Birthday Greetings, Divided Back Postcard, 1912, South Dakota

This divided back postcard features a charming illustration of two bluebirds perched on a branch adorned with vibrant red roses and delicate white blossoms. The words 'Birthday Greetings' are elegantly scripted at the bottom, capturing the essence of early 20th-century greeting cards. The card is postmarked May 22, 1912, from Huron, South Dakota, and bears a one-cent green stamp featuring Benjamin Franklin.

The back of the card reads: 'Dear Sister: How are all the folks? I got your letter yesterday. There is no garden yet. It has not been warm either. The garden is getting pretty weedy. Amelia has two little girls of her own. I must go and see for where Bro. went away on the train last night. Bye, bye.' Addressed to Miss Bertha Neigebauer in Wessington, Beadle Co., South Dakota, this message provides a glimpse into the everyday life and familial connections of the time.

This postcard documents personal communication patterns in early 20th-century America, highlighting the importance of postcards as a means of staying connected. The vibrant imagery and handwritten message offer insights into social customs and the significance of birthdays during this era. Surviving examples like this provide valuable records of regional history and personal narratives.