Series No. 68, Divided Back Postcard, Red Rose Illustration, Early 1900s

This divided back postcard, Series No. 68, features a vibrant illustration of a red rose against a brown background. The front of the card includes a poetic inscription: "Here are red roses, gathered at thy cheeks. The white were all too happy to look white; For love, the rose; for faith, the lily speaks; It withers in false hands, but here it is bright!" This artistic depiction captures the romantic symbolism often associated with roses, making it a charming piece of early 20th-century ephemera.

The back of the postcard is typical of the divided back era (1907-1915), with space designated for both the address and a message. There is no postmark or stamp present, indicating it may have been kept as a collectible rather than mailed. The card is in excellent condition, with no visible creases or tears, and only minor edge wear.

This postcard documents the cultural and artistic trends of the early 1900s, particularly the use of floral imagery and poetry in personal correspondence. Such pieces offer insight into the social customs and communication patterns of the time. Surviving examples provide valuable records of the aesthetic preferences and sentimental expressions of the era.