S & M New York & Berlin, Divided Back, Birthday Greetings, Early 1900s

This divided back postcard, published by S & M New York & Berlin, features a vibrant illustration of a bouquet with pink roses and white lilies of the valley, accompanied by the text 'Birthday Greetings.' The postcard's design is typical of early 20th-century greeting cards, with its ornate floral arrangement and decorative border. The back of the card is divided, indicating it was produced between 1907 and 1915.

The message on the back reads: 'Becca that you have just one week to stay it is us that we are not coming yet. This is not a pack of birthday cards for it is the best I could do here. I am not ashamed of you. Vera.' The card is addressed to Miss B.P. Mardston in Wessington, Beadle Co., S. Dak. The absence of a postmark suggests it may have been hand-delivered or sent in an envelope.

This postcard documents personal communication and social customs of the early 1900s, reflecting the era's emphasis on handwritten messages and decorative art. Surviving examples provide valuable insights into the cultural and social practices of the time.