Maimeo Remembers

I never really thought much about the term “picture postcard” and thought it redundant or confusing. However, we have recently acquired a group of ephemera that contains many such items. In the very early 20th century, it was common to have a photograph taken and printed on a postcard. Somtimes these were actually sent through the mail to family or friends. But it seems that it may also have been selected for the heavier paper compared to what they were generally using for prints. Also, the 5 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ size was handy for carrying or for albums (very popular at the time).  A most interesting one has side-by-side pictures of an older man and an Indian woman. On the reverse in pen and ink is “Marig itis is Broken Ribs daughter isn’t she sweet. I am very jealous of Will’s lost love. Ella.”  Ella was Mary Welsh Shirk’s aunt and Will was Wm C Smith. (see Harold & Mary ephemera).

Mary Welsh was born December 11, 1894 in or near Topeka, Kansas where she lived as a child in the midst of her family and small circle of friends. Harold Shirk was the boy-next-door who she started dating in about 1912 -1914. Harold attended the University of Chicago but enlisted in the army in May 1917. While on furlough in February 1918, he and Mary became engaged.

Harold fought in France during World War I with the American Expeditionary Forces, specifically in the Argonne Forest. Mary saved a number of his letters during his time in the army including one written the day after the Armistice while still in France. He was very happy to think of returning to his “Own Darling Marietta” (even though he had “cooties”). The letters are funny and warm and speak about his lonliness and his faithfulness, hoping that Mary also was being true to him. He must have looked at her picture many times on long nights. In it, Mary is standing on a porch in a loose white dress and high white shoes while leaning her head against the porch post.

Harold brought back souvenirs he purchase while on furlough after the Armistice including two ladies handkerchiefs that Mary saved.

Harold and Mary were married on Saturday, October 8, 1921 in Topeka, Kansas with family and friends sharing their happiness.

-Maimeo