Thanksgiving by Mail

[Northern Light]

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with family and friends, but if you cannot be with you family you could send them a card. In the 19thCentury people sent post cards and I wish to share some of those postcards with you. It is interesting to see how different yet familiar some of the themes are.

Pilgrims are still popular, but this card emphasizes the reasons for the Pilgrims giving thanks.

This reminds us how precarious like was for them.

We are reminded of the Indians who were essential to their survival.

 

[Northern Light]

Then came the most iconic symbol of Thanksgiving: the Turkey!

Can you imagine this card arriving in the mail?
Other turkey postcards were .....interesting.

From your local chapter of the NRA?

A thanksgiving song. Who knew?

These turkeys have been to school!

 

[Northern Light]

Turkeys and children go together like....Umm....????

Pretty little girl feeding the turkeys How sweet! Wait, is she licking her lips?

She's dreaming of a stuffed turkey.

Did you know you can ride turkeys? Neither did I!

Turkey races... a new tradition?

 

[Northern Light]

Turkeys can be scary as well.

But so can kids!

Here turkey, turkey turkey!

!!!!!!

Said no turkey EVER!

 

[Northern Light]

Some cards were cute.

Some were just weird.

 

[JOHN42768]

Interesting, thanks for posting

 

[donna]

Wonderful cards. Thanks for posting.

 

[Northern Light]

At some point, Thanksgiving became very patriotic.

Hmmm... just can't seem to get away from those turkeys.

At least these ones are cooked!

 

[Northern Light]

Cards reflected social attitudes.

Look who's cooking!

Stereotypes

Social class distinctions

 

[Northern Light]

Some cards offer beautiful autumn landscapes and good wishes and heartfelt messages.

Finally, my Thanksgiving message for all of you,

 

[Eleanor Rose]

@Northern Light, I love the postcards, but your descriptions of them are priceless. I always appreciate your sense of humor! Although you and yours have already observed Thanksgiving, thank you for your kind wishes. I will give thanks for you and all of my other CWT friends on Thanksgiving Day.

 

[Northern Light]

Thank you, Miss Eleanor. I will think of you on Thursday!