Divided back, used postcard. Postmarked circa 1915, California. Publisher:  Cardinell Vincent Co. Mfg. San Francisco, California.

Price:  $7.00

Y.W.C.A. Conference Grounds, Asilomar, Monterey Co., Calif.

The most likely year of this postcard is 1915. The last number in the postmarked year is hard to read, but it shows a young woman in a long skirt and a hat, the time period looks to be at the turn of the century, sitting on one of the seaside rocks, gazing out at the Pacific Ocean. The setting is as stated above, the Young Women’s Christian Association conference grounds, in Monterey County (Pacific Grove, CA.) The YWCA played a very important role in providing shelter to women at this time who were moving to the big cities in search of work. The YWCA offered vocational classes in subjects such as money management, sewing, cooking, and typing, and held meetings attended by students, staff and supporters, providing what must have been much needed moral support and practical advise for women trying to break through to the male-dominated work force.

The name Asilomar was the winning entry chosen from a YWCA sponsored contest. It was submitted by Helen Salisbury, a Stanford University student, and stands for “refuge-by-the-sea” from the Spanish asilo for retreat or refuge, and mar which means sea.

The location of the postmark is also hard to read. We see the letters ASTL? (Castle?). Card addressed to “Miss Ella Ellison, 1314 – F street, Sacramento, California.”

The sender wrote,  “Dear Ella:  ‘You don’t say.’  Of course I do. Having ever so good a time and the kiddies , I wish you could see them. The sun is sinking in the west (looks like it is drowning in the ocean. B.C.”

Source:  “The Complete Story, Asilomar is Born.”  Aramark. Web accessed 28 Aug 2014 [http://www.visitasilomar.com/history/asilomar-the-complete-story.aspx]