Embossed Best Wishes Postcard, Roses, Janesville WI, 1912

This is an embossed postcard featuring a vibrant bouquet of red roses set against a decorative background with intricate gold and blue patterns. The phrase 'Best Wishes' is elegantly printed on the front, making it a charming piece for conveying heartfelt sentiments. The postcard is a divided back type, typical of the era from 1907 to 1915, allowing space for both a message and an address.

The back of the card is postmarked from Janesville, Wisconsin, dated April 4, 1912. It bears a green one-cent U.S. postage stamp featuring Benjamin Franklin. The message reads: 'Dear Bertha, I haven't heard from you for a long time. Hope you haven't got married ahead of me. Ha Ha! If you get the chance don't wait for me. At last we have got spring down. Don't know how long it will last. Hope you are all well. Love, Ball. Write when you can.' The card is addressed to Miss Bertha Neugebauer in Wessington, South Dakota.

This postcard documents early 20th-century communication practices and social customs, particularly the use of postcards for personal correspondence. The embossed design reflects the artistic trends of the time, while the message provides a glimpse into personal relationships and seasonal changes. Surviving examples like this offer valuable insights into the everyday lives and sentiments of people from this era.