A Joyful New Year Postcard, Divided Back, 1912, Wisconsin to South Dakota

This divided back postcard, postmarked in 1912 from Poynette, Wisconsin, features a charming New Year greeting. The front displays an illustration of a young girl in a festive outfit, surrounded by vibrant red flowers and an ornate decorative border. The message reads: 'Drops of Dew refresh the faded Flowers. So do kind Words cheer the aching Heart.' This poetic sentiment captures the spirit of the New Year, offering warmth and hope.

The back of the card includes a handwritten message addressed to Mrs. W. F. Pautsch in Wessington, South Dakota. The sender expresses gratitude and shares personal news, a common practice of the era that highlights the postcard's role in personal communication. The card bears a green one-cent stamp, typical of the period, and the postmark is clear, adding to its historical value.

This postcard documents early 20th-century communication and social customs, reflecting the importance of handwritten correspondence in maintaining personal connections. Surviving examples like this provide valuable insights into the cultural and social practices of the time, serving as tangible records of personal and regional history.