White Chrysanthemum Sincerity Postcard, Divided Back, 1910 Postmark

This postcard features a vibrant illustration of white chrysanthemums, symbolizing sincerity, with the words 'What sweeter flowers could I send you, for these mean truth, and I am true.' The ornate design and vivid colors are characteristic of early 20th-century postcards, capturing the elegance and sentimentality of the era.

The postcard is a divided back type, popular between 1907 and 1915, allowing space for both correspondence and address. The postmark is from May 17, 1910, in South Dakota, with a one-cent green U.S. postage stamp featuring Benjamin Franklin. The back of the card reads: 'Dear Cousin, Did you receive the card I sent you for Easter and what did you think of it? Trusting you are well, I remain your cousin.' This message offers a glimpse into personal communication practices of the time.

This postcard documents early 20th-century social customs and the use of floral symbolism in personal correspondence. The divided back format marks a shift in postcard design, reflecting changes in postal regulations and communication patterns. Surviving examples like this provide valuable insights into historical communication and cultural expressions.