Elmer Rose

I have had a stash of early 1900′s postcards that I found in an abandoned house in Kansas that for thirty years wanted a clever way to display.  At long last I have it.

These are the post cards of Elmer Rose, a young boy who was much loved by his relatives.  Elmer and his two sisters lived with their parents out on a wheat farm in Raymond, Kansas.  Elmer was his uncle’s favorite nephew and though they weren’t able to see a lot of each other, his Uncle Karl frequently bought  clever cards for Elmer all simply addressed: Mr. Elmer Rose, Raymond, Kansas: “Dear Elmer!- Are you getting ready for harvest  what are you going to do, what is your papa doing Yours with Love and kisses, Karl”

Or, “Hello Elmer How are you, I am well Love from Uncle Karl”

Sometimes Uncle Karl had nothing to say and would send a post card which very simply said, “Uncle Karl”

Elmer’s  grandmother, having gotten too old for farming and the winters in Kansas being very harsh, made a move in to town.  She loved to have little Elmer visit, “Dear Elmer Hope you are well and hardy and have a good time with your two sisters.  Hope Hilda is well by this time and that you can soon come in again.  We miss you so if you can’t come hope this will find you all well.  Your loving, Grandma”

And then one fine April day in 1911, Elmer’s mother had another baby: “Hello Elmer  How are you getting along?  When are you coming in?  We are well here.  Have 37 little chickens now.  Hoping that yours will be in soon.  Grosmama & Emma  How is baby!”

Taite went with me to the fabric store and steered me toward this background fabric, reminding me to consider my kitchen style and decor.  So in the end, I came home with this rich velvety brocade.  Meghan spotted the frame in a frame store and snagged that for me.

So now Elmer will be remembered every holiday.