Postcards from the edge
Never have we ever needed to escape the harsh realities of modern life more than now. The Bentley Historical Library holds a vast postcard collection spanning the centuries. We pulled these sweet missives to “Papa,” “the Boss,” and “Aunt Gertrude” from a bygone era in U-M history. Hugs.
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University Library, Oct. 12, 1915
To: Mrs. Thomas Weir, Harbor Beach
I got here at last. Charles and Aunt Cassie met me at the station. I came out alone. Made the grade all right – I haven’t had much doing yet. Art
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Senior parade, Commencement, Sept. 26, 1913
To: Mr. E.P. Nutting, Moline, IL
It will be a long time before my face will be seen in such a picture as that on the other side of the card. However, I am living in hopes – or rather, for the present, at 338 East Catherine. Like the town very well. Have registered; will take Political Economy … Not dead yet. Kopp
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Waterman Gymnasium, Nov. 8, 1904
To: Mr. Samuel B. Richards, Salem, Ohio
Dear Pete, This is a little bit bigger than the old YMCA gymnasium, is it not? Has an indoor track, 12 laps to the mile. I am well and hope you are the same. Have you gotten your room fixed up yet? Write to me and tell me the news. I like to get your letters. Yours, Rich
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Block M at Ferry Field, May 23, 1917
To: Miss Jennie M. Twichell, Livingston County MI
Dear Jennie, Did you know Gregor had joined the ambulance corps and expects to sail for France either June 2 or 16? He left here 10 days ago. We can’t make it seem true some way but it is. Maria is not very well this spring. Come see us when you are in town. Winifred.
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New Library, February 1931
To Mrs. C.H. Gleason, Grand Rapids
Dear Boss I:
Finally struggled through my exams and got terrible grades. I don’t dare tell you what they were. Feel rather down-hearted about them. But I couldn’t remain so as long as Sarah and I went to the J-hop last night and had a grand time! Lost my main collar button just as I got there; got another one from one of the checkers. Also had trouble getting my coat when going home. Might be in town next weekend. Marcus.
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A campus pet, Nov. 3. 1910
To: Mr. Harry Weber, Detroit MI
Dear Harry, A bunch of the fellows including Ernie and myself are coming in to Detroit next Saturday night and go skating at the D.A.R. – doubles of course. Can’t you arrange to go with us. We are to meet at the rink about 7:00 or 7:30. Howard S.
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Alumni Memorial Hall, March 9, 1912
To: Mr. Burdick Potter
Dear Papa, Spent a long time at the Davis home, and then the art exhibit at Memorial Hall, then took a trolley and also hack ride about the city. Spent a very happy day. Lina
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New science hall, December 1930
To: Mrs. C.H. Gleason, Grand Rapids
Dear Boss I: Just got through having a brain teaser in economics in the back part of this bldng. Gosh my marks are getting worse and worse. I can’t get on to the style in which they like to have test papers written down here. My dish washing companion got fired last Saturday + is a waiter today. Marcus
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Kappa Kappa Gamma, December 1921
To Miss Gertrude M. Stewart, Detroit, Mich.
Dear Aunt Gertrude, I received your letter this morning and have already sewed my new cuffs and collar on my dress. They look just fine and I want to thank you for spending so much of your time “fussing” for me.
Last night I went to the Armory with Bob Kerney, the boy with whom I went to the Kappa Kappa Gamma dance. Tuesday Wes took me to the mandolin concert given at Hill Auditorium. He gave me the box of candy that I won. John Garlinghouse (?) is pledged to Trigon, a club. I understand fraternities are too expensive for him. The SAE’s (Sigma Alpha Epsilons) were again rather slow… (See reverse side.)
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Mosher Jordan Hall (Girls’ Dormitory), Nov. 23, 1940
To: Mr. & Mrs. E.J. Mill, 435 Franklin, Belvidere, IL
Dear Folks: Thanks for package, which arrived today – Saturday. Michigan sure ran over Ohio State today. Harmon greatest of great. Got highest grade in six week’s exam of 130 students in class. Very busy. English walnuts, dates very good. Best wishes, Ellen (?)
Karen Liska
Maybe “Burdick” Potter….
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Deborah Holdship
Could be. She obviously scribbled it in a hurry!
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Jim Bueter - '75 Pharmacy
Nice collection. The cards give one an appreciation for the changes through the years.
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Kim P Jones - Law 1984
I agree that the addressee’s first name is pretty clearly “Burdick”
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Deborah Holdship
All right. I’m going with Burdick. Thanks!
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