R.E.L. Emaille Series, Divided Back Postcard, Winter Scene, 1912

This divided back postcard, part of the R.E.L. Emaille Series No. 3029, features a charming winter scene of a man and woman preparing to sled down a snowy hill. The man, dressed in a dark green coat and fur hat, stands confidently beside the seated woman, who is wrapped warmly in a shawl and skirt. The scene is set against a backdrop of snow-covered trees, evoking a sense of nostalgia for winter pastimes.

The postcard is postmarked April 18, 1912, from Parks, South Dakota, and addressed to Miss Bertha Vugteveen in Wessington, South Dakota. A one-cent green U.S. postage stamp featuring Benjamin Franklin is affixed. The back of the card reads: "Down she sits upon the sledge, And he draws her to the edge Of the hill that's long and steep, And which soon they'll downward sweep." The card is in fair condition, with some edge wear and slight discoloration.

This postcard documents early 20th-century social customs and leisure activities, capturing a moment of simple joy in a winter landscape. The divided back design reflects the era's communication patterns, allowing for both a message and an address. Surviving examples provide valuable insights into regional history and the evolution of postcard art.