Silver Springs, Florida or Woodstock, Vermont?

This postcard was tricky. I couldn't decide who I wanted to send it to. The postcards itself was from Silver Springs, Florida.  But this one had writing on it. It was sent on October 29, 1934 to someone who lived in Woodstock, Vermont.

I decided, if I could figure out who the original recipient was, I would send it to them. I couldn't quite make out the name perfectly. I tried a few variations of a few possibilities. I tried looking in the Woodstock Cemetery Directory. I eventually gave up.

Then I googled "Silver Springs Florida Historical". I found information on this blog about a display at the Silver  River Museum about Silver Springs History. I figured this might be the place to send it, but I thought I would call.

It's funny how people are very suspicious of your intentions when you ask questions but don't tell them why. I just called and asked if there was still a display. The lady who answered the phone got her manager on speaker phone. I asked again. Suspiciously, they answered, "Uh, yes......" Then I told I have a postcard I would like to contribute and then they were very friendly. "Oh yes! We have a collection of postcards here." I told them I would send it their way.

 Maybe I should start my phone calls by saying, "I have a possible donation for you." Then they will get excited. Then they will find out I am only donating a postcard and not money and be bummed. Come to think of it, I will stick with the "suspicion followed by delight" method.

Oysters, Cheese and Cinerama

My next batch of postcards was easier to find a place to send them.

This first, Union Oyster House in Boston. This restaurant is still around, making it easy to find a home.

Next, The Boston Theatre. Featuring Cinerama!

And a personal favorite, being that I am a huge fan, supporter and consumer of all things CHEESE, The Crowely Cheese Factory from Healdville, Vermont. Also still in business!

I am not calling any of these recipients. Let's home they receive them and enjoy them.

PS - Note to self: Get a manicure every once in a while.

First Post, First Postcard.

Unfortunately, what I did friday, I have no record. I had no idea that my idea would become a larger idea.

Last friday, while at the thrift store (a very frequent activity of mine - I go a few times a week), I was looking through the stationary section where they also keep random invitations and postcards. I found this adorable postcard that looked pretty old (I would say at least 50 years old). It was a postcard from the Dixieland Hotel in Waverly, Tennessee.

I said to my mom, "This is so cute, I should send it to them!" I purchased the postcard (for 10 cents) and immediately googled "Dixieland Hotel Waverly Tennessee".

I could not find anything about the hotel. It was a little disappointing, and since there was no address on the postcard itself, I didn't know where to send it.

Then I found a site for the Waverly Cafe. On their site, they had several old photographs of the town of Waverly.

I called them.

"Waverly Cafe, can I help you?" {Said in a cute southern accent}
"Hi, I have a strange question... I am on your website right now and I see you have a photo of the Dixieland Hotel. Do you know if they are still in business?"
"Um, please hold."
I assume she thinks I am a weirdo and is thinking of how to get rid of me. A new woman answers this time.
"Hi, can I help you?" {Again, cute southern accent}
"Hi, I am on your website, I was wondering if you could tell me if the Dixieland Hotel is still in business?"
"No, the second story burned down several years ago and now it is an appliance repair shop"
"Oh," I said slightly defeated. "Well the reason I ask is, well, I am in California and I found this postcard from the Dixieland Hotel and I thought it was so cute. I wanted someone who would love to see it to have it. I saw you have several old photos on your website. Do you collect things like this? I would like to send it to you."
"Oh my gosh! Yes, that is so generous! That would be great! We like to keep records of the town here. We would love it!"

I will spare you the details where I ask for the mailing address and stuff. But that was it! I sent it in the mail and felt like I had added joy to someone's life for 10 cents - plus the cost of the stamp actually, but still a spall price to pay.

So now I have decided, since I go to thrift stores religiously anyway, this will be my new hobby. But from now on, I will take photos of the postcards before I send them.

Wish me luck!