Leaves on the Raney Tree: Guest Blog: Pat Raney

Postcards from the Past, edited by Pat Raney

[Note from Kerry: These are transcriptions of postcards kept by our great-aunt Laura and by our grandparents. Pat Raney has their care now. Pat and I occasionally annotate them. I lost some of the formatting when I copied and pasted them from his email, but I did find a few images on the Internet to complement them.]

Written here are the “translations” from postcards sent from 1907 to 1946. These communications were, in their day, used in the same way that we use cell phones. In the Kansas countryside, you could post your card in the morning for rural pickup and have it delivered in the area that afternoon by the second delivery. In this manner, as the different texts will show, one could make rapid contact with neighbors, all of whom did not have telephones. You will also note, that many times the addresses are very short with little detail as to address. Everybody knew one another in the community so it was not a problem to keep your addresses short.

I will also type the texts just as the author wrote them with capitalization, punctuation and the like the same. This gives the reader a little flavor of the author and his intent.

Some of the cards are delightful. To catch the full flavor of them, an attempt is made to describe the front side that contained either a photo or a drawing. These details helped to capture the writer’s intent. I am also including the postmark date and place of cancellation, as these are important as well. As most of the cards are written in pencil many of the words are difficult to read. Also, our ancestors were not schooled in the Palmer Method of handwriting. Commonly, our ancestors were not schooled at all and it is a wonder that we can read their writing. In some cases, I have had to guess at the words and in some cases, I have left out the words as I can’t grasp the meaning of the sentence or the intent of the writer. I will also try to identify the writer as many of us don’t even know who our ancestors are. I will also try to keep them in chronological order as they really tell a story of living and moving.

Nov 29, 1907 Front: Methodist Church, South Chickasha, Oklahoma.

Postmark: Chickasha, Okla. 5 p.m.

Addressee: Mr. Eugene Smith, Fredonia, Kansas

Text: Dear Papa, Mama, and sis. I will send you another post card this is a beautiful day well I hope you are all well this leaves us well. Good By from Mary and Gus

Methodist Church, South Chickaswa, Okla.

Jan 1, 1908 Front: A young woman and man with the caption: “Personal – A young man with lots of energy would like to embrace an opportunity:

Postmark: Independence, Kansas 11:30 p.m.

Addressee: Miss Mary Smith, Fredonia, Kansas

Text: Dear Friend I receveid your postle card all OK and I was glad to hear from you and I hope to hear from you and I hope that this card will find you well. Your friend, John Libert.

Dec 6, 1909 Front: A man and woman in winter clothes and snow shoes with the caption:

“A dash for the north pole”

Postmark: Fredonia, Kansas 7 a.m.

Addressee: Miss Mary Smith, City

Text: Hello Mary, you will find me at Mrs. Richies Rooming House just acrost the street from The Loetern Hotel everything is all O.K. met Mr Gates today, yours W Raney [Kerry's note: When Whitman wrote Mary he was coming back from the army, he practically ordered her to meet him at the train depot, but wasn't certain which of two dates he'd arrive. It appears she did not spend two days waiting at the depot for him.]

Mar 29, 1910 Front: Old Buick with three guys lassoing a jack rabbit. Two cars in the distance.

Postmark: Great Bend, Kans 7 p.m.

Addressess: Mr. Gusta Smith, Fredonia, Kansas

Text: How do you do Gusta I would like to bee down there for Easter say this weather makes me think about going fishing Say tell Pat when he comes down from Canada that I

would like to see him. (No sender named)

May 5, 1910 Front: Giant typewriter @ Pan Am exhibit in San Francisco

Postmark: Fredonia, Kansas 2:30 p.m.

Addressee: Miss Laura Smith, Fredonia, Kan RFD

Text: Dear Friend – the sodality will have a candy booth at the dinner Sat.

Each girl is asked to make candy or popcorn ball for it. Hope you can

be present and that you will be able to donate something for the booth.

Sincerely, Agnes S.

Giant Underwood, Pan American Exhibition 1915

Sept 26, 1910 Front: Poem: “Mary of Argyle” and two lovers in the woods

Postmark: Coffeyville, Kansas 3:30 p.m.

Addressess: Miss Laura Smith, Fredonia, Kans

Text: Well gal how are you by this time. We are all well and like to hear that you

________ as the same this week is Jim’s week hear you ought to be hear to

attend we would sing? Having a time of our lives how is Mary making out

by this time we would going to see her. Laura you better come and stay with us for a while. This U ___________ is ___ so lonesome on the farm for you ____to

Sunday you soon will do with. Love and kisses to all Laura, Lizzie.

[Note from Pat: Whitman and Mary were married June 14, 1910. Laura has “set her cap” for him when he showed up in town. She never got over it and remained an old maid.]

July 5, 1911 Front: Photo of Paris Panorama, Vue Prise du Louvre

Postmark: Dallas, Texas 1:30 pm

Addressee: Mrs. Eugene Smith, Fredonia, Wilson Co., Kan

Text: Dear Auntie I expect to leave for Kans next Sat night so will see you soon. Hope you are all well it is so hot today we can hardly live. Love to all Bessie

Oct 10, 1911 Front: Photo of High School, Evansville, Ind.

Postmark: Princeton, Ind 1:30 p.

Addressee: Mr. Eugene Smith, Fredonia, Kans

Text: Dear parents brother & sister How are you all why don’t you write I get so lonesome when I don’t hear from you folks often Well we are still hear and dont know when

we will be able to get out her now. I wish I could see you all will write a letter soon hopeing to here from you love Mary and Whitman.

Dec 21, 1911 Front: winter scene “Christmas Greetings”

Postmark: Reno, Okla 1:30 p

Addressee: Miss Laura Smith, Fredonia, Kans RFD

Text: Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year, Emma

Jan 3, 1912 Front: picture Flat Rock Dam, Fairmont Park

Postmark: Dallas, Texas 11:30 a

Addressee: Eugene Smith, New Albany, Kan c/o Frank Burns

Text: Dealls 31912 Hello back home we got all OK we found Joe and Jim

alright we will stay a few day and go south from Gusta [This would have been when Gus went with relatives when they moved to Texas and he looked at land near Galveston.]

No date Front: drawing of the Praetorian Building, Dallas

Postmark: none

Addressee: Eugene Smith, New Albany, Kas c/o Frank Burns RFD 2

Text: Dear parnts we are still here at Dallas (Gusta’s writing)

Praetorian Bldg, Dallas

Jan 5, 1912 Front: drawing of Adophus Hotel, Dallas, Texas

Postmark: Dallas, Texas 6:30 p

Addressee: Eugene Smith, New Albany, Kansas c/o Frank Burns FRD No. 1

Text: Delas 1/4/1912 Dear Parent we are still here we all have a good time hoping you

are all well we will go to Houston the 5 at night Joe and Rosy will and Peeaberg

also well good by Gusta.

Adolphus Hotel - later postcard, but you get the idea

Jan 7, 1912 Front: photo Fire Dept Headquarters, Coffeyville, Kas

Postmark: Coffeyville, Kansas 11:30 a.m.

Addressee: Mr. Eugene Smith, Fredonia, Kans

Text: Dear parents sister and brother how are you all I hope you are all well we are

all well today I had the headache last night Whitman he his working at the

roundhouse now he makes about 55 dollar a month will ans your letter soon

Mary Whitman

Jan 9, 1912 Front: picture of post office, Dallas, Texas

Postmark: Nursery, Texas

Addressee: Eugene Smith, New Albany, Kans c/o Frank Burns RFD No 1.

Text: Nursery 191912 Dear Folks here na it was awful cold Monday we have got nice sun shine now this is a pretty good looking country. Good by Gusta

Jan 10, 1912 Front: photo of black family at log cabin, 7 kids and mother, very desolate

Postmark: Houston, Texas 9 p.m.

Addressee: Eugene Smith, New Albany, Kan c/o Frank Burns RR no 1

Text: Dear Parnts we are all well we will to Galveston in moring we will one day there

we will stop off at Dalles went we come back home you must try to keep well Gusta

Feb 13, 1912 Front: Valentine with a picture of girl “Valentine Thought”

Postmark: Elk City, Kansas 3 p.m.

Addressee: Mr. Gusta Smith, Fredonia, Kansas

Text: E J Pettyjohn. So long

May 30, 1912 Front: drawing Farm scene house with pond and lady “All Good Wishes”

Postmark: Coffeyville, Kansas 4 p.m.

Addressee: Mr. Eugene Smith, Fredonia, Kan

Text: Dear Parents brother and sister how are all of you I hope you are all well this leaves Us all well to day the are going to Lai the corner stone of the new Catholic Church I am getting ready to go I wish you was all here to go, well This all hopeing to here

from you Mary and Whitman

Sept 27, 1912 Front: photo of Coffeyville street with people, horses and carts

Postmark: Coffeyville, Kansas 2:30 p.m.

Addressee: Mr. Eugene Smith, Fredonia, Kans

Text: Hello Dear folks how are you all I hope you are all well as this leaves us all well.

when are you all coming to see us we did not go to fair. Whitman said it was to

much to loose 3.50 and spend that much I thought so to I will go down Uncle John this afternoon by by Mary Whitman & James

Coffeyville, Kansas

Nov 21, 1912 Front: picture moonlight on the summit of Pike’s Peak, Color altitude 14147 ft

Postmark: Pueblo, Colo 5:50 p

Addressee: Mr Gusta Smith, Fredonia, Kansas

Text: Dear Cousn we are well and hope you are the same we are in Pueblo we got our

tickets to Baker City it will cost us $44.19 say but there is something doing here

good bye Ora We want to go to Denver

Mar 11, 1913 Front: painting of rose “Best Wishes”

Postmark: Cheney Kans 9 am

Addressee: Miss Laura Smith, Fredonia, Kansas

Text: Dear Laura Received you card Like it just fairly well here Quite different

from that part of the state Raise wheat and (erasure) and I dread the windy

weather to start. Well must close you ca (?) and love to you all Hattie

Jan 27, 1914 Front: picture of bridge near Huntington, Oregon “One Oregon Short Line”

Postmark: Haines, Oregon 12 n

Addressee: Mr. Gusta Smith, Fredonia, Kansas

Text: Dear Cousen I will rite you I am well hope you are well Louis got out here

all wright we meet him in Haines and we went to Baker it was on Saturday

and we got back on Sunday well the snow is about 4 feet deep here and now

it snowed all day today well this is all goodbye from Eugene Pettyjohn to

Uncle Jims

Mar 16, 1914 Front: photo New High School, Neodesha, Kans

Postmark: Neodesha, Kan 3:30 p.m.

Addressee: Mr Eugene Smith, Fredonia, Kans

Text: Hello Dear folks I received your letter we was so glad to hear from you and

glad to know that you was all well we are all well I hope you all well enjoy

yourself tomorrow I wish I was there to see all of the folks I know I would to

see you all before I will let you know when I get there Mary and Whitman

May 31, 1914 Front: drawing of pine bough and cones

Postmark: Great Bend, Kans 9:30 am

Addressee: Mr Gusta Smith, Fredonia, Kansas

Text: Dear Cousin I am in Great Bend now I couldn’t get any work in Oregon so I

came back where I know that I could get plenty of it I will write you a lettre as

soon as I get a job say but the wheat looks fine good bye from Ora to Gusta

July 24, 1914 Front: drawing with roses “ With Best Wishes”

Postmark: Neodasha, Kans 8 pm

Addressee: Mr Eugene Smith, Fredonia, Kans

Text: Dear folks how are you all I hope you are all well for ourself we are all well

except little Paul he has some better But he his so weak and he his so cross to.

When are some of you comming over I wish some of you could come. Whitman

went to Joplin Sunday and he hasen’t got back yet from the Kidds love to all

Feb 14, 1915 Front: photo labeled Grand Stand from Field inside Race Track, Gibson County

Fair, Princeton, Indiana

Postmark: Princeton, Ind 6 p

Addressee: Mr. Eugene Smith, Fredonia, Kans

Text: Dear Mamma papa, sister and Brother What is the matter you folks that you have

not answer my letter that I wrote to you folks two weeks ago last Mon I thought

sure that I would get a letter today I was so dispointed It made me feel so bad I hope you are all well we all got a bad cold the babies felt pretty bad for a couple of days

last week we are haveing some pretty nice weather again hopeing to hear from you soon by children

Christmas 1915 Front: Christmas greetings with bells and birds embossed with soft fabric

Postmark: none, may have been sent in an envelope with another letter

Addressee: To Pa and Ma Smith from James Paul and Little Dennis

Text: Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Dear Grandma &

Grandpa. James picked this card out for you. Little James is awfully sick with

the fever. But Paul and Dennis is fat and sassy. From the children

No date Front: photo of St. Patrick’s Church, Missouri Valley Town, Iowa

Postmark: none

Addressee: Laura Smith, Fredonia, Kans

Text: Dear cousin this bright gooning day I haven taking the pleasure to right you

a few lines to let you in on where I am. I am at home father has sold his farme for $85.00 per aker and we intend to go to cro is bie a farm your truly (can’t read)

Oct 16, 1916 Front: picture of Cathedral, St. Louis Mo

Postmark: St. Louis, Mo 1:30 a.m.

Addressee: Mr. Eugene Smith, Fredonia, Kans

Text: We got to St. Louis ok but had to stay all day we leave here at 945 this evening

Had the headache all day. Mary

No date Front: painting Grist mill scene with roses “A Happy Birthday”

Postmark: none, probably sent in an envelope

Addressee: Laura Smith, Fredonia, Kans

Text: Dear Laura We will send you a birthday card as this is all we can send you this time Mond. was your birthday. I thouth about you so much whe you was small you would have your letter crowd and what a time you did have remmember, Dear

Laura We wish many and many happy birthdays and hopeing this will fine you

well so good by with all of our love from Mary, Whitman, James Paul and Dennes

May 4, 1917 Front: picture of Gibson Couny Fair Grounds, Princeton, Ind

Postmark: Princeton, Ind 5 p.m.

Addressee: Mr. Eugene Smith, Havera, Mont

Text: Dear folks what is the matter you don’t wirte I have been looking for a letter for the last three weeks I am so worried that I cant hear frome you. I hope nothing as happen

to you I hope you are all wel for our self we are all pretty well we are haveing lots of rain and its pretty coole to hopeing to heare from you soon goodby love to all from

childre, Mary and Whitman Raney

May 27, 1917 Front: picture of Great Falls “Looking East on Central Avenue from to of Tod

Block, Great Falls, Mont.

Postmark: Havre and Belnap, HPO

Addressee: Eugene Smith, Havre, Mont

Text: Dear Parents Laura was operate on today she is resting alright this evengen

Gusta Smith [Kerry's Note: Laura developed a terrible ear infection, just as Mary had a few years earlier. But the family was moving by wagons to Alberta. Apparently, while their parents stayed with the wagons in Havre, Gus took Laura to the hospital in Great Falls and the mastoiditis infection behind her ear or ears was incised and drained. But look how long she was there. It must have put a strain on the family's resources.]

May 31, 1917 Front: Glacier Park Hotel, East Entrance to Glacier National Park, Montana

Postmark: Great Falls, Mont 1:30 p.m.

Addressee: Mr. Eugene Smith, Havre, Mont

Text: Dear Papa, Momma and bro I will write you a few lines this morning as I

feeling better than I did. It does not hurt me so bad as it did the doctor came

to see be last eve he said he would not dress for 3 or 4 days I guess until that puss

drains out I have a good appetite the nurse and sisters are good to me write often

to see how I am.

June 29, 1917 Front: picture “The Montana Deaconess Hospital”, Great Falls, Mont.

Postmark: Great Falls, Mont 2 pm

Addressee: Mr. Eugene Smith, Havre, Mont

Text: Wednesday Dear pap mamma bro how are you have you been sick. I juss

cry all morning why cant you come over and see me I don’t think it is right

for not coming Momma pleas do come how are a feel have you been sick do

get my letters I send you do good bye

Deaconess Hospital, Great Falls, Montana 1910

No date Front: photo grain elevators, Didsbury, Alberta

Postmark: not mark or postage

Addressee: none

Text: 6 years ago they used a box car for a depot and now you can see what a nice

building they have these 3 elevators have a capacity of 100,00 bu. The division

of town we live in is Lacknerville and is out the direction I put the x. We have

no card of it but it has several nice houses in it.

[Note from Pat: very legible writing; not Smith’s, Laura or Gusta’s. Maybe written either by James or Paul] [Kerry: Not Paul - he wrote an illegible letter to his dad when Whitman was in Spokane in 1920. It might be Whitman writing to his parents.]

May 8, 1920 Front: photo Geyser, Natatorium Park, Spokane, Wash.

Postmark: Spokane, Wash 12:30 p.m.

Addressee: Mr Eugene Smith, Trail BC

Text: Dear folks I am well hoping that yo well its mile and warm Im gona to

_____ ____ muls to pasture this afternoon I gess I work in woods they

500 a day on some places 250 a cord on 11/2 to 2 ½ lent for post this is

a nice town Gusta

geyser fountain, Natatorium Park

Dec 39, 1921 Front: drawing of a front door “New Years Greetings and Best Wishes for

Your Happiness”

Postmark: Spokane, Wash 6:30 pm

Addressee: Dennis Raney 707 N. Monroe St., City

Text: From Brother Paul Dec 30, 1921

No Date Front: Thanksgiving and “A Blessed Thanksgiving with thankful and

Contented Heart”

Postmark: None Address: 0705 N. Madison, Spokane

Text: I will do this write you know for my Kindess will you be glad if I send

you this card goodbye. Yous know

I do not have to mial our adress I did the others I did not move if I if

I was going to envelop.

[Note from Pat: written by a small child – maybe Dennis or Louise]

Aug 24, 1923 Front: photo Lower Falls, Spokane, Wash

Postmark: Deepcreek, Wa

Addressee: Mr. Frank Raney, 703 N. Madison St., Spokane, Wash

Text: We will write you a few lines sorry to say we cannot go Sunday s

we had a big rain and it kept the combine and threshing on the stand still

if it stays clear they might cut Sunday don’t know for sure. Dear Frank

we wish you many more happy birthday goodbye Dear children and babies

Lower Falls, Spokane

Sept 26, 1923 Front: photo The Incline Railway up Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga, Tenn.

Postmark: Piqua, Ohio 4:30 p.m.

Addressee: Mrs. Eugene Smith, Deepcreek, Wash

Text: Dear Aunt I will drop you a line to let you no that we are well I hope that

you are the same I have not heard from you for a long time please write to

me Ella Hannas

Incline RR, Lookout Mt., Tenn.

Sept 14, 1927 Front: drawing St. Paul Cathedral, St. Paul, Minn.

Postmark: St. Paul, Minn. 11 am

Addressee: Mr. Gusta Smith, Addy, Washington

Text: Dear folks were on our return journey now. We had a grand time but will

be glad to be home. Tell you all about it when we see you. Frank, Mary

& girls.

[Note from Pat: women’s handwriting, but not Mary’s. Expect it was Louise or Mary.] [Kerry's Note: Mary was only six.]

Dec 23, 1927 Front: winter farm scene “A New Year Wish”

Postmark: Fredonia, Kans 2 pm

Addressee: Mr & Mrs F.W. Raney, Yardley, Wash

Text: Dear folks we received your pretty card and was glad to hear from you once

more write us a long letter some time and tell us all the news and all about

your family’s names and age. We wish you a happy and prosperous New

Year from Jule and Crint.

[Note from Pat: Uncle Julius, Aunt Crint Pettyjohn He was born in Massachusetts. Mary Raney’s

uncle. All of his siblings born in France.]

Jules and Crint (Corintha) Pettyjohn [Petitjean] with sons Carl and Lee

July 9, 1928 Front: photo The New Ford Bridge, Minneapolis, Minn

Postmark: Winona, Minn 10:30 am

Addressee: Dennis Raney, Yardley, Wash

Text: With best wishes from Isabelle C. Parker. Morey Hall, Winona, Minn.

Aug 21, 1928 Front: photo: Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain, Grant’s Park, Chicago

Postmark: Chicago, Ill 12 pm

Addressee: Mr. Frank Raney, Yardley, Wash

Text: We arrived in Chicago at 7:55 will leave at 11:20 Having a fine time. your son

Paul

Clarence Buchingham Memorial Fountain

June 29, 1929 Front: photo: View from Barn Bluff, Red Wing, Minn

Postmark: Red Wing, Minn 1 pm

Addressee: Mr. Dennis Raney, Yardley, Wash

Text: Dear Friend. I got a chance to see the country so I came by car to here. Did you get to take a trip again. I hope you did. I am having a lovely time. might stay. Your friend,

Mildred Goyer c/o E. Schremf.

Dec 22, 1932 Front: Plain US Penny post card

Postmark: Wichita, Kans 10 am

Addressee: Mr. & Mrs. Whitman Rainey, Yardley, Wash

Text: Were in at the boat with many. The Depression has hit us hard. But we want to say “Merry Christmas”, So were sending you this card. Mr. and Mrs. Carl Pettijohn

[Note from Pat: Believe Carl is one of Mary’s many Pettijohn cousins (Pettyjohn)] [Kerry: Carl is pictured between Mary and Laura in a photo on an earlier blog. Mary's favorite cousin. Here he is in later life.]

Carl Petitjohn

Sept 14, 1933 Front: photo: Terrapin Point from Goat Isle, Niagara Falls

Postmark: _____ NY, Hertels Sta 1230 pm

Addressee: Mr. Paul Raney, Yardley, Wash

Text: Dear Paul Yes they are showing me a wonderful time but I will be glad to be some soon. You can’t realize how surprised I was to meet Captain Claude Own in New York City. Sincerely, Virginia [Note from Pat: Virginia is Virginia Shelton, sister of Paul’s best friend, Fred Shelton. She entered the Holy Names Sisters and is still active in the order.][Kerry: Pat edited these postcards a few years back. She'd be ancient if still alive]

Leaves on the Raney Tree

Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Guest Blog: Pat Raney - Postcards from the Past

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