The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#95) - "We would sure have a high time" (Postcard, 1911)

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.

This 1911 postcard is delightful for two reasons: the beautiful pastel drawing and the extremely legible handwriting.

The postcard was sent from Charleston, Illinois in August of 1911. It was addressed to:

Miss Stella Black

Casey, ILL

There is a note from “Ida” to Stella on the back. It reads:

Dear coz,

How are you! I am all O.K. Why don’t Wilber and you girls come down for the Charleston fair. I would love to be at your house now we would sure have a high time. Maby I will go to the Greenup fair.

bye bye, Ida

A cast of characters is emerges: Ida, Stella, Wilber, and “you girls”. Ida and Stella appear to be cousins. Perhaps they all are?

A round trip to Charleston from Greenup, via Casey is about 33 miles by present day roadways. All of these cities are generally situated in central Illinois, about equidistant between St. Louis, MO to the West and Indianapolis, IN to the East.

Test your Genealogy Research Chops!

Can you help me discover who the people referenced in this postcard are? Perhaps you could help me find a descendent related to this family who might like the postcard for a family history keepsake? Here are some questions to think about:

• Who is sending the card?

• What are the stories of Ida, Wilber, Stella, and “you girls”?

• What were the fairs like in 1911 Charleston and Greenup, IL (hint: try checking sites like newspapers.com for advertisements)?

• What do you think, feel, and wonder about when you look at the postcard and read the inscription?

• Is anyone special depicted on the front?

I would love to hear what you come up with!

---

---