Scribbles on the Back

Posted on July 10, 2003 in Book of Days Possessions

Note: This is part of a series based on exercises from A Writer’s Book of Days. It’s something of a rebellion against the Friday Five and similar tupperware content memes.

Today’s topic: Write about a postcard.

I collect postcards. Today, in honor of some who have written a few lines in passing, I shall share excerpts from the back of pieces from my collection:

The card shows the creek in Waterman Canyon, near the Arrowhead Springs Hotel. The creek is blurred to overflowing. A woman in Victorian dress holds out a fishing pole.

Dear Gladys:
It’s impossible for papa to meet me. He has no objection to my staying with you or Josephine but too anxious that I may not arrive safe. Will explain better Tuesday. I feel very sorry that I cannot be with you.

A picture of the Venice, California Pavillion and the Cabrillo, a white-walled sailing ship that used to ferry passengers to Avalon on Catalina Island:

Dear Fred:

Am at Venice this afternoon. It is cold and already cloudy here so wont stay this evening. Rained in LA(?) this morning. Hope everything is fine with you. Be cheerful. Love A.

On one of my many burro postcards (see the title graphic here)

Stopped for a moment and had my picture taken. Not a bad likeness. Didn’t have my comb with me.

A wartime postcard showing the “Exposition Auditorium” at the San Francisco Civic Center. A Presidio soldier writes:

Dear Family:
I don’t mind if you call me a bum. You can even call me a damned-old-bum. I’m asking such a simple thing. Forgive my negleanance. Thank you. No I haven’t staked any claims yet, but I have found an untunéd piano with all the accouterments. Write gm 2/c after my name now. It has something to do with a promotion. That’s what they tell me, anyhow. xxx Love George xxx

A gaudy view of Coit Tower and Alcatraz on linen:

Dear Gabriella and Joe:
This card is a little deceiving for I’m sure you would agree that the houses are predominantly white — the better to blind you with sunglare!
How large a vocabulary does Marie have over and above the ha-ha stage? I’ll bet she has come along beautifully it would be hard to recognize the same little Girl.

A desert scene of cholla cactus and desert flowers:

He talks. We just got back from Monrovia. Had a nice visit and got us a nice trailer space. We got a very nice one here heat in the wash rooms. Lots to see here tell Viles theres lots of (?) here. We are going to Monrovia Monday. Weather is lovely. Roads were good got by OK.

A real photo card of Rock Creek near Bishop, California. Addressed to two of my uncles who were living in Long Beach at the time. These friends liked to kill things:

Hello Henry and Bert.
Having a nice time but no Deer. Fishing poor. We are staying for the opening of the Duck season. Jimmie went dove hunting one day and got a nice nest. See you soon

A picture of Los Angeles Harbor showing two submarines. Another wartime card, probably written by one of the women who built the ships:

Dear Mr. Barber:
I received your letter and was tickled to hear from you. I would like very much to get the Abbotts family magazine and also those proofs from the pictures that your secretary taken when I was there last. She promise to send them but I never got them as yet. And don’t forget to tell the union I haven’t received one thing from them yet. Well I am closing regards to all so write me soon.

A picture of the Conejo Grade between Los Angeles and Ventura. All bright colors, including magentas that defy reality:

Have finally left and am far far away from Stockton now. Am on my way to Santa Anita and then perhaps down to Mexico. Just went thru Hollywood again. I don’t know yet where I’ll live. Got a letter from Mickey. Here’s hoping I make some dough. I have the horses all they have to do is come in for me. See it’s pretty here.

A picture of the Donner Family Memorial in Donner Pass. I wonder if the father had any idea of the significance of the place when he wrote to his son:

Hello Son:
Having a good time on the ranch? Are you taking care of Jeannette? How is the bee hive? Did the bees sting you yet? I’ll be down to see you in a couple of weeks so be a good boy. Are you helping Grandma feed the chickens and the pig?

In these brevities is life relayed to others. We save the best stories for face to face.

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