Miss Lillian's Postcards: A Postcard from Father

Sender: HM (Henry Maguire, Lillian's father)
Addressee: Lill Maguire, 1902 G Terry Ave, Seattle, Washington
Postmark: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Date: November 20, 1909
Image: Old Spanish Convent, N.M.

The text for this postcard states "The town of Lamy, between Las Vegas and Albuquerque, was named for the good Archbishop who founded nearby a convent, the wall of which are still standing, and who also once taught the Indians in a little adobe school house. At the time of the founding of this convent he was a missionary priest, but afterwards became Archbishop Lamy of Santa Fe."

I could find no record of this structure on the internet, and Lamy is a tiny town of about 200 people, mostly a train station stop.

Message:

Still going

Country looks bum

HM

This brief postcard from Lillian's father is so very interesting. He is traveling from St Louis, Missouri to California. Clearly this stop in New Mexico did not impress him. "Bum" he called the countryside! New Mexico is surely much drier than Missouri, so I suppose we cannot fault him for his perception. But New Mexico is an amazing state with much beauty.

In 1909, the fastest way to get from St Louis to the west coast would be train, a long trip of several days. We do not know the reason Henry Maguire is traveling, but at least he found time to drop a short postcard to his daughter at this stage in his journey. He must have written this in a hurry, for the penmanship is not neat or tidy, and seems hurried.

It is rather fun to see how direct and to the point Lillian's father is. I look forward to his next postcard!

Miss Lillian's Post Cards - A Tweet from Relatives

Sender: Elsie (Mueller)
Addressee: Miss Lillian M. Maguire, 1902 G Terry Av., Seattle, Wash.
Postmark: Cleveland, Ohio
Date: August 23, 1909
Image: Trinity Cathedral, Cleveland, O.

Looking exactly the same in 1909 as it does now, Trinity Cathedral in Cleveland is on the National Register of Historic Places. This beautiful structure was built in 1901, so it was still a bit of a wonder at the time of this post card.

Message:

Dear Lill:

- Arrived

in Cleveland this A.M.

Had a lake trip from

Buffalo.

Love from

Elsie & Paula

P.S. Have the folks

written to mama

yet? - E.

More relatives enter our view into Lillian's world! In this case, it is a postcard from Elsie and Paula Mueller, sisters of Adolph F Mueller, who is married to Lillian's sister Ann. It is with Ann and Adolph that Lillian is living at this time. The two sisters have just traveled from Buffalo to Cleveland. Both cities are located on the shores of Lake Erie, hence the reference to a "lake trip".

Our clue that they are family (aside from my searches on Ancestry.com) is the postscript. Since Lillian is living with their brother, Elsie asks if "the folks" (meaning Adolph and Annie) have written to mama (that is, Elsie's mother). Elsie is the same age as Lillian (in 1909, age 27), and is just a couple of years younger than Adolph and Ann. Paula is about 6 years younger than her sister.

 An afternoon dress from 1909

Miss Lillian's Postcards: A Vintage Tweet from Chile!

Sender: Jerome C. Huff
Addressee: Miss Lilian M. Maguier [sic], 1902 G Terry Ave, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
Postmark: Talcahuano Chile
Date: January 7, 1909
Image: Jardin del Palacio en el Parque Cousino, Concepcion, Chile

This beautiful, and dare I say it, rare postcard from the country of Chile in South America (probably worth a few dollars!) provides an image of the Jardin del Palacio en el Parque Cousino - the Palace Garden in the Isidora Cousiño Park. The park is also called Lota Park (Lota de Parque) because it is located in the port city of Lota, Chile, overlooking the bay. It was designed between 1862 and 1872 and includes trees, gardens, statues, and pools. Guides dress in the style of the 19th century and recall the time period of Isidora and Luis Cousiño, who oversaw much of its development. The park also includes a zoo, a meteorological observatory and a conservatory with tropical plants. It contains the tomb of Carlos Cousiño, the son of Isidora and Luis. Carlos also worked on the development of the park, and was alive at the time of this postcard. The "Cousiño Palace", home of Isadora and Luis, and the "Palacio" referenced in the postcard, was located within the park. Though the home itself was demolished in the 1960s, the adjacent gardens remain.

The view in the postcard is of the central part of the park where the palace once stood. Below is a current image from the park.

If you speak Spanish, check this Wiki article for the history of the park. For the Spanish-challenged, this YouTube video provides a long tour of the park.Or this one! This YouTube video provides a very quick tour of the park.

Message:

Dear friend,

Am far away

and still going

farther, we never

stop to think any

more.

Jerome C. Huff

This postcard from Lillian's collection is one of my favorites. It is special because it comes from a friend who is traveling in a foreign country. Chile was not a common destination for travel in those days. It is also special for the writer's beautiful penmanship. But most especially it is a treasure because of its simple yet poignant message. It almost reads like a Haiku or poem. It is such a thoughtful, pensive message. It speaks of loneliness, and reflection on decisions in life. Perhaps he is just homesick, or perhaps lonely. We will never know.  But his message still speaks to the heart after more than a century. 

Miss Lillian's Postcards - Vintage Tweet from Mother

Sender: Mother
Addressee: Miss Lilian Maguire, #1902 g Terry Ave, Seattle, Washington
Postmark: St Louis, MO
Date: November 6, 1908
Image: Merchants Bridge, St. Louis, MO.

According to Wikipedia, the Merchants Bridge is a rail bridge crossing the Mississippi River in St. Louis, MO. It opened in May 1889 and is over 4, 000 feet long. To experience crossing this bridge while on a train, check out this video on YouTube.

Message:

Dear Lilly

I have sent a package

by express today so

you can be on the look

out for it. Hope all

feel well we are 

all well.

Love to all from all

Your Mother

This is so lovely, to see a postcard to Lillian from her mother. I love her closing "Love to all from all". To all means Lillian, her sister Anne, and Anne's husband Ade, who all live at 1902 G Terry Avenue. I am guessing that "from all" means that Lillian has one or more siblings still at home with her parents. In time we will see postcards from these siblings. I wonder what is in the package that Lilly's mother sent. What merited sending it by express? All we can do is wonder!

Miss Lillian's Postcards - Vintage Tweet with the Latest News

Postcard 37

Sender: Ida Eilts
Addressee: Miss Lilian Maguire, 1902 G Terry Ave, Seattle, Wash.
Postmark: St Louis, MO
Date: Sep 25, 1908
Image: Holland Building, Seventh Street near Olive, St. Louis, Mo.

Built in 1896, the Holland Building was the tallest building in St Louis MO when it was new. So when Ida sent this postcard to Lillian, this building was one of the most interesting and beautiful office skyscrapers in the St. Louis central business district. This attractive and notable building housed predominantly medical and dental offices and was full of all the latest conveniences, such as elevators, restrooms on each floor, and piped iced water on each floor. It was demolished in 1973.

Message:

Dear Lilian; - 

Guess you

think I have for-

gotten you. No, I 

never. How are

you? I'm fine 

& dandy. Florence

married the man

she always told

us she was en-

gaged to. Mr. Ed.

Medill.

Linda got married

last week.

Ida Eilts 

I love this message! I wonder what Lillian thought of the news? Starting with assurances that she has not forgotten Lillian and never would, Ida tells Lillian the latest news: Florence and Linda have married! I am assuming these are women in Lillian's circle of friends. Of particular note is the way Ida phrases the news about Florence, implying some original skepticism regarding Florence's claims to being engaged: "Florence married the man she always told us she was engaged to." Well, she was telling the truth after all - now that's a juicy bit of news. Ha ha!

1907 Fashion

Miss Lillian's Vintage Postcards: With Affection From Lizzie

Postcard 36

Sender: Lizzie Mulvey
Addressee: Miss Lilian Maguire, 1902 G Terry Av, Seattle, Wash.
Postmark: St Louis, MO
Date: Aug 24, 1908
Image: Reproduction of painting - outdoor scene labeled "Late Fall"

You can just barely see the title of this scene at the center bottom of the postcard - "Late Fall". It certainly looks like winter. The small figure in the lower right corner is most likely a person bringing in the harvest. It is a chilly scene for a postcard sent in August. :)

Message:

Dear Lillian,

Your postal

was received and more

than glad to hear from you

hoping to hear from you real

soon again. We certainly 

did have nice times

together. With much love,

Lizzie Mulvey

This is the first time we have heard from Lizzie, who is apparently a long-time friend of Lillian's from St Louis. Lizzie penciled this message in reply to a postal from Lillian. She recalls the nice times they had together, and signs it affectionately. How very sweet. :)

Miss Lillian's Postcards: Vintage Tweet from Niagara Falls

Postcard 35

Sender: Nellie
Addressee: Miss Lilian Maguire, 1902 G Terry St, Seattle, Wash.
Postmark: Niagara Falls, N.Y.
Date: Aug 12, 1908
Image: General View of Falls, Niagara Falls

The fabulous Niagara Falls, looking fabulous in 1908. Comparing this image with a recent image on this page (which looks like it was taken from the same vantage point), it would appear that the structure in the lower right hand corner no longer exists.

Message:

Dear Lil,

Am having a

fine trip hope you

are enjoying yours

received you[r] cards.

Nellie

Well how fun! Nellie is enjoying her summer trip to Niagara Falls, and is assuming that Lillian (misspelled as "Lilian" in the address) is on vacation too. This is the first we have heard from Nellie, who could be a friend or a family member. And evidently Lillian has sent her several post cards. In any case, lucky Nellie to be able to visit Niagara Falls, it was no doubt as thrilling then as it is now. From the postal stamp on the front of the postcard (Seattle, Aug 14), this postcard only took 2 days to reach Lillian!

And where will you be spending your summer vacation?

1907 Jabot Blouse

Miss Lillian's Postcards: Vintage Tweets - July 22 1908

Postcard 34

Sender: Mrs. M.

Addressee: Miss Lillian McGuire, 1902 Terry Ave, Seattle, Wash. Flat G

Postmark: Sedro Woolley, Wash

Date: July 22, 1908

Image: At Eventide (ships at anchor) Marine Series No. 3807

This is a rather somber image, a photograph of ships at anchor, probably at dusk.

Message:

Dear Friend:

Am having a

nice time only

wish my friends

might share it.

Will tell you about

it when I return

Mrs. M.

My curiosity is piqued by this short missive from Mrs. M! Who is Mrs. M? The temptation is that it is Lillian's mother, but I think not, since she addresses Lillian as "Dear Friend". For that reason it also is not likely to be Lillian's sister, Mrs. Mueller (with whom Lillian is still living at this point in time, based on the address). So it must be a married friend, probably visiting the Pacific Northwest from the St. Louis MO area. The card was published in St Louis, but was mailed from the small town of Sedro Woolley, Washington, about an hour and a half north of Seattle (by today's travel methods, of course!). :)  She says that she will "tell you about it when I return", implying the journey will take her back to Seattle. I can only imagine what an outing like this would have been back in 1908 and Sedro Woolley was just a logging town. Click here to see a museum of vintage photos from the Sedro Woolley area.

Note that Lillian and her sister's family live in "Flat G" at 1902 Terry Ave in Seattle. How very British to refer to an apartment as a flat. We have lost the use of that term here in the United States.

A lovely blouse from 1907

Miss Lillian's Postcards - Vintage Tweets: Stella Says Hello

Postcard 32

Sender: Stella
Addressee: Miss Lillian Maguire, 1902 G Terry Ave, Seattle, Wash. c/o Mr. A. Mueller
Postmark: St Louis MO
Date: July 7, 1908
Image: Maxine Elliott

This postcard features the famous actress, Maxine Elliott. A very popular star of the stage at that time, Maxine went on to star in silent films too. She eventually owned her own theater and became very wealthy. Her life sounds very interesting and worth your investigation!

Message:

Dear Lill -

Rec'd your postal while away. glad you are

having such a nice [time]. Will write soon.

Kindest regards to Annie. With love, Stella

We hear from Stella, or I should say, Lillian hears from Stella in this brief postcard that features a photograph of a beautiful and popular actress of the times. This is a postcard where the address side is reserved for the entire address and so any note must be written on the front (image) side. Which doesn't leave much room. But then, postcards were used to send the briefest of notes, so in all, it works out fine. We don't know who Stella is, but since she sends her greetings to Lillian's sister, she must be either a close friend of the family or a relation.

Miss Lillian's Postcards: Vintage Tweets - A Short Greeting from Nora

Postcard 31

Sender: Nora

Addressee: Miss Lillian Maguire, 1902 "G" Terry Ave, Seattle, Washington

Postmark: St Charles MO

Date: June 15, 1908

Image: St. Charles Military College, St. Charles, Mo.

This postal from St Charles MO features buildings at St Charles Military College, which was founded in 1832 and was still around in 1914. It is possible that it was absorbed by and became St Charles High School, but only if St Charles Military College and St Charles Military Academy were the same institution. You can figure out only so much via the Internet.

Message:

6/14-08

Dear Lillian,

Received your

letter and Postal 

"OK."

Everything is

lovely in St. Chas.

Hoping you are

feeling fine and

dandy. Best Wishes

From Nora

This postal is from Lillian's friend Nora, from whom she has received other postcards, and who resides in St. Charles, MO. She is very general in her remarks. Mainly this is just a "touching base" sort of message. The item of note is her use of the slang term "OK".

Blouse Fashion from 1907

I love the detail on this blouse!

Miss Lillian's Postcards - Vintage Tweets: Want to Go Back to Work?

Postcard 030

Sender:  Tillie
Addressee: Miss Lillian Maguire, c/0 Mrs. Mueller, 1902 G" Terry Ave., Seattle, Wash.
Postmark: St. Louis, MO
Date: June 9, 1908
Image: Country Club. Junction City, Kansas

This image conveys a country club of gentility and bucolic beauty. The Country Club in Junction City, Kansas no longer exists in this form, although there is a Country Club and Golf course there.

Message: 

Hello Lillian, how is everything,

and everybody? I thank you

very very much for the postal

and also the book of beautiful

views, I appreciate them

both very much. You ought

to come to work, next week

the Circus is across the street,

you know there won't be much

work done. Hoping you are all

well, will write more soon.

Your friend, Tillie

Lillian receives a message from Tillie, her co-worker at the homeopathic pharmacy in St. Louis, MO. From this message, we cannot determine whether Lillian is staying temporarily or permanently in Seattle for her health. Clearly Tillie thinks she might come back. And what better incentive for a return to work than the fun of a circus across the street?

Lillian has been thoughtful and generous, remembering friends by sending postals and picture books - the next best thing to being there! And check out this lovely dress and short coat - perfect for an afternoon outing - too pretty to wear to a circus?

1907 Coat and Afternoon Dress

Miss Lillian's Postcards: Vintage Tweet from Ada, June 5, 1908

Postcard 029

Sender:  Ada J. Matz
Addressee: Miss Lillian Maguire, 1902 G" Terry Ave, Seattle, Wash.
Postmark: St. Louis, MO
Date: June 5, 1908
Image: Jefferson Barracks, St Louis, MO

The Jefferson Barracks still exist, and the entire area is now managed by the Jefferson Barracks Heritage Foundation, complete with museums, historic buildings, and so on. Another worthy place to visit if ever I am in St. Louis!


Message: 

Dear Lillian: - 
Many thanks for 
the beautiful card and
handsome souvenir. Words
fail to express my surprise
and great delight when
the parcel came to hand.
We have rain almost
every day and today it
is scorching hot. Am glad
to learn that you like it
so well in Washington.
With sincere good wishes, 
I remain,
Ada J. Matz

I wonder what the "handsome souvenir" is that Lillian sent to Ada. This post card is such a gracious thank you and greeting. Ada reports that the weather has been days of rain and now scorching hot in St. Louis. I suspect that is not the weather that Lillian has been experiencing in Seattle! ;)

An Afternoon Dress - 1907

Miss Lillian's Postcards: Vintage Tweets - Time to Get Out of St Louis for Keeps!

Postcard 028

Sender:  C. M. De Rinza French Lady
Addressee: Miss Lillian Maguire, 1902 G Terry Ave, Seattle, Wash.
Postmark: St. Louis, MO
Date: June 4, 1908
Image: Wabash Bridge, Forest Park, St Louis, MO

I suspect that this bridge no longer exists, but in this postcard it looks relatively new and very picturesque. Forest Park is still in St Louis. This very large park is a major center for the city, with civic buildings, a zoo, and a golf course. If I ever visit St Louis, I'll have to be sure to visit Forest Park!

Message: 

Dear Lillian,
I am so glad
you are so well
pleased with your
new home & sincerely
hope it will bring
back your health
which after all is 
the greatest blessing
of all. I trust I may
be as fortunate
as you & get out next 
spring for keeps no 
returning for me.
Thanks for your postal.
Linda left us last Saturday
& Florence Abel leaves this [sic]
Things are changing rapidly.
With love from C. M. De Rinza

French Lady

The message on this postcard is very warm and confiding. It emphasizes the gift of health, and informs us that health in that time period was not a secure thing. It also seems to indicate that young women of Lillian's circle were all anxious to leave St. Louis. In addition to Lillian, Linda and Florence have left (married? simply moved? where did they go?) and this writer, the "French Lady", intends to leave too, "for keeps". This is such an interesting and intriguing peek into young women's life at that time!

Afternoon Dress 1907

Miss Lillian's Postcards: Vintage Tweet from Tillie, May 26, 1908

Postcard 027

Sender:  Tillie
Addressee: Miss Lillian Maguire, c/0 Mrs. Mueller, 1902 G" Terry Ave., Seattle, Wash.
Postmark: St. Louis, MO
Date: May 26, 1908
Image: Los Banos (The Baths) San Diego, Cal.

This postcard from Lillian's co-worker in St Louis, Tillie, shows a photograph of Los Banos (The Baths), located in San Diego, California. I don't think this building exists anymore. At least, I could not find it on the internet.

Message: 

Hello, Lillian; -

I received your pretty

card, was very glad to hear

from you, also glad you 

liked the photo. We are having

warm weather, give me the good 

old summer time. Hoping to hear

from you soon again. Tillie.

[]

So Tillie loves the summer weather. :) Of course, in May it was probably still pleasant. I was searching for information on the climate for St. Louis, to see just how bad it could be, bad enough that a person would have to move elsewhere for their health. And it seems to be essentially very hot & humid in the summer (sub-tropical almost) and freezing in the winter. So a move to Seattle for Lillian would have meant a move to a much more moderate climate, not too hot in the summer and not too cold in the winter. :) Smart move.

A beautiful afternoon dress 1907

Miss Lillian's Postcards - Vintage Tweets - Minneapolis

Postcard 026

Sender:  Edna McGarry
Addressee: Miss Lillian Maguire, 1902G Terry Ave, Seattle, Wash.
Postmark: Minneapolis, Minn
Date: May 18, 1908
Image: "Minneapolis Makes Good" Cadet Drill, University Armory
Message: 

Minneapolis, Minn

Dear Lillian:

We arrived home

safely Thursday had

a fine trip home and 

the same big porter.

Hope you are feeling

well and will like the 

West. Better write and

tell us what you are doing.

Sincerely,

Edna McGarry

419 E.14th St.

The front of this post card features the University of Minnesota Armory, which is still standing and is part of the University of Minnesota Old Campus Historic District. At the time of this postcard, this building was only about 10 years old.

 In the previous postcard (Postcard 025), Edna McGarry and her sister were traveling back to Minnesota in early May. Now it is the 18th of May, and Edna is writing to Lillian from her home in Minnesota. It teems that Edna is impatient to hear Lillian's news about her new life in Seattle. :)

An afternoon dress 1907

Miss Lilliian's Postcards - Vintage Tweets - Out West for Health

Postcard 025

Sender: Maureen and Edna McGarry
Addressee: Miss Lillian MacGuire, 1902G Terry Av., Seattle, Wash.
Postmark: Bellingham, WASH
Date: May 7, 1908
Image: Nooksack Falls, Whatcom County, Washington
Message: 

Dear Lillian, You failed to 

sign your last name &

we had to guess at it. Hope

this will reach you. We are

having a very nice time

and leave for home this

coming Monday. Go to

Vancouver by boat. We were

very anxious about you

until we received the

card and knew for sure

you were with your

sister. Hope you will like

the West & get good & strong.

Our Minneapolis address is

419 E. 14th St. Love from

Maureen and Edna McGarry

Looking very "Northwest", this postcard illustrates the beautiful Nooksack Falls in Whatcom County, Washington state, a popular attraction then and now. Whatcom county and Bellingham are adjacent to British Columbia, Canada. 

Well, well! This postcard from a pair of sisters from Minneapolis informs us that Lillian is still in Seattle, and evidently staying with her sister Ann, not a surprise there. What IS interesting is that Lillian is in Seattle for her health! I am intrigued! I wonder how poorly her health was. The summers and winters are milder in Seattle than in St. Louis, could that be easier on the health? Or did she have a specific ailment? No way to know.