Back in October I started a project entitled Guildford and District. Based loosely on an earlier shelved project. This postcard can also be seen over on that site, with quite a few others already posted and more to come!
This postcard intrigued me. It was not just about the view, which is always lovely to see, but it is about the people who sent the card and the journey they were physically on, its about the message they sent and the person they sent it to. So many questions......
The Message
"We spent the day here & had a lovely time - came to London July 25th will sail for home Sept 29th if all is well. Aunt Lina (or Ina)."
The Address
Miss Anna Davis
Lansford
Pennsylvania
U.S. America
The Details
The front postmark is dated 1.30pm on Aug 8 1905 with a Bournemouth stamp.
The rear stamps show again 1.30pm on Aug 8 1905 with a Bournemouth stamp and shows it arrival in the USA with the stamp of Lansford PA Aug 19 1905 at 8am
The Research
I searched the nearest US Census to the postage date which was 1910. The census revealed for Lansford, Carbon County a William S Davis aged 44 years. Born in Wales. He migrated to the US in 1869. His occupation is described as a foreman in a coal mine. Residing with him with was Ella Davis his wife aged 41 years who was born in PA and a daughter Anna aged 19 years, born in PA and a further two children - Ada aged 13 years and William aged 7 years. Both born in PA. The formal address was Banks, Carbon Pennsylvania.
I stepped back to 1900 and looked at the Census again. The were recorded as Banks, Carbon, Pennsylvania and William and wife Ella are described as being married for 11 years, making a marriage circa 1889. The household consists of William's mother Annie Davis aged 61 years and born in Wales, William S is recorded as aged 35 years, Ella aged 31 years, Annie S is aged 10 years and Ada is aged 3 years.
The Census for 1920 reveals a new address - Altoona Ward 7 Blair. The head of the household is Ella Davis aged 65 years. Living with her are Sarah E Davis aged 30 years, Anna M Davis aged 29 years and Charles E Weaver aged 20 years recorded as Grandson and a truck driver.
So that is as far as I have researched. Perhaps someone with a connection to the family will step forward? Are there any records of Lena's trip? Would descendants like the postcard?
Submitted as part of Postcard Friendship Friday hosted by The Best Hearts are Crunchy
I was fascinated by this great post Julie. I love the stories that one can glean from old postcards.
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda. I did a similar one for last week about a postcard involving a Gretna Marriage and I have a corker lined up for the end of the month!
ReplyDeletewowowow. wonderful research. postcards are little gems of history and story telling. marvelous post. Happy PFF!
ReplyDeleteexhaustive research and sleuthing here! it perfectly illustrates why postcard collecting is so important for preserving the historical record of people and places...
ReplyDeleteWow, it's amazing how much you were able to discover.
ReplyDeleteIsn't the internet wonderful. Researching the census records would be more difficult without it.
ReplyDeleteNow how did the card get from PA to you?
Viridian, I purchased the card to use as part of my Guildford and District collection.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful--I get curious about the folks who send the postcards, too. This one is particularly intriguing.
ReplyDeleteHappy PFF!