The Private Mailing Cards

History

Some of the first postcards issued were called Private Mailing Cards, and were first used in 1898. The writer was to use the back for the address only, and was supposed to write a message to the receiver only on the front.

The Images

All cards are available with both front and back scans, and comments about what is written on the front or back, either by the user or by the publisher, are included below.

Dwight Memorial Art Building

front "Mt. Holyoke College Dwight Memorial Art Building So. Hadley, Mass." Inscription: "Met Marguerite on the train; we made good connections and got here before half past seven. It is splendid to see all the girls again, but rather hard to put the minds to studying again. Have just got back from Lab. Hope your neuralgia is all right. Write soon. Lovingly, Sarah. Fri. Afternoon."

back Undivided back, postmarked Apr 14, 1905 7am in South Hadley, and Apr 14, 1905 3pm in Worcester, MA. A Private Mailing Card.

Dwight Memorial Art Building

front "Mt. Holyoke College Dwight Memorial Art Building So. Hadley, Mass." Inscription: "Dear Grace, This is a building that we had to describe so that an artist could paint it from our descriptions. Needless to say the English teacher was not at all pleased with our efforts, although we sat under a tree gazing at it for about four hours. B. F. Will write soon as possible. P. S. I found this to-day while cleaning out my desk so will send it."

back Undivided back, postmarked Jun 19, 1905 7am in South Hadley, and Jun 19, 1905 7:30pm in Augusta ME. A Private Mailing Card.

Porter Hall

front "Mt. Holyoke College PORTER HALL So Hadley, Mass" Inscription: "Oct. 15, 1902 Barrel of apples arrived on Friday of last week all right. Can't you and Jennie come down for a trolley ride into the "notch" one of these pleasant days? From Sunderland it is not far, or from North Amherst & this one is not far - Come if you can - Let me know a day or so before, so I shall surely be at home - I wish very much that you would - Glorious weather - yesterday was our "Mountain Day" Cornelia -"

back Private Mailing Card, undivided back. Postmarked Oct 16, 1902 7am in South Hadley. Transit mark Oct 16, 1902, 12 midnight in Montague, Mass. One of the earliest postcards in my collection!

Porter Hall

front "Mt. Holyoke College Porter Hall South Hadley, Mass." Inscription: "The arrow points to Jo's room. and if you were to look in at that window now you could see me - 127 lbs - sitting at my desk in front of it. In front of this hall is Mary Lyon's tomb. and in fact the scenery all around is about the prettiest on the whole campus. I like our house very much & Florence also lives here. Hope you all can see it sometime"

back Undivided back, stamp box, unused. A Private Mailing Card.

Safford Hall

front "Mt. Holyoke College Safford Hall South Hadley, Mass." Inscription: "How is your collection of cards coming on? I thought perhaps you'd like to add a few more. E. A. P."

back Undivided back, postmarked Aug 5, 1905 5pm in South Walpole, Mass. Transit mark Aug 5, 1905 5:30pm in Walpole, Mass. A Private Mailing Card.

Safford Hall

front "Mt. Holyoke College Safford Hall South Hadley, Mass." Inscription: "Here I am safe and sound. Louise Brown slept with me last night. Fran Whitney came to tell me that Ethel has typhoid so will not be back probably till next February. So I will have a new roommate. I'll write soon to tell you all about it. Breakfast bell has ring so I must go downstairs. Wednesday. Helen"

back Undivided back, postmarked Sep 14, 1904 6am in South Hadley. Transit mark Sep 15, 1904 6am in Royersford, PA. A Private Mailing Card.

Safford Hall

front "Mt. Holyoke College SAFFORD HALL South Hadley, Mass." Inscription: "This hall is one of the jolliest of all. it is the smallest - only 90 live here - I am over in it a lot, for here lives Dora Orr. In this hall they have a good many old things saved from the fire that destroyed the seminary here years ago - also some things of Mary Lyon. This was the "prohibition" house during the campaign."

back Undivided back, unused. Private Mailing Card.

Safford Hall

front "Mt. Holyoke College Safford Hall South Hadley, Mass." Inscription: "Dear little Christie - Am here all right and working like the d-d-d-dickens. It is one rush all the time from book-store to library and recitations. I'm in for it this year all right. Am in German 11 (doesn't that sound big) and all the class are Junior & Senior Sharks except one more Soph. & myself. Will write if I ever get time enough. Your loving kid friend Harriet L. Boutelle"

back Undivided back, postmarked Sep 29, 1905 5pm in South Hadley. Transit mark Sep 30, 1905 7am in Boston, Mass. A Private Mailing Card.

Wilder Hall

front "Mt. Holyoke College Wilder Hall So. Hadley, Mass." The "Wilder Hall" part is a blue ink stamp on top of a misprint reading "Mead Hall". Inscription: "Well, Muriel, I found a great surprise waiting for me in So. Hadley. I am really on the campus. I have a very pleasant room on the 2nd. floor of this Hall, right over the front entrance. Beatrice was not so fortunate. She is off the campus - in a house, however, which is very near, in fact, right in sight of my window. She has just been in to tell me that she has passed both of her examinations and wishes to be remembered to you. With love and best wishes, I am, Lovingly yours, E. C. L."

back Undivided back, postmarked Sep 19, 1904 7am in South Hadley, and Sep 19, 1904 in Norwich CT. Flag cancel. A Private Mailing Card.

Wilder Hall

front "Mt. Holyoke College Wilder Hall So. Hadley, Mass." The "Wilder Hall" part is a blue ink stamp on top of a misprint reading "Mead Hall". Inscription: "My Dear Sidney Jane:- Arrived here safe and was never so tired in all my life. It's fine up here and I like it very much so far, but how I don't know. Please do write I do so want one. The girls are a very jolly set and we are having a nice time. Do go and see mother before you go, and please don't forget my pen. Remember me to your mother and Cassie with love Grace."

back Undivided back, postmarked Sep 21, 1903 5pm in South Hadley. A Private Mailing Card.

Wilder Hall

front "Mt. Holyoke College Wilder Hall So. Hadley, Mass." The "Wilder Hall" part is a blue ink stamp on top of a misprint reading "Mead Hall". Inscription: "Sincerely yours, Elsie A. Piper"

back Undivided back, postmarked Nov 14, 1904 12midnight in South Hadley, and Nov 15, 1904 7:30am in Walpole, Mass. A Private Mailing Card.

Mead Hall

front "Mt. Holyoke College Mead Hall So. Hadley, Mass." Inscription "How do you like the new house I have recently purchased? Rhena October 25, 1903." Weak postmark on front - or it could be a bleed-through from the back. I can't quite tell for sure.

back Private Mailing Card, undivided back. Postmarked October 25, 1903 12 midnight in South Hadley. Transit mark October 26 3pm in Springfield, Mass.

Mead Hall

front "Mt. Holyoke College Mead Hall So. Hadley, Mass." Inscription "Another dormitory - around the side where the [arrow] is lives Eveline Lyle & Faith Kelton, two of about the truest finest friends I have in college. This is about the prettiest hall in many ways on the campus - the dining room especially is very attractive. Back of this is a big hill, where for the last wk. you could have seen girls coasting on dust pans & chafing dish trays -" According to an article in the Holyoke Daily Transcript and Telegram on May 8, 1937, coasting on brooms was a recognized method of recreation in early seminary days. Blue stamp of "Mead Hall" attempts to disguise misprinted "Wilder Hall" label underneath.

back Private Mailing Card, undivided back. Bad crease from top to bottom.

Mead Hall

front "Mt. Holyoke College Mead Hall So. Hadley, Mass." Inscription "I am sending you these cards to remind you that I am still in existence and havent forgotten the letter I owe you. E. A. P. August 4, 1905" Blue stamp of "Mead Hall" attempts to disguise misprinted "Wilder Hall" label underneath.

back Private Mailing Card, undivided back, postmarked Aug 5, 1905 5pm in South Walpole, Mass. Transit mark Aug 5, 1905 5:30pm in Walpole, Mass.

Rockefeller Hall

front "Mt. Holyoke College ROCKEFELLER HALL So. Hadley, Mass." Inscription: "S. Hadly [sic] Thur. A. M. Dear Sisters, - Arrived safely after much delay about 9. last night. Found your letter waiting. How is your ear? Eunice came yesterday about 4 and had her trunk all unpacked when I came. Must go to chapel. Lovingly Nettie"

back Private mailing card, undivided back, postmarked Jan 7, 1904 10am in South Hadley. Transit mark Jan 7, 1904 8pm in Johnstown, NY.

Rockefeller Hall

front "Mt. Holyoke College Rockefeller Hall So. Hadley, Mass." Inscription: "Oct. 11, 1903 Dear Mudges, If you will let this do for a letter I shall be very much obliged to you as I have about forty things to do and no time for any of them. This is the hall where I take my meals and wipe dishes. The cottage where I board is next at the left but cannot be seen in the picture. Tomorrow is our Mountain Day if it is pleasant but present prospects are not very encouraging. When is your father coming to see me? With lots of love for all, Natalie." Natalie Jones, identifiable because she was the only Natalie at the College in that year, roomed at 58 College St according to the 1903-1904 directory.

back Undivided back, postmarked Oct 12, 1903 10am in South Hadley. Transit mark Oct 12, 1903 2:30pm in Boston. A Private Mailing Card.

Rockefeller Hall

front "Mt. Holyoke College Rockefeller Hall So. Hadley, Mass." Inscription: "Oct. 11, 1903 Dear Cousin, If you will pardon my long delay in writing you, I'll try to do better next time. You know how busy I was before I came away and since I have been here I dont get time to breath[e]. This picture is the hall where I take my meals. I room in a cottage next door. When you write address Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass. Box 162. I hope you and all the others are well. With best wishes and hopes of hearing soon Sincerely yours Natalie." Natalie Jones, identifiable because she was the only Natalie at the College in that year, roomed at 58 College St according to the 1903-1904 directory.

back Undivided back, postmarked Oct 12, 1903 7am in South Hadley. A Private Mailing Card.

Rockefeller Hall

front "Mt. Holyoke College ROCKEFELLER HALL So. Hadley, Mass." Inscription: "Dear Ella, I am going to write to you very soon and I hope you will excuse me for waiting so long. Thank you for jogging up my memory. I do get awfully lax about some things. Was so glad to hear from you. Elsie."

back Private mailing card, undivided back, postmarked Oct 31, 1904 12midnight in South Hadley. Transit mark Oct 31, 1904 7pm in Walpole, Mass.

Rockefeller Hall

front "Mt. Holyoke College Rockefeller Hall So. Hadley, Mass." Inscription: "This is "Rocky" where all the girls here at the house "feed" and also have to wipe the dishes. When you come over, please bring the picture of Lucile and Winifred. Hope the weather will be as good as it is now. E.W.B."

back Private mailing card, undivided back, postmarked Nov 13, 1903 5pm in South Hadley. Transit mark Nov 14 [1903] in Blandford, Mass.

Mary Lyon Hall

front "Mt. Holyoke College, Mary Lyon Hall, So. Hadley, Mass." Inscription: "This card isn't to show the beauties of Mt. Holyoke but simply to tell you that your "[...]" upon my desk continually reminds me that you owe me a letter. Theresa."

back Undivided back, postmarked Feb 27, 1905 10am in South Hadley. Transit mark Feb 27, 1905 3pm in Wellesley, Mass. A Private Mailing Card.

Mary Lyon Hall

front Inscription: "Mary Lyon Hall. Mt. Holyoke College. Old Library torn down 1904. Dear Lillian: This is where I want you to go from High School. Lovingly your teacher and friend Florence H. Frost Sept 22, 1905."

back Undivided back, unused. Private Mailing Card. Although this card was not addressed, I do have another card that Florence Frost sent Lillian which was mailed, and I was able to learn Lillian's full name. Alas, she never did attend MHC.

Mary Lyon Hall

front "Mt. Holyoke College, Mary Lyon Hall, So. Hadley, Mass." Inscription: "Dec. 7, 1902. Dear: - Don't think that I have forgotten you. I think of you every day and will write soon as I possibly can. We are getting ready for exams. just at present and there is always so much to do anyway that I write to almost noone except those at home. You know that it isn't because I don't want to write, don't you dearie? Here is a picture of our dear "Mary Lyon", but it doesn't show half how beautiful it really is. Oh I have so much I want to say to you, Faye, but I can't to-night. I love you. Love to Jessie. Helen."

back Undivided back, postmarked Dec 8, 1902 10am in South Hadley. Transit mark Dec 8, 1902 1:30pm in Middletown, Conn. Flag cancel. A Private Mailing Card.

Mary Lyon Hall

front "Mt. Holyoke College Mary Lyon Hall, So. Hadley, Mass." Inscription: "The left half of this building is the chapel; the right half is Mary Lyon Hall. The post-office and music rooms are in the basement. Library at left."

back Undivided back, stamp box, unused. A Private Mailing Card.

The Gymnasium

front "Mount Holyoke College THE GYMNASIUM So. Hadley, Mass." A duplicate of this one on the obverse, but the reverse is different. Inscription: "Holyoke College. H - O - L - Y - O - K - E Holyoke, Holyoke, are we. Ethel C. Anthony."

back Undivided back, postmarked Jun 9, 1903 in South Hadley (two times). Transit marks Jun 9, 1903 9am in Springfield, Mass., and Jun 9, 1903 9:30am in Chicopee, Mass. A Private Mailing Card.

The Gymnasium

front "Mount Holyoke College THE GYMNASIUM So. Hadley, Mass." Published by J. B. Sutcliffe, Holyoke, Mass. "My dear Horace, - I bet anything you are sliding down hill about this time. We have a good deal of snow here & a few sleighs are out so expect you have had some at any rate. I had to wear my tam today the first time to wear a hat around here. Please write me a nice letter. With love, Sarah"

back Undivided back, postmarked Dec 6, 1902 7am in South Hadley. Transit mark Dec 6, 1902 2pm in New Haven CT.

The Gymnasium

front "Mount Holyoke College THE GYMNASIUM So. Hadley, Mass." Published by J. B. Sutcliffe, Holyoke, Mass. Inscription: "College, June 15. My dear Mama:- I am coming when I said I would - Wednesday night. This afternoon there was the Baccalaureate sermon, and the choir sang. The chapel was crowded, and it was so hot there. The mileage came safely - thanks for it. I have all my cards back now except my German, and I took the exam only yesterday. I shall hear from it to-morrow, and I am dreadfully afraid I didn't pass, because I haven't done good class work, and my exam wasn't good, either. I had a picnic for my S.S. class yesterday, and I have decided to give up the class next fall. It is too much for me to manage. Very much love, Irene."

back Divided back, postmarked Jun 16, 1902 12midnight in South Hadley. Transit mark Jun 16, 1902 6pm in Springfield. My earliest picture postcard!

The Gymnasium

front "Mount Holyoke College THE GYMNASIUM So. Hadley, Mass." The sender pointed to that label and noted "My address is under the picture" There is a dash to the left of the building entrance, and an x to the right of the building entrance. Inscription: "Dear Grace - When is that long promised picture coming? I've been waiting in vain. The lovely postel [sic] received[.] This is our "Gym." but we have to spend 4 fifty-five minute periods in out-doors exercise. x is where I play tennis, because I have the craze. - is the Lake, where we row, study or visit. Back of it is Prospect Hill, where we go bird walking at daylight. I saw fourteen different kinds this A.M. bet. 6-8. Write soon. Love from. Adelaide Banta. Grandma died in Nov. did you know?"

back Univided back, postmarked May 7, 1906 7am in South Hadley. Transit mark May 8, 1906 12:30pm in Milwaukee Wisc.

Pearson [sic] Hall

front "Mt. Holyoke College Pearson Hall [sic] So. Hadley, Mass" Inscription: "Jan 10, 1905 We give a concert at Mt. Holyoke College to-night. We held forth at Springfield last night Going out to look about Amherst this after-noon. It is about 8 miles from here. J. Allerton"

back Private Mailing Card, undivided back. Postmarked Jan 10, 1905 5pm in South Hadley. Transit mark Jan 1905 12 midnight, Stanfordville, NY.

Pearson [sic] Hall

front "Mt. Holyoke College Pearson [sic] Hall So. Hadley, Mass." Window on the first floor to the right of the entrance is marked with an X. Inscription: "5 Pearsons - Dear Will:- The window I have crossed is where Mabel and I have our room. We sit on my couch and gaze at everyone who goes out and comes in. Amherst cars run by the doors so we have an opportunity to see all that is going on. Many thanks for picture. E. A. F."

back Undivided back, stamp box, postmarked Sep 10, 1903 5pm in South Hadley. A Private Mailing Card.

Pearson [sic] Hall

front "Mt. Holyoke College Pearson [sic] Hall So. Hadley, Mass." Inscription: "Arrived here last night. Have our room in Pearson's [sic] on fourth floor. Will left this morning. Thank you very much for picture. Will write later in week. Florence F."

back Undivided back, postmarked Sep 13, 1904 5pm in South Hadley. A Private Mailing Card. Stamped by Harold A. Perris of Lake George (Antiques).

Pearson [sic] Hall

front "Mt. Holyoke College Pearson Hall [sic] So. Hadley, Mass" Inscription: "Dear Bertha, The cards you and your mother sent pleased me very much. This is a picture of the building where Sarah Quimby lives. It is across the street from the other college buildings. Hoping that you will write me a letter sometime I remain your friend, Louise Colegrove."

back Private Mailing Card, undivided back. Postmarked Oct 6, 1904 10am in South H[adley]. Transit mark Oct 6, 1904 2:30pm in Worcester, Mass. Another partial transit mark, also probably Worcester.

Pearson [sic] Hall

front "Mt. Holyoke College Pearson Hall [sic] So. Hadley, Mass" Inscription: "I am in this hall, on the third floor - the two windows just above the porch. It is an east room. The mountains are in back."

back Private Mailing Card, undivided back, stamp box, unpostmarked.

Pearson [sic] Hall

front "Mt. Holyoke College Pearson Hall [sic] So. Hadley, Mass" Inscription: "These are all the pictures of Mt. Holyoke that I could get on postals. Two of the halls are missing but I heard that they were going to print cards with those two on, next year. E. A. Piper"

back Private Mailing Card, undivided back. Postmarked Aug 5, 1905 5pm in South Walpole, Mass. Transit mark Aug 5, 1905 5:30pm in Walpole, Mass.

Pearson [sic] Hall

front "Mt. Holyoke College Pearson Hall [sic] So. Hadley, Mass" Inscription: "Sept. 19, 1903 Dear Uncle Ed, This is the house we are living in this year. i have put a cross between our two windows which look South & East. I like it the best of any room I have had. It is large and we like the shape very much. The walls are tinted buff color. Alice & I came from church a little while ago. This morning 8 of us took a long walk. You haveprobably heard through Maria's letter of my ride in the parlor car and how I wore a handsome blue silk rain coat. It is not often that I support such elegance. I hope you and Uncle Ell arrived home safely. Lovingly, [initials]"

back Private Mailing Card, undivided back. Postmarked Sept 21, 1903 7am in South Hadley. Transit marks Sep 21, 1903 9am in Springfield, Mass, Sep 21, 1903 5:30pm in Winsted [...] Conn, and Sep 22, 1903 in Wincester, Conn.

Lake Nonotuck

front "Lake Nonotuck. Mt. Holyoke College. August 24, 1905. Dear Lillian: I am sorry but I can not visit you this vacation. I have several appointments and the last few days I must rest to get ready for my teaching. I shall enjoy coming some Saturday this fall if it will be convenient for you all. Remember me to all and write to me when you can all about your school. Wishing you and Stuart a most successful year, Your friend, Florence H. Frost."

back Undivided back, postmarked Aug 24, 1905 5pm in Springfield, Mass. Transit mark Aug 24, 1905 7pm in Thompsonville, Conn. (Now will someone tell me how they delivered mail back then, that a card could travel between states in just two hours?? We should be so lucky, nearly 100 years later!) A Private Mailing Card.

Greetings From Holyoke

front "Greetings from Holyoke" Three scenes from MHC: Library, Lydia Shattuck Hall, and Rockefeller Hall. "Dear Cora We are to have a social for the Lodge at our home Wed eve Mar 29 add 10.0 and would like to have you come if convenient bring anyone you wish. Your friend Mary. 8 Neptune St. West Lynn"

back Private Mailing Card, undivided back. Flag cancel. Postmarked Mar 28, 1905 1:30pm in Lynn, Mass. Transit mark, also from Lynn, Mar 28, 1905, but time illegible.

Views of Mount Holyoke College

front An aerial view of north campus. "Views of Mount Holyoke College by Asa Stephen Kinney, Instructor, Department of Botany, Mount Holyoke College. A souvenir edition of forty-two half tones (cuts 4x5 inches) of buildings and college life at Mount Holyoke, also a brief historical sketch. Price, sixty cents, post paid, United States and Canada. Address all correspondence to Mrs. A. S. Kinney, South Hadley, Mass. Stamps not accepted in payment." Flag cancel bled through from the back. Once in the collection of William Clark.

back Undivided back, postmarked Mar 7, 1905 7am in South Hadley. Transit mark Mar 7, 1905 8:30am in Holyoke, Mass (flag cancel), Mar 7, 1905 11:30am in Brattleboro, VT, and Mar 7, 1905 12midnight in Brattleboro [...]. A Private Mailing Card.

Greetings From Holyoke

front "Greetings from Holyoke" Four scenes from MHC: Lake, Mary Lyon Monument and Porter hall, Walk to the Lake, and Pavilion.

back Undivided back, stamp box, unused. A Private Mailing Card.

Greetings From Holyoke

front "Greetings from Holyoke" Three scenes from MHC: Library and Rear of Mary Lyon Hall, Rockefeller Hall, and Shattuck Hall.

back Undivided back, stamp box, unused. A Private Mailing Card.

Views of Mount Holyoke College

front A view of Mary Lyon Hall. "Views of Mount Holyoke College by Asa Stephen Kinney, Instructor, Department of Botany, Mount Holyoke College. A souvenir edition of forty-two half tones (cuts 4x6 inches) of buildings and college life at Mount Holyoke, also a brief historical sketch. Price, sixty cents, post paid, United States and Canada. Address all correspondence to Mrs. A. S. Kinney, South Hadley, Mass. Stamps not accepted in payment."

back Undivided back, postmarked Feb 28, 1905 7am in South Hadley. Transit mark Feb 28, 1905 5pm in Princeton Mass. A Private Mailing Card. Addressed to Miss Harriet Beaman.

Views of Mount Holyoke College

front View of the brook. "Views of Mount Holyoke College by Asa Stephen Kinney, Instructor, Department of Botany, Mount Holyoke College. A souvenir edition of forty-two half tones (cuts 4x6 inches) of buildings and college life at Mount Holyoke, also a brief historical sketch. Price, sixty cents, post paid, United States and Canada. Address all correspondence to Mrs. A. S. Kinney, South Hadley, Mass. Stamps not accepted in payment."

back Undivided back, postmarked Feb 28, 1905 7am in South Hadley. Transit mark Feb 28, 1905 5pm in Howard, RI; Mar 1, 1905 6pm in Howard, RI; and Mar 2, 1905 1pm in Baxtons River, VT. A Private Mailing Card. Addressed to Miss Mary L Plumb in Howard RI, and forwarded to Westminster West VT.