When I was in Omaha we went shopping at the Brass Armadillo- a collection of antique stalls. I found some treasures that I thought I would share with you. First off I have been collecting old children's books. Some to make into journals, some to leave alone and just treasure as is. I've decided to make a few themed journals (these are long range plans!). The journals will be: "Circus", "Horse", and "Christmas". As I'm still busy working in my current journals-these may not happen for several months!
My next treasure is an old celluloid cabinet card album I found in downtown Omaha. I love the metal work, the colors and how worn it is. If it was in better condition I would feel badly about my plans to alter it. But since this has a large chunk torn out of the front, the spine is falling apart, and the cabinet cards are torn-I know that I can rescue and transform her into a thing of beauty. I'll preserve most evertyhing-but just add some light embellishments. Again-this is a long term project!
Front side, with a very wonderful clasp.
Back
Isn't this just asking for some wonderful fairy land of some sort? Hmmmmm.......
I was delighted to find a whole box of vintage postcards. I wish that I could have bought the whole box! They are so wonderful!

"December 26th, 1930
Dear Harvey and Ella we received your card glad to hear that you are all well. l am glad that your dad is feeling fine. we are both well. we are having fine Xmas weather and the crops were good and the roads are in fine shape. wish you both would make us a visit next summer. how are all the rest of the folks. Wishing you both a Happy New Year
from Fred & Louisa"


This card is so heavily embossed, I took another photo to try to show you how much depth it has. This one reads:
"8-25-14
Dear Friend will drop you a few lines and congratulate you to your Birthday and I wish you 1000 more to come. we arrived home all ok after an 5 hour drive found roads very muddy from Scheyler up here had more rain than we need. how is Will by this time has he gone to help Germany yet? Think I must stop as room is scarce [ed. on postcard] hoping to hear from you soon Your Friend, J.B."

"Dec. 24th 1908
Dear Lillie, Are you snowed in? We had a fine snow today. It makes it look like Christmas. I guess you will have some nice sleigh rides. Did you tell Cousin Mart that you almost were persuaded to stay here? Wish you all a merry Christmas. I am your loving cousin. Carrie."



"August 11, 1918
Dear Freind
I don't know whose turn it is to write but I guess its mine. Well school will begin again pretty soon and it seems as if it just stoped.
Rita"


This postcard actually has a little envelope on it, and had this note inside!

"July 13, 1909
To Eugene Stoddard
Hello old boy. plenty of rain down this way. The high water Saturday night took the culvert out at the creamery and took the pasture fence out. Uncle Joe is sick with tonsilitis. Pa, Ma and Glenn went down to Uncle Joe's Sunday. My chickens have all hatched. I am cutting out quilt blocks today. The kids went to church last night but I didn't go because there wasn't room for all of us. from Clara"

"To Teacher
Best Valentine Greetings
from Martin"


Another..
"2-3-1911
To Miss Anna Jacobson
Would write a letter but haven't time as I take my lesson today. Last night we had a party at the dining hall, they served doughnuts, cookies and kisses. Mr. Cleven baked the kisses after we got there. They also had a program. We didn't get home until twelve o'clock. Yesterday we had an oral exam in bookkeeping we had it in the business half. Tomorrow I am going to wash again, have quite a bit to wash. Love from Lillie "


"October 4th 1910
Dear Emma, Your card was rec'd and glad to hear you arrived home safe. It is thundering and lightning to beat the [cans?, cats?] to night. I guess it will rain before long. .... I cleaned the school house yesterday and now it has to rain. to get it all mud again. I was to a show last night but did not like it very well wasn't much to it. With Love Lillian"

Wow... email just pales in comparison! It is much faster, but I can't imagine anyone saving them for 100 years!
Have a wonderful day!