Three postcards from my collection
Dear Mum, Dear Sue, Dear Bernard
I wrote a while back about one of my favourite things to do: browse the messages on old postcards in charity shops and vintage markets. I love seeing people’s handwriting and the messages they choose to share in that small square of space. Heartfelt, full of love, and – by nature of the medium – gifting the recipient a certain freedom too: there’s no expectation of a reply.
One thing I notice, as an editor, is that I rarely see any crossings out on postcards – ‘errors’ are a rarity – and I wonder if it’s because people feel relaxed and happy and themselves. A pressure-free environment meaning a mistake-free output.
As it’s peak postcard season here in the UK (or is it? I hope everyone’s still sending a postcard once in a while), I thought I’d share a few more from my collection. Here are three of my faves:
1. Dear Mum
[sent in the fifties, written in blue fountain pen]
Wednesday Dear Mum, Please will you send car key hanging on hook in kitchen (where tennis key is kept) bearing code letters roughly [redacted]. Donnie's have gone down plug-hole. Having lovely time. Please send to Jo's address. Thanks for ration books. Love Jill.
2. Dear Sue
[sent in the seventies, written in brown (or faded?) biro]
Dear Sue. The camp site is really nice and so are the blokes. I have found a really nice boyfriend. His name is Paul. I am really enjoying myself and I don't want to come home Love Debbie xxx.
3. Dear Bernard
[sent in the fifties, written in blue biro]
Dear Bernard, Just here for a few minutes Love from Mummy.
