Friday, June 12, 2009

Montague & Mackinac

I've really been enjoying Marie's Post Card Friendship Friday (PFF.) She lives in France, so the past few weeks I've been very late coming to the party. Since I had some caffeine today there is no sleep in my body at the moment, so I'm kind of early (for me) getting to the blog party!

The whole idea behind PFF is to "Have a blast with this mail theme! Examples include: any type of postcard, a photo of a mailbox, mailman, a stamp image, postcard altered art, or simply a photo of something that you find 'Postcard Perfect' etc etc etc!"

I've been going through this book of postcards that I got at an auction many years ago. The people who saved these postcards lived in Michigan, so there is a strong Michigan theme about the cards. Since I grew up in Michigan, it's dear to my heart.



image - Google Earth

Here is my lovely home state of Michigan. The two Michigan cities where today's Michigan post cards came from are marked on the map. You can click on the photo to make the image larger.

This is probably a view of White Lake, a rather large body of water that runs through Montague, MI. I guess I moved the postcard, it's a bit wonky. There wasn't any writing on the back of this postcard, nor date. This type of postcard is about my favorite - it looks almost like a water color painting and the card is actually textured, almost like a linen card.


This is Mackinac Island (pronounced Mackinaw) - It was mailed in 1937 - August 12th. The island is a big tourist destination in Michigan and is known for being a place where there are no cars allowed. Bicycles, horse & buggy and walking are the transportation of the day...just as it was in 1937! I have never been to the Island, but at some point I would really like to go.

Just a line to let you know that I went to the island.
Tell Dad and Mother that I will be home Saturday night.
Your Brother Dick




This is the Terminal Station in Jacksonville, FL. It was turned into a convention center with nearly all of this original building being a part of the updated center. I actually had not realized that fact until just a few minutes ago. The interior of the Prime Osborne Convention Center still has some details of the old train station, but there are no more train tracks nor people waiting for mass transit. This card was mailed October 11th, 1941.

Dear Beverly,
How are you I am in Fla. at Mr. Rouse Mothers and it is very hot here.
I don't like it. Do you like your work.
Will see you when I get back.
Mrs. Rouse


I live in Jacksonville, FL now and I find it very interesting that these vintage postcards from this family's estate also included a few post cards from Jacksonville.

I hope you've enjoyed the postcards. Come back next week for another addition of PFF and please go and visit the other participants as you never know what they are going to post!

Have a Fabulous Friday!
Kristin

18 comments:

Marie Reed said...

You're right! The first card does look like a watercolor! It so relaxing and peaceful!

The second card even has the post office in it ! Woot! Now I have a hankering to visit the island too!

Marie Reed said...

The convention center used to be a train station? This is why I love vintage postcards .. they are truly ini historical documents! Happy PFF!

Paul van Yperen said...

Beautiful cards. Jacksonville and its surroundings seem like a paradise to me.

Keetha Broyles said...

Notice the "formality" of writing even in these little missives home to family and/or friends - - -

Use of mother instead of mom.

Signed "Your Brother, Rick" (Was she in danger of forgetting he was her brother????)

At the home of Mr. Rouse's mother. (HELLO!! Isn't Mr. Rouse her hubby????)

So fun these little glimpses into past decades.

Postcardy said...

I would love to visit Mackinac Island too.

Sheila said...

A friend told me all about Mackinac Island, and ever since I've wanted to see it. The film "Somewhere in Time" was set there I think. Soooo very romantic. :)

Vicky said...

wow, these are great vintage postcards. would love to visit USA one day.

Daryl said...

What a wonderful post ... Happy PFF!

Mandala Michelle said...

Great scan on that first card, I can see the linen texture. Thanks for the pretty cards and the great read.

Kristin - The Goat said...

Marie - I hadn't noticed the post office in the post card - It's a double!! I'll have to take pictures of the convention center now, so I can compare the two - cool, huh?

Bob of Holland - I have to say, Jacksonville is very hot lol just like on the postcard - but it is beautiful and I'm enjoying living here.

Keetha - I love the writing on the back. I thought it was very interesting that the wife used the name Mr. Rouse to describe her husband - and then to say Mr. Rouse Mother?! That was interesting, too. My Mom called her Mother, mother. I call mine Mother about half the time.

Postcardy - It's a beautiful place. Each time I've been able to go, it's been a holiday weekend and the island is a bit too expensive those times of year. Some day I'll go though.

Sheila - I meant to say something about "Somewhere in Time" - thanks for mentioning it! It was a beautiful movie and the Grand Hotel is truly grand in the movie.

Vicky - Come on over! We'd love to have ya :)

Daryl - Thanks! Glad to be a part of PFF

Mandala - I wish I'd scanned these images a bit larger so it would be easier to see the texture of the card - I'm glad you could though.

Thanks everyone for stopping by!

Terry said...

Howdy
Wow these are such beautiful cards.
I love all the suprises that the vintage cards provide.
I really want to visit now :)
Thank you for sharing these today.
I am so happy you won this aution !
Happy PFF to you .
Have a great weekend.
Happy Trails

Debby said...

These are great, thanks for sharing, so beautiful.
debby

Aimee said...

Great cards! No cars? That must be relaxing!

Robin said...

What lovely postcards.....
I too would love to visit Mackinac Island one day.

I grew up in a small town outside of St Louis, MO. As a young child I would take the Amtrak to Kansas and Chicago out of the St. Louis Union Station. But at that time it was in dreadful disrepair. Some twenty years or so ago, it was turned into a hotel and market place....preserving much of its original structure and ornamentation. It looks grander now than when I was a young girl traveling through there.

Have a beautiful weekend.

Miss_Yves said...

Lovely !The "peaceful scene" really looks like a watercolour!

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organicsyes said...

HI!
Thanks for posting on my blog:) I live in Michigan and saw your postcards as I scrolled down from the fabulous "kitty" chewings;)

I will stop back again...to get updates on your journal wreckage!

Kathy McCreedy said...

Hi Kristin! Wonderful post, I really enjoyed every one of the postcards, along with your narrative... made it really interesting... and yes, you really should make a point of visiting the Island (you know which one I mean!) Thank you very much for visiting my site, and especially for taking the time to leave such a kind comment. I really appreciate it!