“I looked around for something sweet . . . “

Mary Rumping head shot_2_vignetteGeorge Schenk head shot_vignette

A sweet postcard from Mary to George while she was visiting in Neihart, Montana, where George’s mother and several of his sisters lived at the time.

Note how Mary signed her name in the blank space of the white ribbon on the front right.

It’s a bit difficult to read the postmark on the back but it appears to be “May 23, 19” something-or-other. And since George died in October 1915, that certainly narrows down the options.

The postcard is addressed to Mr. Geo. Schenk in Bald Butte, Montana[1. Bald Butte is about five miles southwest of Marysville where George and Mary’s home was located.].

Transcription of the back is as follows:

Dear George:-

We got in Neihart all safe on Monday. They were all at the train to meet us. We will write more next time.

As ever Mary.

Copyright (c) 2016, Lark M. Dalin Robart

NOTES

Easter Greetings

A few post cards from Mary’s cousins in 1912, inquiring about her mother Eva’s health. Eva passed away later that year on July 20th.

Translation for back of March 1912 post card:

Dear Cousin Mary,
     I read your letter and was so anxious to hear of Aunt Eva. It is certainly pitiful the way she has to suffer but I hope the Dear Lord who suffered so much for our sake will give her strength. Mama[1. Irene’s mother Christena (Specht) Ehrhardt was Eva’s older sister.] is heart broken to think that she cannot see her. We had a terrible storm last week and so many fruit trees were damaged, it was the worst we had since I can remember.
                                                                                         Irene

Translation for back of April 1912 post card:

4.7.12
Easter Greeting from your cousin Gussie A. Rumping. How is Auntie?

NOTES

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

144_vintage postcard_St Patrick's Day_jpeg

A beautiful vintage postcard from Mary’s collection –

144back_vintage postcard_St Patrick's Day_jpegThe card is addressed to Mary (“Mrs. Geo. Schenck”) and is from her cousin Irene[1. Irene and Mary were first cousins – their mothers, Christena Specht Ehrhardt and Eva Specht Rumping, were sisters.] in Decatur, Illinois. It was mailed on March 12, 1912.

Translation:

Dear Cousin!-

How is Aunt Eve? I do feel so sorry for her, she certainly is having her cross to carry in this world, for which she will be rewarded in the next. I hope all is for the best and that God will give her strength.[2. Mary’s mother Eva died about four months later that same year on July 20th.]

Irene


NOTES

Undated postcard from Mary’s cousin Irene

0082Dear Cousin Mary:  

I don’t know whose turn it is to write yours or mine.  I never received a letter from Francis.  I just returned from my vacation of two weeks which I spent in the country.  This picture was taken while there on the farm.  It is very cool here though we did have very warm weather. We need rain.  How are you all?  I expect the children will soon be out of school.  We are well.  Mama has been working hard, cleaning house, working garden, etc.  I have been busy working since I came back to make up for lost time.  How are all the children and everybody?  Write soon.

Irene


Irene (born Irene Louise Ehrhardt) was Mary’s first cousin – their mothers, Christena and Eva, were sisters.

Nearly twelve years younger than Mary, Irene was born January 25, 1890 [1], the daughter of Charles Ehrhardt and Christena Specht.  She had one brother, Edward Sebastian Ehrhardt, born December 7, 1888 [2].

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