Located within the Maplewood Cemetery in Mayfield, Kentucky, the construction of these eighteen monuments were commissioned by Colonel Henry G. Wooldridge between 1892 and 1899. But the only one buried on this lot is Colonel Wooldridge himself. A lifelong bachelor, Wooldridge lost the last of his sisters in 1892 and, with no remaining family, was inspired to commemorate his loved ones and other significant people in his life.
Titche-Goettinger Dept. Store, Dallas
The Titche-Goettinger chain of department stores, later known simply as Titches, dominated retailing in the southwest for many years. The partnership between Edward Titche and Max Goettinger began in 1902, with this particular building being constructed in 1929. (and expanded substantially in 1955) In 1979 the Titche-Goettinger chain was purchased by Joske’s, and this downtown Dallas location operated under the Joske’s banner until its closing in 1986.
High School, Little Rock
The New Senior High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. Twice the width of standard-size postcards, I don’t come across these panoramic views often. I can’t find a postmark date, but it’s clearly from the white border era.
Hero of the Nations
Copyright 1909 by F.A. Moss, this divided back postcard has me puzzled. Any theories as to the significance of this image? I’m reasonably certain that the bird (sporting spectacles, graduation cap and address book) is supposed to represent a particular government or military figure, but beyond that I’m baffled.
The Chicken Shack
Mailed from Dallas in 1941, this stylistic postcard promotes The Chicken Shack, featuring Leslie’s Fried Chicken. (California style, no less) It seems that they had locations sprinkled all over Texas, including Fort Worth, but I don’t recall the Chicken Shack at all… must have been before my time. The location of the Fort Worth Chicken Shack is today occupied by a Wendy’s.
Stephenson Motel
The Stephenson Motel in Nebraska City, Nebraska. The chrome postcard is unmailed, but does have this message on the back: “This is my nephews motel where I went to visit.”
The House of Rau
This curious postcard, mailed in 1940, prompts more questions than it answers. The description on the reverse might imply that the House of Rau was an antique shop, but a little research suggests that it was in fact a bar. (sure looks like a bar!) Another clue is the handwritten message on the back: “Dear Eva, Patterned after the Buckhorn Bar in San Antonio. Electric tables etc. Lots of fun.” The description on the back reads:
The House of Rau is the most unusual antique place in Detroit, Michigan or its suburbs. Surprises and shocks galore. If you can’t take it, stay out.
Humboldt County Exhibit
This is an “Official Post Card” from the Panama-Pacific International Exposition that was held in San Francisco in 1915. The card shows the Humboldt County Exhibit, but I must say that I can’t quite make sense of the visually confusing image. Just what are we seeing?
If You Can’t Be Good, Be Careful
Here’s a postcard, mailed in 1908, that offers a bit if advice still pertinent today. I suppose some things are timeless.
R.M.S. Majestic
Looking rather like a more famous ship from the White Star Line, The Titanic, this postcard shows the R.M.S. Majestic, “The Largest Steamer in the World”. The Majestic was actually a product of Germany, it’s construction halted with the outbreak of World War I. Following the war the ship was completed and handed over to Great Britain for war reparations.