Postcard Friendship Friday -Pvt. Burns, Part III

Welcome to another Postcard Friendship Friday hosted by Marie at Voila! Vintage Postcards.

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Today's postcard is the third in a series of 5 that were written during WWII by Pvt. Burns, stationed in Miami, Florida, to his wife in Rochester New York.

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The picture on the colorful linen card is of the Grecian Dock on Indian Creek, Miami Beach (Dade County) Florida.

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Indian Creek is a partly natural and partly man-made waterway in the city of Miami Beach, Florida. It starts as a man-made canal where Biscayne Bay meets Lincoln Road, and runs along Dade Boulevard, forming the boundary between South Beach and the rest of the city.

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The postmark is December 2oth, 1942 and reads:
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Dear Mrs. Burns -
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I received your 8 page letter to Fort Niagara so I guess I am caught up on mail from you except the last couple days.
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Have to answer letter to Baby also C. H. Hall in Camillus (He sent me a dollar bill) So will write you a long one tomorrow (Sunday)..


Am sorry you had to give me hell for losing that dough at poker but I feel just as bad about it.
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Lots of people are writing to me & it takes time to answer them.
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So until tomorrow -
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Love
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Me
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Rot the R


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The missing 8 page letter is resolved here and his comments about the letter give us additional information.; Pvt. Burns was inducted into the Army at (New) Fort Niagara, New York. After basic training he was transferred to the Army Air Force Technical Training Center in Miami. The letter had to be rerouted to him and arrived several weeks after he did.
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The site of his basic training, Fort Niagara, the oldest continuously occupied fort in North America. Occupation of the site began with the French, in 1678, the British 80 years later, and then the United States, 13 years after the American War of Independence.
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The newer, post civil war, Fort Niagara was built adjacent to the old fort. It contained a thousand-yard rifle range, access to rail lines, and access to large industrial areas (Niagara Falls and Buffalo).

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Fort Niagara was used to train troops for the Spanish-American War and World War I, and during World War II as an induction center and later a POW camp for 1,200 German soldiers captured in North Africa.

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After WWII, the fort served as emergency housing for returning veterans. During the Korean War, the fort was used as for the headquarters for anti-aircraft artillery and later Nike missiles. The US Army officially deactivated Fort Niagara in 1963. Military presence on the site continues with the United States Coast Guard still operating at "The Bottoms" making Fort Niagara one of the longest continuously run military bases in the United States, 1726-present day.

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The first Women's Army Corps Depot in Miami, Florida

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Dade County collected scrap metal for the war effort. Aluminum, iron, bronze and tin for ships, tanks, bombs and planes.

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All available copper went to war too - the U.S. Mint produced zinc pennies.

Meet Madge

Madge came into existence one afternoon spent with my sisters at an engagement party. An offhand remark, "nice wrap" I believe it was, turned into one of those add-on stories where each person continues adding information until you have a complete story - or as in our case - until you are laughing so hard you cannot continue on without a nap and a box of tissues.

We created Madge.

To the best of my recollection it is the late 1940's, and Madge, in her late 50's, works as a hat check girl at a popular Hollywood night club. She tends to wear navy blue or black dresses - rayon - with large polka dots. She keeps a lacy handkerchief tucked in her decollete and wears baby doll sling backs. Her red lips are outlined a bit, Lucille Ball style, her eyebrows have been plucked into non-existence and are filled in with reddish brown eyebrow pencil lines with a nice arch over the right eye. Her yellow blonde hair is in an up-sweep held together by an array of bobby pins. Madge is a bit overweight, but the tightly cinched belts on her dresses are a reminder (to her) of her once 19 inch waist. Did I mention Madge smokes non filtered Pall Malls? Her raspy voice is a result of 25 years of talking with a cigarette parked daintily in the side of her mouth.
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It's a busy night club, the Florentine Room, so when Madge talks, you can only hear her end of the conversation:


Hey Darlin, did you want your wrap?
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Oh, you're waiting for.. ..who'd I see you come in with.... Johnny? Johnny Weise?
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Yeah, that's what I thought.
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You been seeing him long, Darlin?
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Good
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Can Madge here give you a little advice? Hey are you cryin' Darlin'?
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What'd he do?
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Oh, it's what he said.
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Here, use my handkerchief. Yeah, it's clean.
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Oh, scuse the ashes. Let me brush that off the counter.
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No, you don't have to tell me about Johnny. He comes in here all the time.
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Yeah, with pretty girls just like you. Treats them all just like you. Thinks if he gives you a good dinner he can say whatever he wants and show off in front of his low life friends.
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He said he does what? Johnny? Heh heh. Naw. He don't have a real job that I know of. He just does work on the side, but I'm not gonna get into that Darlin'. He catches wind that I've been talking about him he'll give me what for.
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He's gonna come out looking for you in a minute. Let me give you some advice. If you're as smart as you are pretty, you'll high tail it out of here, Darlin' and find some nice guy that treats you like a lady.
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Yeah, you don't have to tell me. I've seen a thousand of you come in here for a free meal with some guy that pretends he's a big shot. Say's he knows agents and writers. Well, they don't know anybody. They just know how to talk a good story and then they want you for dessert. Heh heh.
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My best advice is you go back to the farm town in Iowa, or Oklahoma or Indiana and finish school and find yourself a nice life. You ain't gonna find it here, that's for sure.
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So what do ya say? Let Madge call a taxi for you. You slip out the back door.
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Johnny? Oh, let me handle him, Darlin. I'll tell him you're feeling a bit under the weather in the Ladies room.
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Sure, I'll call that taxi right now. You can wait out back. My Georgie is out there waiting in the car for me. He comes to pick me up every night. Doesn't want any of these wise guys messin' with me. He'll watch out for you. Got the ticket stub?


Good.
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Now let me find your coat, blue one, ain't it, and we'll get you outta here lickity split, Darlin'.

Saturday Salubrious Signs - Leo

LEO

During my hitherto unexplained absences over the last few weeks, I 've been neglecting -among other things - my Saturday Salubrious Signs. In doing so, I have specifically neglected the Leos of the world, having covered every other sign. I'd apologize, but that might inhibit your need to feel ignored and unloved. So go ahead and wallow in it for a while, blame me, and then have some chocolate or something to make you feel better.

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Better yet, have a drink.

Your Real Leo Horoscope: Insecurities in your partnerships are brought to light now, and the best way to handle this is to understand that you need others instead of competing for the floor.

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Can you believe she blogged about all the other signs, but ignored Leo! I feel invisible!

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Leo will find this time of the lunar month an energy sapper, as they feel ignored or unnoticed. Trying to go it alone won't work just now. The spotlight is on other people for the time being, and it's best to let them shine. Concentrate on truly listening to those close to you, and on playing a supportive role.
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Your Leo motto might be "What you see is what you get." You tend to live your life straightforwardly and with a flair for drama.

Leomoticons

In fact, many Leos are attracted to the theater, the performing arts and public relations, for you truly understand the importance of putting on a good presentation.

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you blaze gloriously through your life, remember to take time to acknowledge the feelings of those around you. If you forget, you could unconsciously hurt someone you love. But, if you remain aware of your impact, others can benefit from your presence.
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o-LEO-lay-eee-hooo

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Hey, Babe, I'm a Leo. What's Your Sign?

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The Lion is considered the king of the jungle, and likewise you Leos have an air of royalty about you. Some Leos even have hair resembling the thick mane of the Lion.

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Your Get Real Horoscope: Plan on making an appointment at the beauty shop. A little spray, some conditioner, and a good hair technician will resolve that Leo the Lion hair issue so the rest of us signs will quit pointing and staring.

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Being ignored and invisible isn't so bad, just think of the stack of traffic tickets Taurus has to deal with because they insist on speeding - and in the spotlight -no less.

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The rest of us signs like the part about you Leos playing a supportive role. With half of us unemployed, perhaps we could all move in with you and you could bake us cakes and stuff.

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Your theatrics are duly noted. You share the sign with the likes of Madonna, Ben Afflec, Jennifer Lopez and Tom Cruise. Oh, and Donald Trump and Celine Dion for cryin' out loud. The rest of us understand you really can't help it. Just tone it down a bit and lose the tap shoes.

Postcard Friendship Friday #18 -Pvt. Burns, Part II

Bridge Over Indian Creek At 41st Street, Miami Beach Florida

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Happy Postcard Friendship Friday, and welcome back to the 2nd of five postcards sent by Pvt. Burns, stationed with the Army Air Force in Miami Beach, to his wife in Rochester New York. As always, PFF is hosted by Marie at Voila! Vintage Postcards, so be sure and stop by to visit Marie

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The colorful and scenic linen card shows the 41st street bridge that crosses over to Indian Creek, the wealthiest municipality per capita, in the United States. Per Wikipedia:

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A unique characteristic of Indian Creek Island is the residents' apparent obsession with security. The village is unique among similar-sized communities in having its own State of Florida sworn police force including its own 24/7 armed boat patrol around the island. Not only does "the ICVPSD operate the only 24 hours (a) day, 7 days a week marine patrol unit and it is often the only waterborne police force available on Biscayne Bay" but also the sworn force of 14 officers compared with the 38 residents reported in the 2004 census figures might make Indian Creek Village the most protected and secure incorporated municipality in the United States.
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Creek Village frequently makes real estate headlines with its record high sales. Crooner Julio Iglesias's home made news as being one of the 10 Most Expensive Homes in the South according to Forbes Magazine in 2006 at $28 million; a $15.5 million empty double lot sale in 2005; and other noteworthy listings.

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The island is also home to the ultra-exclusive Indian Creek County Club. In addition to one of the oldest private club houses in South Florida, the club's golf course is widely considered to be greater Miami's finest golf course and occupies the entire interior of the island with a few waterfront holes.

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Famous residents both past and present have included Spanish singer Julio Iglesias, his son Enrique Iglesias, pro golfer Raymond Floyd, coaches Rick Pitino and Don Shula, US Senator George Smathers, Sheik Mohammed al-Fassi of Saudi Arabia, television host Don Francisco, billionaire investor Carl Icahn, co-founder of Calvin Klein, Barry Schwartz, billionaire developer Donny Soffer, steel executive Leroy Schecter, wireless executive Rajendra Singh, radio magnate Raul Alarcon,real estate billionaire Peter Breton, coal and oil executive Christopher F. Viegas, Perry Ellis head George Feldenkreis, and former Philadelphia Eagles owner and billionaire art collector Norman Braman, Frederic Hesser CEO and Founder of Hesser Group Global, producer and song writer Scott Storch, and former cable company CEO Ken Bagwell.

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The description on the back of the card reads:

There is but one Florida and it calls to all nature loving people. Not only is it a playground for the leisure class, and a winter home for the wealthy, but it is a year round place in which to live, to work, and to rest.

1942 was not a year of rest. The USA entered WWII and like thousands of soldiers, Pvt. Burns came to Florida to learn how to fight the war.

The postmark is December 16, 1942.

Pvt. Burns writes:

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Dear Mrs. Burns
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Received your letter of Sunday, also package and contents. It don't seem much like Christmas. It is very nice. Just what I wanted and pills bandage etc. will come in mighty handy.

I am looking around for something for you but am having trouble finding anything. Merchandise is limited around here. However have one thing I made for you. It will look louzy on you but I know how you always wear those hidious pins etc. so you will like this.

Letter follows by air mail tomorrow. Your last letter arrived in just a day and 1/2. Write me the news that was in that 8 page letter. It got lost!

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Love,

Me again

Excerpts from Time Magazine, December 26, 1942:

It would be a Christmas unlike any the U.S. people had ever seen, and one they would long remember. There was hardly a person who had not sent a package, or at least a letter, to a man in uniform; hardly a thoughtful man or woman who would not wonder what it might be like to spend Christmas in a tank on the road to Bizerte or perched in a palm tree in New Guinea.
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Christmas, 1942, was the time when trains were jammed and trees were scarce, when turkey was high and the eggnog bowl low. It was a time when, despite the opulence of gifts in many homes, the people sang with fervor, in a peculiar popular ditty, that they just wanted to keep what they had. It was a time when a young Navy wife in Seattle said: "Last Christmas I worried if my husband would come home from the office sober enough to trim the tree. This year I wonder if he'll come home from the Solomons—anytime."
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Following the US entering the war , the mobilization of war efforts were quick and effective with car makers and other manufacturers changing to production of weapons of war .

1941 Ford

Ford halted its car and truck lines on February 10, 1942 to begin war production, but not before a short run of 1942 cars was built. War rationing required auto makers to black out their chrome trim, and a Special Fordor model was produced with no chrome at all for military use. 1942-style Ford cars continued to be produced as military staff cars from March 1942 through summer 1945. A large number of 1942 (and 1941) cars held in dealer stocks by government edict, to be doled out to essential users during the conflict, were Fords. Some states titled cars by the year of sale, so it is possible to find 1943, 1944, and 1945 models by virtue of their registrations and titles.
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The war also created a new breed of movies with war themes , and one of the most popular songs of all time,

"White Christmas" from Bing Crosby first appeared in the movie "Holiday Inn" just in time for Pvt. and Mrs. Burns' first Christmas apart.

Be sure and stop by next Friday for the next installment and answers to the question: What became of that 8 page letter?

Postcard Friendship Friday #17

Happy Postcard Friendship Friday! Today's postcard pictures a Florida Seminole Indian and her Papoose in the Everglades.

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This is the first of five postcards that were written by an Army Air Force Private to his wife during the winter of 1942 /1943. I will share the others with you over the next four weeks.

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This card is postmarked December 8, 1942 - a year and a day after the attack on Pearl Harbor. There is no stamp, as the mail for service men and women was free. The word "free" was written in the spot that normally holds a stamp. It was difficult to find as it was stamped over with "Buy War Savings Bonds And Stamps". It was sent from the Army Air Force Technical Training Center, Miami Beach Florida which was located at what is now Miami International Airport.

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The mailing address in Rochester, New York, still exists

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The postcard reads:

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Dear Mrs. Burns

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Have nothing new to say today. It is very hot. How is Junior coming along? Watch out that you don't get any cold.

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I don't know a soul in this camp which makes it kind of hard. However would like to become permanent here but doubt if that will be.

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Some one of these days I will have a picture taken and send it to you so that you can see my new uniform. Also would like a better one of you. This 10 cent one of you isn't very flattering because it does not show your teeth (Ha Ha)

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Will write a long letter when I buy some paper and envelopes. So far have managed to bum some. Are the letters coming fast enough? Hope I can start getting a few from you soon. NO SOB STUFF.

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Tell everybody not to look for any Xmas present from me and not to send any.

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Love

Me

Rot the R (?)

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Postcard of the Army Air Force Technical Training Command Center Parade Grounds

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WAC (Women's Army Corp) air controller - the shoulder insignia is the Army Air Forces patch.
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The United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) was the military aviation arm of the United States of America during and immediately after World War II. The direct precursor to the United States Air Force, its peak size was over 2.4 million men and women in service and nearly 80,000 aircraft in 1944, and 783 domestic bases in December 1943. By VE Day it had 1.25 million men stationed overseas and operated from more than 1,600 airfields worldwide.
The Air Corps became the Army Air Forces in June 1941. Although other nations already had separate air forces independent of the army or navy (such as the British Royal Air Force and the German Luftwaffe), the USAAF remained a part of the United States Army.

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Clark Gable enlisting at the AAFTC

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From 1942 to 1945 Miami Beach played a significant role in WWII. Nearly 500,000 men, including matinee-idol Clark Gable and Robert Preston, took over 300 hotels and buildings for housing and training headquarters under the Army Air Forces Technical Training Command. By the time the war ended, one-fourth of all Army Air Force officers and one-fifth of the Air Corps' enlisted men had been trained in "the most beautiful boot camp in America''—Miami Beach. Another group of hotels and buildings served as an Army Redistribution Station for infantrymen returning from battle. These men were reunited with their wives, and "ordered" to have fun before being released or reassigned.

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Exercising on Miami Beach
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This photo shows Army Air Force Technical Training Command soldiers in an outdoor classroom in front of the London Shop and Mishan Importers of Linens, Laces and Rugs (possibly on Lincoln Road).

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It is probable that Pvt. Burns enlisted in the service rather than being drafted. He was recently transferred to this location for technical training. Part II next Friday! I will forgo the usual "back story" out of respect to this AAF serviceman and all of our service men and women.

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For more Postcard Friendship Friday visit Marie at Voila! Vintage Postcards!

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.

It's MyFirst Blogoversary Party! Come On In!

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One year ago today I did a quick search of blogging sites, found blogspot.com and started plunking information into the blank squares. Within a matter of about an hour or two, Muse Swings was on line with my first post. The rest is history. And maybe CIA files. And Interpol.

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The best of the year is you, dear bloggyfriend! You've stuck with me for a whole year during rants and raves, Dr. West's advice, adventures with the Mister and some really great events. Most recently there are post card stories, horoscopes and some Old Maid tarot readings thrown in for good measure. Thanks for indulging me.

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The events were especially fun because of your enthusiastic participation in our tea, picnic with the campfire, ocean voyage, wine making, an Italian spree - we did go to Italy, didn't we? It's all a blur. There were trains, planes spas, and a Christmas tour. What fun! It takes just a click of the mouse, a few assorted passports, a borrowed credit card, an identity or two (thanks, ladies) and a trunk full of Paris couture, a few borrowed gems, and we are off on another holiday.
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To celebrate you and your wonderful visits and comments, I'm having a First Blogoversary party to celebrate YOU today in the gazebo that I "borrowed" from Prince Wilhelm Von Potinvondominvon.

I've baked a cake just for you!

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Fresh strawberries and cream perhaps?

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So, enjoy the view

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and have a glass of lemonade with me

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Better yet, how about a glass or two of """lime ade"""

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Mr. Grant and his friend Kate will entertain us

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Oh, and look! Lady Fusilla sent flowers. She must have forgiven us...... but that lawsuit is still pending...... and the emeralds.....well, If she shows up, just give her a xanex and call her a cab.
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That forest ranging, grape stomping, sleigh driving Mr. Peck is flying in. I get dibs on him this time!

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So gather around the table. Oh - heh..heh...heh...not this table. This is just another of the fun stories that we've spun this past year.

What a gem.

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You are all gems for stickin' with me - you know who you are! And I do too!

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So Happy Blogoversary to me thanks to you!