Postcard Friendship Friday #16

Happy Postcard Friendship Friday! Another PFF hosted by Marie at Voila! Vintage Postcards
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I had planned to use this postcard for my Mother's Day PFF post - without the usual Florida connection - because of the pretty child smiling at us in the photograph. After I had an opportunity to read the message I thought better of it.
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The postmark is May 27, 1911 and it was sent from Malabar House Hotel, Godwin Road Margate, East Kent England

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The postcard reads:
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My dear Margaret,
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You must really excuse me not writing you long letter as promised as I have been feeling queer of late but am pleased to say am feeling much brighter. Am staying here two or three weeks to see whether I can regain my health, As soon as I feel fit shall write you a real long letter.
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Love to all.
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Margate Sands

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For at least 250 years, the town has been a leading seaside resort in the UK, drawing Londoners to its beaches, Margate Sands.
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The bathing machines in use at Margate were described in 1805 as "four-wheeled carriages, covered with canvas, and having at one end of them an umbrella of the same materials which is let down to the surface of the water, so that the bather descending from the machine by a few steps is concealed from the public view, whereby the most refined female is enabled to enjoy the advantages of the sea with the strictest delicacy

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Millicent's dapper dipper
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Some resorts employed a "dipper", a strong person of the same sex who would assist the bather in and out of the sea. Some dippers were said to push bathers into the water, then yank them out, considered part of the experience

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I couldn't find any information about the Malabar House Hotel, however I did happen across a breakfast menu from another hotel in Margate:
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Served from 8am (or earlier if requested) until 10am Monday to Saturday and from 8.30am until 10.30am on Sundays and Bank Holidays, this is a great start to any day. A choice of fresh fruit and juices – including Kentish Apple Juice – and cereals, with muesli and porridge coming directly from Sarre Mill. Freshly grilled bacon, sausages made especially for us, and free range eggs from Woodensborough Farm, with a selection of grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, bubble and squeak and beans. Topped off with brown or white toast – Giovanni has been up since 4am baking – and our own preserves or local honey, and unlimited (fair trade) tea or filter coffee. A cheerful good morning, a glance at the paper, and whether on holiday or business, you're well set up.
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The mailing address, 250 Tompkins Avenue, Brooklyn NY, still exists, and is located on Tompkins Park.
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Brooklyn (named after the Dutch town Breukelen) is one of the five boroughs of New York City, located southwest of Queens on the western tip of Long Island. An independent city until its consolidation with New York in 1898, Brooklyn is New York City's most populous borough, with 2.5 million residents, and second largest in area. If the borough were a separate city, it would be the fourth-largest city in the United States. Since 1896, Brooklyn has had the same boundaries as Kings County, which is now the most populous county in New York State, and the second most densely populated county in the United States, after New York County (Manhattan).

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The Back Story:
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Margaret rolled her eyes as she read yet another health update from her hypochondriac sister. Better she should write postcards than long letters outlining every aspect of her delicate constitution. Bessie had taken the waters, treatments and air at every resort from from here to Timbuktu. Well not Timbuktu, exactly, but if there is a resort there, Bessie will eventually find it.

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If Bessie would just say "yes" to that dear patient Mr. Sturdivant, she could settle down and start thinking about a husband and family instead of constantly monitoring her health. And now, to say she is feeling queer of late. Well! I never! Not that there is anything wrong with that. Should Mr. Sturdivant get wind of this latest condition, he will surely turn on his heel and Bessie will miss her chance.

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It was dear old Dr. West who recommended the seaside at Margate. Most likely it was suggested so he could have a few weeks vacation from Bessie and her thrice weekly "emergencies". He agrees wholeheartedly that if she will accept a marriage proposal she will find relief from the many disagreeable nervous conditions associated with spinsterhood.