The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#50)

Every Friday The Psychogenealogist shares a "Pic of the Week." The intent is to encourage thought and imagination about the spaces where psychology, genealogy, and history converge.

Here is another lovely little 100 plus year old postcard that I purchased from eBay. You can see some of the other postcards I've posted here

I am not sure if this postcard is a copy of a famous painting, but it seems like it might be. A quick google reverse image search might give us the answer. Is it a Monet? A van Gogh? I find the muted colors of this country home and church calm and inviting.  

The back of the postcard seems a bit drab and boring. It was addressed to a Miss Clara Richey of Fairfield, Virginia. It was postmarked January 20, 5pm. I think the year is 1912, but the stamp is obscured by some of the print on the card.

There is nothing terribly interesting about the card's contents.

It reads:

Hello I received
your card and
was glad to here from you
well what are you doing this
fine weather
setting by the
fire I guess 10.12.4

Punctuation is overrated anyway, don't you think? (first one to spot an error in this post, and I am sure there are a few, wins a prize)

There is a Clara B. Richey listed in the 1910 federal census living in South River, Rockbridge, Virginia. South River is only about 3 miles from Fairfield.

Clara B. Richey 1910 federal census

Clara B. Richey 1910 federal census

With only a few minutes of research I am fairly confident that this is the woman the postcard was addressed to. I'll say I am 75%, but there is still a lot more to know. Care to take up the challenge?

I invite you to try to answer some of these questions:

  • Who was Clara Richey and what is her story?
  • Are the numbers at the bottom of the card a date? If so, do they match the postmark?
  • Who is writing the postcard?
  • What does the front of the car depict?
  • Why do you suppose this postcard was saved for over 100 years and how did it make its way to eBay? 

Do you have an old photograph or a genealogical story that you would like to share? I am happy to consider guest submissions for possible Pic of the Week or other blog posts in the future. Send an email to info@psychogenealogist.com for more information.

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