Bergman Quality, Divided Back Christmas Postcard, Wessington SD, 1914

This postcard, published by Bergman Quality, features a charming illustration of a young girl in a red coat and hat standing in front of a decorated Christmas tree. The greeting 'Hearty Christmas Wishes' is prominently displayed, capturing the festive spirit of the early 20th century. The card is a Divided Back type, typical of the era from 1907 to 1915, which allowed for both a message and address on the reverse side.

The back of the card bears a postmark from Wessington, South Dakota, dated December 24, 1914, adding a historical touch to this holiday greeting. A green one-cent U.S. postage stamp is affixed, featuring the profile of George Washington. The message reads: 'With wishes for a merry Xmas, Bess.' The card is addressed to Mrs. W. H. Pautsch in the city, indicating a personal connection and the social custom of exchanging holiday greetings.

This postcard documents the early 20th-century tradition of sending Christmas greetings through the mail. The postmark and message provide insight into the communication patterns and social customs of the time. Surviving examples like this offer valuable records of regional history and personal connections during the holiday season.