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.
Most of you know by now that I love old postcards. Here is one from from 1918. On the front is a colorful summer scene of Electric Park in Kansas City, Missouri, an amusement park operating in that city from 1907-1925.
It was sent from Merriam, Kansas on March 31, 1918. It is addressed to a Mrs. Sam Beaty in Peabody, Kansas.
It reads:
My Dear Ruth: How are you getting along we are all settled down now We went to K.C. to-day in Uncle G car had a nice ride I think of you all out there. Grandma lives on one side of us and Uncle George on the other Ernest said tell the girls hello for him. Well this is all I can get on the card so good bye with love from
Mabel Bowers Merriam Kansas
There is a great deal of information contained in this card. It would take a little sleuthing to connect the dots. If you are up to the challenge here are some of the questions I would focus on:
- Who was Mrs. Sam (Ruth) Beaty?
- Who is Uncle G and what kind of car did he drive?
- Who was Mabel Bowers?
- A fair guess would be that Mabel and Ruth are cousins. What do you think?
- Who is Ernest? Grandma? Grandpa?
- What is the history of Electric Park in Kansas City, Missouri?
Here are a few possible starting points for you to begin your investigation. Though promising, they aren't confirmed yet:
- Find a Grave entry for an Edna Ruth (Yougar) Beaty (1886-1972)
- 1910 Census for A Sam and Edna Beaty
- Over 100 entries for Mabel Bowers on Find a Grave
Happy Hunting! Let me know what you find.
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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