Old Long Since is the literal translation of Auld Lang Syne which means “long, long ago”. Originally a Scottish poem, Auld Lang Syne is the age-old New Year’s Eve song played as the ball drops and the clock strikes midnight. Sometimes I’m awake to witness this event, sometimes not.
My collection of vintage New Year’s cards dates from the early 1900’s. Our neighborhood, Munger Place Historic District, was developed during this same time period. I imagine the first occupants of our home mailed and received New Year’s postcards similar to these.
Folks in 1913 were so well-mannered and sophisticated.
The messages on the back are timeless, the ink still vibrant and clear. The handwriting, cursive and rhythmic, is perhaps the only clue to the age of the post. Cursive is a dying art.
The sentiments written old long since are still expressed today…
I hope Santa was good to you… I hope you got everything you wanted and that the New Year will bring you much happiness…
Happy New Year!
talya
Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.
Musical Pairing:
Auld Lang Syne, Kenny G
Lauralew says
What a lovely collection! And the idea you live in a neighborhood developed in 1913 is great. My goal is to live someday in an Arts and Crafts bungalow. I’ll have to publish a best-seller to achieve that, though :/!
Talya Tate Boerner says
Not if you move to Dallas Laura! Most people here prefer big and new:))
Anonymous says
Continue to be amazed with the cool stuff!
Talya Tate Boerner says
Thank you!
Colene says
Happy New Year to you and yours! Love the musical pairing! I might play it over and over today!
Talya Tate Boerner says
I love this version too…
Suzy says
Love the cards. You are so right, folks back then were so well mannered and sophisticated. That’s the world I long to see now. Wish you a wonderful 2013. Thanks for visiting my blog.
Dorothy Latimer Johnson says
I love collect vintage Valentines and also love to read the messages. Penmanship was taken seriously back when it was the main means of communication. I’m sorry to see it slip away in our electronic age. Happy New Year!
pittypatter says
But wait!! I just selected some 3 Wise Men cards, snow scenes with birds, a glittered holly, a tree-lined path with an inspirational challenge, a Peace card–for the mantel this next week. They are gorgeous and well-mannered. Though they do not give the year, they all are wishes for a happy new one. I’ll write in the year myself. Loved your post, as usual.
Talya Tate Boerner says
You my dear, are well-mannered:))
TimH says
I really enjoyed reading this and checking out the photos of greeting cards from years gone by. As a former sculptor engraver, I couldn’t help but notice the embossing work on the cards, as well. A quick fact and ‘food for thought’ about the greeting card industry is that greeting card companies thrived through the Great Depression Era because so many people couldn’t afford to buy presents; therefore, they bought inexpensive greeting cards for birthdays and other occasions.