This month Barry Cuff has chosen two postcards sent from Alderholt in the early part of the 20th century
Sent on 8th April 1920 to Mr Fred Street in Boscombe. Maud’s suggestion of visiting a place which is ‘good for the nerves’ might at first glance be a humourous comment on the slow pace of life in Alderholt. But sent just a couple of years after the end of the first world war, it potentially takes on a different tone and more poignant meaning if Fred had survived time in the trenches:
‘Dear Fred – These shops are quite close to the station. Why don’t you come up one day – its good for the nerves here – have three people pass the house every day. Love from Maud
This one was quite a challenge to decipher – even the postmark is impossible to read! I have taken the liberty of adding some punctuation …. The three children mentioned have crosses, to the left of the picture. The card was sent to Thurloe Square in South Kensington – close to the Natural History Museum:
Dear [I], Here is one for your album. Vais is plain. Ada is peeping through behind [her Thomas] if you don’t know her Flo will. Glad you had a nice time, just had a letter from Hat last. Hope you’ll soon be [m___ful], yes I’ll send you on what you mention the beginning of the week. Hope you’ll get this safely, will write a letter too at the same time. Annie’s time is getting near now. Much love from all, Martha.Am [fussy] Mrs M this tiff today, can’t stand it. No longer wonder how he’ll like it, will tell you in my letter. The boy is Georgie I’ve marked.
Sponsored by The Museum of East Dorset
