1908 GHU postcard -Aug.21

[This post originally published Sunday, September 20, 2009.  Some of the questions at the end of the post have been answered since then.]  

On March 1, 1907, Gladys Hiestand was probably looking forward to the spring washing of her hair. Bigger news on that day for post card aficionados was the US Postal Service changed their rules so that postcards with a divided back were finally permitted. According to A Brief History of Postcard Types by Stefano Neis, The address had to be written on the right side of the back of the postcard while the left side was reserved for writing messages. At this time in American history the postcard hobby became a public addiction.

Postcards from this period are most collectible when they do not have writing on their fronts. Ones in prime condition currently go for $300 and up on vintage post card sites, whereas one like Grandma's, not including the historical family value, can be found on ebay for 99 cents. This "Real Photo" printed in England was considered of lesser value than those printed in Germany.

I like this card as it is the oldest card that has a message from Grandma. 

Fri. morning [Aug 21, 1908]
Dear Mary: We arrived safe and sound Wed. morning and surprised them all greatly. Mamma got along better than usual. We enjoyed the pears greatly and ate them all but one, but Ellen & Roberta [Aunt Luna's daughters] soon made way with it. Found them all well. Gladys

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Questions to be answered:
How long did Aunt Luna live in Mound City? At some point she moved to Columbia.

• Married at her parents house in 1901, had wedding dinner, then took the train to Mound City, MO. (Her obituary states she was married in 1899, but a clipping in February 1901 describes the wedding and sets the date as 20 Feb 1901.)  The family moved to Columbia MO so the children could attend the University of Missouri.

What did Uncle [first name unknown to me] Mitchell do in Mound City?

• Aunt Luna's husband – Robert Glenn Mitchell, was born 1869 (five years older than Luna) in Hillsboro.  In 1900 he is listed as a clerk in Mound City; 1930 a carpenter.  He died in 1943.   

How long did it take to get from Hillsboro to Mound City via train in 1908?

• Probably 12-16 hours – would have required changing trains in Cincinnati and St. Louis.

When was Aunt Luna born?

• Luna Hiestand Mitchell 1874-1970 

When were Ellen and Roberta (and their siblings) born?

• Ellen Mitchell Lippmann 1902-1999
• Roberta Mitchell Phillips 1903-1993
• Lois Mitchell Schuetz 1908-1990
• Robert H. Mitchell 1910-
• Gladys Mitchell Paxton 1912-2000
• Luna Mitchell Herron  1915 - 

Did "Mamma" not travel well or was she poorly in general?

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Other blogposts about Aunt Luna can be found here.