church.  When we were here before it was closed.   We had heard it was amazing inside.  And it is.  The walls are almost entirely covered with religious icons, there are candles, lots of decorative gold gilt, and is not very large inside.  It was relatively crowded when we were there but quiet.  Apparently, cookies and cocoa are sometimes sold in the basement of the church but we did not investigate the lower level.  

 

St. Michael's is a cathedral of the Orthodox Church in the America Diocese of Alaska. The church is in the Russian Orthodox architectural style.  The old cathedral was built between 1844 and 1848 from logs of native wood and lasted about 100 years.  Some of the icons were salvaged from the 1813 wreck of the Neva.   After the cathedral was destroyed in an accidental fire in 1966 it was rebuilt.   A National Historic Landmark since 1962, it is notable as an important example of the Russian influence in Southeast Alaska.  Items retrieved and restored after the fire included treasured icons, a chandelier, the royal doors, and some silk and brocade vestments.  The handmade bells and the clock in the bell tower were lost as was a large library with books in Russian, Tlingit, and Aleut languages.  

 

 

 

View of St. Michael's Cathedral from the back

 

 

The entrance to St. Michael's.  As can be seen it is a popular place for tourists to visit.

 

 

This is the view when entering 

 

Closer view of the gold doors and interior

 

 

 

There are icons on the walls, on stands, and everywhere.  

 

 

Candles 
 

 

 

For additional information, see:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sitka,_Alaska

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Michael%27s_Cathedral_(Sitka,_Alaska)