“A merry Christmas to you.”

Here’s one for all you holiday travelers:

“Dec. 25. hello Bessie, how are you. I am fine and dandy. I got here at last, we had to wait in Leavenworth all day, I was so tired that night. We go[t] here last night at dark. I dont no how long we will stay. From Gladys Tyson.”

Sent to:   “Miss Bessie Masoner, Edgerton MO.”

Bessie must surely be the Bessie Masoner, born 1897, daughter of Teater and Minnie Mason, appearing on the 1910 Federal Census. Though the postcard year is difficult to read, if it was sent timely after it was purchased, it would have been prior to 1915, as the gorgeous card was printed in Germany (those colors! not to mention wonderful design) and WWI shut down the postcard printing there at that time. So, prior to 1915, but it looks like it might be 1910 for the date. And Bessie appears on the 1910 with her parents and siblings (Oscar, Elsie, Leland and William) living in Preston Township, which is about four miles south of Edgerton.

Divided back, embossed, used postcard. Dated December 25th by sender, year circa 1910 on postmark. Printed in Germany. Series 1480C.

Price:  $8.00

Source:  Year: 1910; Census Place: Preston, Platte, Missouri; Roll: T624_805; Page: 9A; Enumeration District: 0159; FHL microfilm: 1374818.