Heartiest Congratulations, Embossed Linen Postcard, 1912

This embossed linen postcard features a vibrant floral design with red blossoms surrounding a pastoral scene of a tree by a riverbank. The words 'Heartiest Congratulations' are elegantly inscribed on the front, making it a charming example of early 20th-century greeting cards. The postcard is a divided back type, typical of the era from 1907 to 1915, allowing for both a message and an address.

The back of the card is postmarked March 5, 1912, from Iowa, and is addressed to Mr. Will Poulek in Wessington, South Dakota. The message reads: 'Dear Friend Will, I am better now, am able to work some, have been having throat trouble for some time, seems like I can't get straightened up since I got hurt. I suppose you will be farming to beat the pretty soon.' The card bears a one-cent green U.S. postage stamp featuring Benjamin Franklin.

This postcard documents personal communication and social customs of the early 1900s, reflecting the challenges and daily life of the sender. Surviving examples provide valuable insights into regional history and the evolution of postcard design.