Postcards Into the Past

 

 

 

 

When my mother in law died in 2020.. It was in the height of COVID restrictions, which made this sad time even worse. She was 95 and absolutely devoted to her family; always delighted to see the us all and the very heart of the family. Little did I know exactly HOW family orientated she was, until we started the inevitable task of clearing her things. For she had kept 100s of photos, mementoes and documents.  I didn't know how to start this blog of family life, but it has become obvious now - start at the moment I pulled out a dusty album of postcards that no-one knew of...

The album has nearly 200 postcards (100 from WW1) sent from my husband's grandfather Joe Vernon Smith to his sweetheart Sarah Rich, who became his wife during the Great War. Part of their story is enfolded in that album.

 

 

Joe as a young man, before the War

Sarah in 1915. Joe carried this with him 

I will return to Joe and Sarah's experiences of the War later in the blog (I have so much information!) Joe was awarded the Military Medal, which we have. I have the torn open telegram that Sarah received, advising her that he was severely wounded (he was to spend 6 months in hospital). I have numerous photographs. But I think this blog of their life should start with this album, Sarah had postcards dating from 1911 - when it seems is when she first met Joe. He knew her love of postcards so sent them at any time - even if just to tell her he would be round to see her and they could play the piano! And I "Will" explore it further, after I have written about Joe and Sarah's earlier lives.

For now, I will leave you with a taste of what is in the album. Silk cards, sketches by Joe and pressed flowers. I fell in love a little with Joe!

 

 

 

 

Here is an example. I didn't realise, but many of  the cards have a little handwritten insert. Joe refers to himself as her "hubby". Didn't know this term was in usage in 1916! His cards and letters  are all very affectionate
 

 

 

 Joe sent sketches from the Front. He only had a blue and orange  pencil with which to sketch

 

 

 This has kept the gorgeous colour 

My next post will explore Joe's life before the war to end all wars shattered his and Sarah's family...