Juvenile Series 408, Divided Back Christmas Postcard, Wessington 1908

This charming divided back postcard from the Juvenile Series 408 features a delightful illustration of a young girl in a red dress, joyfully playing with a hobby horse. The scene is framed with festive holly and berries, capturing the essence of Christmas cheer. The card is captioned with the phrase, 'Cheerful looks and words are very sure to make the Christmas merry,' emphasizing the joyous spirit of the season.

The postcard is postmarked from Wessington, South Dakota, dated December 23, 1908. It bears a green one-cent U.S. postage stamp featuring George Washington. The back of the card reads: 'Dear Willie: I wish you a merry xmas and a happy new year. From Pearl Stratton.' This message adds a personal touch, reflecting the social customs of holiday communication during the early 20th century.

This postcard documents the cultural practice of exchanging holiday greetings in the early 1900s. The imagery and message provide insight into the festive traditions and social interactions of the time. Surviving examples like this offer valuable records of historical communication patterns and artistic styles.