Whitwick Historical Group has recently received a postcard collection of over 600 postcards donated by Brian Concannon. These range from written postcards dated 1902 up to the end of the 20th century. They are black and white, colour and colourised. Many are of local views in the Leicestershire area, but there are also specially published cards for specific historical events.
Mail collections and deliveries could occur as many as ten times a day in the early 1900’s and postcards became a quick and easy way to send a simple note, rather like a text message today to let someone know that you had arrived safely after your journey, or to inform them you would be visiting later that day! Here are some examples from the collection.
Posted on Saturday February 22nd, 1902
To: Mr Frank Gee Peckleton Hall Hinckley
Thanks so much for the nice bottle of scent you kindly sent me yesterday also for your letters. All send wishes. Love from A.M.C.
Posted on Thursday December 2nd, 1909
To: Mr John Frank Poultry & Game Salesman Leadenhall London
Dear Sirs, I forwarded on the 2nd one box containing 19 snipe which I forgot putting address on consignment. Yours sincerely, P. Cunningham, Kilmihil, Clare, Ireland.
Here a postcard was printed days after the great fire of Leicester which took place on Thursday, October 5th, 1911 and destroyed St. George’s Church and several factories.
Posted on Thursday, October 11th, 1911
To: Mr A. Prolley 10, Perkins Street Coventry
Dear A. Received your letter. Shall you be coming over this week end as it is the fair if so will you let me know, what do you think of this for a fire, exactly how it looked at night. Best from Sarah.
Of course, some postcards were used as they are today, to let friends at home know how your holiday was going.
Posted on Tuesday, September 4th, 1917
To: Miss Stubbings The Blue Star Line Ltd Holland House Bury Street, E.C.3
Tuesday – Have just had lunch out in the Forest with this view before me. The weather is lovely just now and it promises to last out the week. Regards E.J.R.
