As an Independence Day treat I offer this silly valentine I picked up today at an antique shop.
On the back in lovely Palmer-methodish writing, it says:
Miss Golda Newton, Ewing, Illinois.
2-13-17
Golda,
Will try to see you before very long cant say what day. It was so cold I suppose you did not look for me Sun. Write me soon. Emery.
You will note that the verse refers to bread, pie and cake, yet the rosey cheeked young scamp has only a bag of hard tack to snack on.
You will note also there are two bluebirds of happiness lurking around the 11 year old boy with holey hose. He appears to be contemplating marriage or suicide. He also bears a strong resemblance to Connor Oberst.
What can we conclude then from this example of early 20th century ephemera? Simply this – that women and children were exploited, that it’s difficult to attain the American dream when the bluebirds of happiness are pecking holes in your hose and that pie is an important symbol of wealth and security. God bless America.
1 Comment
July 6, 2009 at 10:44 pm
I came to a much different conclusion…