Correspondence
People use postcards to correspond with each other, but the way they have used postcards to communicate has changed over time. The postcards in this gallery show how postcards began as a quick way to send short communications between individuals, but have since evolved to be used for longer communications and for requests between academics. While the typical use for a postcard is to report on having a nice time on vacation in a new place – “wish you were here” – several of these postcards were used to send routine, short notes. The first section of this gallery contains postcards also found in the individual museum galleries that have messages on them. The second section of this gallery contains postcards mailed to or from Smithsonian staff throughout the years.
Grayscale postcard of the Smithsonian Institution Building, or Castle, and statue of Joseph Henry. The grounds surrounding the Castle are empty. A thick white border is at the bottom of the image on the front, and a message is written in this space: "[left side] This card was printed by the blindâ Dear Inez:â I shall try to spend the last week of August with you. We are on our way to Boston. Hadnât time to answer your letter. Eileen" c. 1898-1901, The Blind at C.P.I., Courtesy of a private collector, No copy available at the Smithsonian Institution Archives.
Black and white postcard of the Smithsonian Institution Building, or Castle. The front of the postcard has a white border. The postcard is addressed to Leo. R. Laybourn in St. Paul, Minnesota. The card was postmarked in February 1905 in Washington, DC, and arrived in St. Paul, Minnesota, on February 13, 1905. 1905, ILL. P. Card Co., Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 95, Box 75, Folder: 8, Negative Numbers SIA2013-06633 (front) and SIA2013-06634 (back).
Color postcard of the US National Museum, now known as the Arts and Industries Building, with a circular garden plot of green, orange, and yellow foliage in the foreground. The back of the postcard is addressed to Marley Williams in New York. The card was mailed to Marley on September 11, 1907. There is a white border at the bottom of the front with a short written message: "Sep 11. Just six o'clock ready to go out to breakfast, good Bye." September 11, 1907, Unknown, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 95, Box 84, Folder: 25, Negative Numbers SIA2011-2275 and SIA2011-2276.
Color postcard of the Patent Office Building, now the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery, with an American flag flying from the building on the right side of the image. Several people are walking in the street in front of the building. Short black lines from the postal cancellation are above the building in several places. The postcard is numbered 9743 in the top left-hand corner on the front. The postcard is addressed to Mr. George Ellis Couillard, with the following message for him: Its [sic] the Hotest [sic] place I ever was in. Having a fine time C. Louis de VeerJuly 3, 1908, A.C. Bosselman & Co., Courtesy of a private collector, No copy available at the Smithsonian Institution Archives.
Postcard of the Smithsonian Institution Building, or Castle, and the Joseph Henry statue. The grounds are empty and the trees are green. The card is postmarked May 6, 1909. The card is addressed to Mr. R.L. Campbell, with a short message for him: “Am having a fine trip. Wish you were here. We would have some fun together—Herbert” May 6, 1909, Unknown, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 95, Box 84, Folder: 25, Negative Numbers SIA2011-2299 (front) and SIA2011-2300 (back).
Sepia postcard of a road running through Rock Creek Park. The road is surrounded by trees. On September 27, 1890, President Benjamin Harrison approved Congress’s act to establish Rock Creek Park. It was one of the first federally managed parks. The main part of Rock Creek Park is 1,754 acres (2.75 square miles), and now includes several other natural and historical sites in DC. Rock Creek Park is home to the Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park. c. 1908, Possibly I. & M. Ottenheimer, Courtesy of a private collector, No copy available at the Smithsonian Institution Archives.
Color postcard of the US National Museum, now known as the Arts and Industries Building. The sky is clear and the trees are green. A circular garden plot surrounded by a short, rounded fence is in the foreground. The front of the postcard has a white border. The back of the postcard is addressed to Miss Mary Wilson, and it is postmarked February 5, 1911. The message is as follows: “Hello:— Was indeed glad to get your card. How is this for a spring day? Sure I am still ‘on my job.’ How many months of school do you have left? Yes we have both penants [sic] and pins. I think we will have some new pins in a few days Sincerely H.B.M.” February 5, 1911, Ullman Manufacturing Co., Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 95, Box 84, Folder: 25, Negative Numbers SIA2011-2291 (front) and SIA2011-2292 (back).
Color postcard of Boulder Bridge in Rock Creek Park. The message side has a printed note about the park: “Rock Creek is famed for the beauty of its Natural Scenery. Boulder Bridge is built of stone found on the park.” The postcard is addressed to Mr. and Mrs. G.W. Smith, with a message for them, as follows: “Sun. Eve—7 o'clock. Dear M & P. Got up at 6 this A.M. ready to go to Blto [Baltimore]. was misting, & very Cloudy. so gave it up. The mist did not last long. but has been Cloudy all day. marsh has worked. Mother Came up this P.M. Knew you were disapointed [sic], & So was Glades & I, but was so very threatening did not like to risk. with G- could any way. next Sun. is Easter hope may See you both then. This has been a long lonesome day— Will write Soon. Lots of love— Jane—” On September 27, 1890, President Benjamin Harrison approved Congress’s act to establish Rock Creek Park. It was one of the first federally managed parks. The main part of Rock Creek Park is 1,754 acres (2.75 square miles), and now includes several other natural and historical sites in DC. Rock Creek Park is home to the Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park. April 9, 1911, B.S. Reynolds Co., Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 95, Box 85, Folder: 26, Negative Numbers SIA2011-2307 and SIA2011-2308.
Color postcard of the new US National Museum, now the National Museum of Natural History. The roof is reddish-pink on the postcard, although in reality it is a shade of gold. The grounds are empty and the trees are partially bare. It is addressed to Miss Mary G. Wilson, and the top left-hand corner of the message side says "from J.W.H." The card is postmarked December 7, 1913. December 7, 1913, Columbia Polytechnic Institute for the Blind, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 95, Box 84, Folder: 25, Negative Numbers SIA2011-2287 (front) and SIA2011-2288 (back).
Color postcard of the Patent Office Building, now the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery. Two American flags are flying from the building, and several people are crossing the street below and walking outside the building. The front of the postcard has a white border. The postcard of the Patent Office Building has a printed note about the building: “U.S. Patent Office. The Department of the Interior Building is adorned with a portico of Doric columns copied from the Parthenon. The building is popularly called the Patent Office.” The postcard is addressed to Mr. Late Abel, with the following message for him: Arrived here O.K. two hours late. Leave tonight 7-35 P.M Bright & Cool today, Overcoat feels good, but I wouldn’t be back in St Pete. Everybody talking war. Hope you have a Safe journey home. You will find Soldiers guarding all bridges Harry D. This postcard was mailed days after the United States entered World War I. Congress declared war on Germany on April 6, 1917.April 1917, The Washington News Company, Courtesy of a private collector, No copy available at the Smithsonian Institution Archives.
Color postcard of the new Post Office building, now home of the National Postal Museum. An American flag is flying from the top of the building, and several people are walking in the street in front of the building. A red car and a blue car are also in the street. The front of the postcard has a white border. Remnants of a mark from postage, wavy black lines, are visible above the building. The message side has a printed note about the post office: "The New Post Office, adjoining the Union Station on the West, cost $3,000,000." The postcard is addressed to Mrs. Henry Myers, with the following message for her: "Dear Mrs Myers, I am in the City but Can’t Say I like it So very much. Mama Says You help her. I am SO glad You do. Take good Care of her untill [sic] I get home, Bert" August 23, 1918, The Washington News Co., Courtesy of a private collector, No copy available at the Smithsonian Institution Archives.
Color postcard of the Smithsonian Institution Building, or Castle, and statue of Joseph Henry. A blue car and several people are in front of the entrance to the building. The trees are green, and small plot of blue, orange, yellow, and white flowers is in the center foreground of the image. The postcard is numbered “2722” in the bottom right-hand corner on the front. The front of the postcard has a white border. The message side of the postcard has a printed note about the Smithsonian: “The Smithsonian Institution. The Smithsonian Institution was founded in 1846 by the generosity of James Smithson, ‘for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men.’ Its purpose is to stimulate, encourage and reward scientific investigation and study.” The postcard is addressed to Mr. Raymond G. Ingersoll, a serviceman, with the following message for him: “12/17/18 Hello Hubby,— Wish you were here too. We are going to visit this place and the monument this afternoon. We were through the Capitol building this morning and Horticulture building. We leave tomorrow after noon about 2:30 P.M for Jacksonville. This is a beautiful place and I want to visit it again when we can have more time here With love. Lillian.” December 17, 1918, B.S. Reynolds Co., Courtesy of a private collector, No copy available at the Smithsonian Institution Archives.
Postcard of the Smithsonian Institution Building, or Castle, and statue of Joseph Henry. The trees are green and there are a few people and one car on the grounds. The message side has a printed note about the Smithsonian: “The Smithsonian Institution was founded in 1846 by the generosity of James Smithson, ‘for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men.’ Its purpose is to stimulate, encourage and reward scientific investigation and study.” The card is addressed to Miss Benmet Harman, with a message for her, as follows: “Washington DC. Surely did have a good time over there--but decided not to go to Normal, Sam & I came on to Washington Sun evening instead--Am having a good trip. Will look for you over soon. Remember me to all the folk. Mildred.” June 21, 1921, B.S. Reynolds Co., Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 95, Box 84, Folder: 25, Negative Numbers SIA2011-2303 (front) and SIA2011-2304 (back).
Postcard of the Smithsonian Institution Building, or Castle, and Joseph Henry statue. A car and several people are in front of the building. The front of the postcard has a white border. The message side has a printed note about the Smithsonian: “The Smithsonian Institution. The Smithsonian Institution was founded in 1846 by the generosity of James Smithson, ‘for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men.’ Its purpose is to stimulate, encourage and reward scientific investigation and study.” The card is addressed to Miss Mabel Relfe, with a message for her, as follows: “Apr. 1st '23. Dear Miss Relfe: Am having a wonderful time. It has been cold. Is warmer to-day. Words can hardly describe all I am seeing. My! how fast the vacation is going. Hope you are getting a nice rest. Love, A.A.K.” April 1, 1923, B.S. Reynolds Co., Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 95, Box 30, Folder: 4A, Negative Numbers SIA2013-01063 (front) and SIA2013-01064 (back).
Color postcard of the New National Museum, now the National Museum of Natural History, and Washington, DC. The view of the building is semi-aerial, and the city of Washington stretches out behind the museum. The roof of the museum is green, although in reality it is a shade of gold. The grounds are empty and the trees are green. The message side has a printed note about the museum: “New National Museum. The New National Museum in the Mall is a massive dignified structure of granite, 561x356 feet in area, being greater than any other government building except the Capitol.” There is also a handwritten message: "Dear Dottie: Just had breakfast at 8:30 S.T. And Am due to leave in about 5 min. for a trolley ride. w.L. [with love] 'Sheenie'" May 24, 1928, Curt Teich & Co., Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 95, Box 33, Folder: 12, Negative Numbers SIA2013-01125 (front) and SIA2013-01126 (back).
Color postcard of the new US National Museum, now known as the National Museum of Natural History. Its roof appears blue, though in reality it is golden. There are blue, orange, and yellow flowers in the foreground of the image. The message side has a printed note about the museum: "The New National Museum in the Mall is a massive and dignified structure of granite, 561x365 feet in area, being greater than any other government building except the Capitol." The card is addressed to Mrs. J. W. Wayland, with a short message for her, as follows: "Got here last evening O.K. Having a fine time. Have not seen Walter yet, but hope to shortly. Going to The Fox tonight. Francis" August 9, 1928, B.S. Reynolds Co., Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 95, Box 84, Folder: 25, Negative Numbers SIA2011-2305 (front) and SIA2011-2306 (back).
Color postcard of the "old" US National Museum, now known as the Arts and Industries Building. There is a tree in front of the building, with people sitting underneath it on a bench. A yellow car is on the road in front of the building. The front of the postcard has a white border. The postcard is numbered 21202 in the bottom right-hand corner on the front. The message side of the postcard has a printed note about the building: "803—The National Museum contains the Government collections, comprising millions of objects of scientific and artistic interest, collected from all quarters of the globe." The postcard is addressed to Mrs. Mary Sennolt, with the following message for her: "[top] The lilac bushes are in bloom here Dear Aunt Mary, Just a line to let you Know We Got this far With Out any trouble not even a flat so far, Love from us both Doris & Paul" After 1910, the Arts and Industries Building was typically referred to as the "old" National Museum, because the “new” National Museum opened to the public on March 17, 1910. The "new" National Museum is now known as the National Museum of Natural History. May 1, 1931, B.S. Reynolds Co., Courtesy of a private collector, No copy available at the Smithsonian Institution Archives.
Color postcard of the Smithsonian Institution Building, or Castle, and statue of Joseph Henry. People are sitting on benches outside the building, but otherwise the grounds are empty. The trees are green. The front of the postcard has a white border. The message side of the postcard has a printed note about the Smithsonian: "The Smithsonian Institution, located in the Mall, was established in 1846 through the half million dollar bequest of James Smithson. From small beginnings it has grown to be one of the mightiest of the world's activities in gathering and disseminating beneficial knowledge. It has made American Science respected in all parts of the world. Some of the greatest race-benefiting inventions of the age and the foundation of many sciences had their inception here." The postcard is addressed to W.H. Moore, with the following message for him: "Thursday A.M. Went thru this building yesterday— a wonderful Museum— also went up in Monument & visited Lincoln Memorial— Going out to Mt. Vernon today. Bright sunshine, so it will be warmer— T.A." April 1933, Garrison Toy & Novelty Co., Courtesy of a private collector, No copy available at the Smithsonian Institution Archives.
Postcard of the "old" US National Museum, now known as the Arts and Industries Building, in rich color. A large tree branch hangs in the foreground, above the building. The front of the postcard has a white border. The message side has a printed note: "The Old National Museum is devoted to an exposition of the arts and industries, materials and methods of manufacturers, processes employed in the industrial arts, series showing the developments of arts and industries, all in vast array." The postcard is addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Z.J. Ireland and it is postmarked April 13, 1939, with the following note for them: "Enjoying a wonderful time Going to Congressional Library tomorrow Margaret Keller." After 1910, the Arts and Industries Building was typically referred to as the "old" National Museum, because the "new" National Museum opened to the public on March 17, 1910. The "new" National Museum is now known as the National Museum of Natural History. April 13, 1939, Capitol Souvenir Company, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 95, Box 84, Folder: 25, Negative Numbers SIA2011-2285 (front) and SIA2011-2286 (back).
Grayscale postcard of a horse-drawn Hansom Cab on display in the US National Museum, now known as the Arts and Industries Building. The front of the postcard has a white border. The postcard is labeled as one of the "Free Post Cards For Service Men,” and was indeed mailed free of charge, which suggests that the sender was in a division of the armed forces. The postcard is addressed to Mrs. Marion Stillson, with the following message: “Dec 28 – 1943 Dear Mom: you’ll never no [sic] what a nice day we have had & I have enjoyed every minute of it. This Post Card will let you no [sic] of one place Ive [sic] seen while in Wash. Its [sic] a real nice Town & sure wish I could Stay here. well No chance. must Close With Love Norman.” December 28, 1943, Curt Teich & Co., Courtesy of a private collector, No copy available at the Smithsonian Institution Archives.
Color postcard of the US National Museum, now the National Museum of Natural History. The roof is reddish-orange, although in reality it is a shade of gold. A tree is in front of the museum, along with several red and blue cars. The postcard is numbered 39 in the top right-hand corner on the front. The message side of the postcard has a printed note about the museum: "All objects of art, natural history, curious research, plants, geological and mineralogical specimens of the United States are found in this Museum." The postcard is addressed to Miss Patricia Dolan, with the following message for her: "Dear Pat, Is your vacation over yet? You had a nice long one, eh? Lil and I are having a swell time. It's rained a couple of days but that didn't make any difference to us. See you soon. Love, Marcia" August 29, 1945, Calvert News Co., Courtesy of a private collector, No copy available at the Smithsonian Institution Archives.
This image starts the section with Smithsonian correspondence. Color postcard of the Central Park and Plaza Hotel in Habana, Cuba. On the right side of the image is the park, with palm trees and other foliage. The left side of the image shows a street and several buildings. The postcard is addressed to E.A. Schwarz at the US National Museum, now the National Museum of Natural History. The message for him is as follows: "Dear Mr. Schwarz There are not as many Florida beetles in Pinar as I expected but on the Pines & Palmetto & on the ground the genera at least are very Similar— C.W. Leng", Eugene Amandus Schwarz, the recipient of this postcard, was an entomologist from the US Department of Agriculture who was associated with the United States National Museum. c. 1908, Unknown, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 7323, Box 17, Folder: 25, Negative Numbers SIA2013-07765 (front) and SIA2013-07766 back).
Color postcard of a cowboy riding on top of a giant jackrabbit and herding cattle. The cowboy and jackrabbit are on the left side of the card, while the cattle are mostly on the right side. The cowboy is wearing a green shirt. The message side of the postcard has a humorous caption: "Punching Cattle on a Jack Rabbit. And out here in the West they do punch cattle. Some of them do on Broncs and, even as you can see, some of them do on the lowly Jack Rabbit." The postcard is addressed to Mr. H.S. Barber at the Bureau of Entomology and Plant Quarantine, US Department of Agriculture. The message to him is as follows: "Van Horn, Tex., 9-8-39. Having a fine trip. Started out from Uvalde this Morning and expect to Make El Paso for supper, R.P.C. Herbert Spencer Barber", the recipient of this postcard, was a Department of Agriculture entomologist associated with the United States National Museum, now the National Museum of Natural History. September 8, 1939, Graphic Facts of America, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 7323, Box 17, Folder: 25, Negative Numbers SIA2013-07763 (front) and SIA2013-07764 (back).
Grayscale photo postcard of the Basilica Metropolitana in Lima, Perú. The view also shows surrounding streets and a square in front of the building. The front of the postcard has a white border. Sent during World War II, there is a censor’s mark "Examined 5934" in the upper left corner. The postcard is addressed to Charles Greeley Abbot, fifth Secretary of the Smithsonian from 1928 to 1944, and has the following message for him: "Lima Peru Mar. 18, '42. Dear Dr Abbot, we have been enjoying some sightseeing in this town today and getting rid of sea legs. Have had good sailing and a quiet trip but will be glad to get to our destination Fred & Olive." March 18, 1942, Unknown, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 85, Box 11, Folder: 2, Negative Numbers SIA2013-07888 (front) and SIA2013-07889 (back).
Postcard of a piece of artwork with black and white designs. The bottom right corner says "CA 61." The message side has a short message to Joseph Hirshhorn, the founding donor of the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, from the artist Alexander Calder. The card is postmarked November 5, 1955. The message is as follows: "we're here for a bit. When are you coming up? Cordially Calder" November 5, 1955, Alexander Calder, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 7449, Box 4, Folder: Calder, Alexander, Negative Numbers SIA2011-1524 (front) and SIA2011-1525 (back).
Grayscale postcard of the organ at Oude Kerk in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The view is from the ground, looking up at the organ and ceiling. The postcard is addressed to John Fesperman, who worked in the Division of Musical Instruments at the National Museum of History and Technology, now the National Museum of American History. The message is as follows: "Your suggestions were most helpful! 13 August '65 Greetings from Amsterdam, We are finding our way about this old city and will hear a concert upon this instrument in Oude Kerk tomorrow— The church is in the process of a major renovation so the Sound may be somewhat distorted— I find this city So much less exciting than Paris but the people are So much nicer— And we even hears your "Draaiorgel" [barrel organ] today. The children loved it. All best, Lacey K." August 13, 1965, Foto Spies, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 485, Box 38, Folder: Europe: Organ Photo Cards: Miscellaneous, Negative Numbers SIA2013-07739 (front) and SIA2013-07740 (back.
Color postcard of the organ at La Chaise-Dieu in Haute-Loire, France. The organ has ornate wood carvings, and the rest of the church is made of brick. The postcard is addressed to John Fesperman, who worked in the Division of Musical Instruments at the National Museum of History and Technology, now the National Museum of American History. The message is as follows: [left side] "Sorry we missed one another July 1, 1968 HAPPY MOVING! (Auvergne) Dear John, I finally found an organ worthy of you—for the little romanesque churches of the Auvergne seemed more ready to receive flutes or bagpipes (!) than the noble courtly instrument—and they all were kept in style. France seemed empty so far….but today the elections are over and the traditional holiday-time begins—at least for Frenchmen who, however, tend to leave their country, lovely as it is, but excessive, with good food and abominable hotels. But for one night anything goes, as far as I am concerned, even though I have an absurdly heavy suitcase—for the whole summer to carter around. I am writing in the midst of a heat-wave worthy of Washington. I hope it missed you! Best; Eleanore" July 1, 1968, Combier Imp. Macon, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 485, Box 38, Folder: Europe: Organ Photo Cards: Miscellaneous, Negative Numbers SIA2013-07737 (front) and SIA2013-07738 (back).
Color postcard of the organ at Klosterkirche St. Urban (St. Urban's Abbey) in Lucerne, Switzerland. The organ is in the background of the image, and in the foreground there are elaborate wood carvings. The main structure of the church is white, with intricate decorations. The postcard is addressed to John Fesperman, who worked in the Division of Musical Instruments at the National Museum of History and Technology, now the National Museum of American History. The message is as follows: "24. July, 1968 Dear John, How was the move? I noted and promptly forgot your new address. Are you still invaded by guests? Was it a nice change? Have you survived the heat? What projects for the coming year? I hope your silence (I assume you got my card from Auvergne) just means lots of work, no depression. Let me know how you are, whether you got my parents' organ material at the Smithsonian. After my trip things now go smoothly and fairly dully (?). A little work every day, on no very determined topic, a novel here and there—which I haven't been able to afford for a long time—and regret at the now cool weather which makes swimming impossible, at least in the pools to which we are condemned here. Best, Eléanore" July 24, 1968, Farbfoto Friebel A.G. Sursee, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 485, Box 38, Folder: Europe: Organ Photo Cards: Miscellaneous, Negative Numbers SIA2013-07735 (front) and SIA2013-07736 (back).
Color postcard from Ed Tarr, a trumpet player and musicologist, to James Weaver, Associate Curator for the Division of Musical Instruments at the National Museum of History and Technology, now the National Museum of American History. The front has no image—instead, it contains the message from Tarr to Weaver. The address side contains Weaver’s address and several stamps and postmarks. The message to Weaver is as follows: "Basel, May 14, 1969 Dear Jim, Miss Virginia Fial, with whom I have been corresponding on the subject of natural trumpets, just wrote that you would like to have some information sent to you, presumably concerning our fall concert. Since I have heard from George Kent that our concert is "on", I don’t quite know what sort of information you need. Could you please clear me up on this subject? What I could send you would be propaganda material: a broschure [sic] about George and me which you presumably already have, a record list brought up to date, a short biography of me with some reviews (all good, of course!), and a squib about the Edward Tarr Brass Ensemble. Also a repertory list with orchestra and a few photos. Please let me know your needs right away, and I will do my best to help you. Sincerely yours, Ed Tarr" May 14, 1969, Unknown, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 485, Box 8, Folder: G. Kent - E. Tarr, Negative Numbers SIA2013-07745 (front) and SIA2013-07746 (back).
Color postcard of a white tiger cub at the National Zoological Park. The cub is on the ground, with pink flowers on the left. The message side has a note about the cub: "Moni, male white tiger, born at the National Zoological Park on March 8, 1970 to Mohini and Ramana. The white color is a mutation and not albinism. White tigers are very rare in collections and none has been seen in the wild since 1951." The message side contains Christmas and New Year’s greetings: "Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year from The Reeds. This is An Unorthodox Christmas Card but we love it. He is Certainly too big to romp in Our yard Now! Planning to spend the holidays at My Mother's in Kansas--a family reunion. Mary Alyce was here for Thanksgiving. Very happy at Carnegie. More boy friends than she has time for!! Mark went to Idaho to see Ted's Mother so we've not seen him since August. Dr. [Jean] Delacour was at the zoo Monday. Charming as ever. Seems in excellent health for his years. Ted's bongos Are beautiful. One pair bred the day they arrived so we have hope for the New Year!! Love , Elizabeth & Ted". Theodore "Ted" Reed (1922-2013) was a former director of the National Zoological Park. Elizabeth Reed was his wife. c. December 1970, Capitol Souvenir Company, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Collection 01-157, Box 1, Folder: Baby Animals and Certificate of Appreciation, Negative Numbers SIA2013-07832 (front) and SIA2013-07833 (back).
Color postcard of the organ at St. Michaelskerk in the Netherlands. The view shows the organ in the back of the church, as well as pews and chandeliers. The postcard is addressed to John Fesperman, who worked in the Division of Musical Instruments at the National Museum of History and Technology, now the National Museum of American History. The message is as follows: "Hi John! Still a rather nice organ! We were on an organ "crawl" yesterday that included a restoration in Kampen, the Zwolle instrument, and a new French Baroque organ by Flenthrop In Hattem. In the same church as the Flenthrop was a 16th century, bellows pumped instrument in mean-tone. It rather put the Flenthrop to shame. At the Haarlem Organ Academy, we are pushing our way through Frescobaldi at present with Correa and Cabanillias [sic] on the horizon. Interesting instruments here to practice on. Flenthrop, Ahrend & Brunzema, etc. See you in August sometime. Best regards, Bill P. (Sorry, bad pen)" 1976, Foto Everaarts, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 485, Box 39, Folder: Flenthrop Organs of Europe, Negative Numbers SIA2013-07743 (front) and SIA2013-07744 (back).
Color postcard of an organ painting from the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum that Frederick Crace painted. It has rich red and gold hues. The front of the postcard has a white border. The postcard is addressed to Cynthia A. Hoover, Curator of Musical Instruments at the National Museum of American History, with a message for her, as follows: "Sept 25, 1978 Dear Cynthia, I expect to be in Washington October 18th afternoon with my new husband. I've never seen your collection, and so that is to be our one and only stop in D.C. on our way to Florida! I do hope to catch you in, to at least say hello, although I know you are busy. I've just moved to NY and am busy investigating museumy [sic] things. As well as organ building, which I've been doing this past year. Lindsay has just moved here, too, and is at Sotheby's! It would be fun to see you—I look forward to it Lisa Compton Eichenfield" September 25, 1978, Marvis Pudding Picturecard, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 485, Box 39, Folder: Organs: England/Misc., Negative Numbers SIA2013-07741 (front) and SIA2013-07742 (back).
Color postcard to Ling-Ling the Giant Panda at the National Zoological Park congratulating her on her new baby. The front of the card has a cartoon image of a small panda giving another panda a flower. It is set against a red background with a pink border. The front has a white border and edging. The message side congratulates Ling-Ling on her new baby: "Dear Ling Ling, Congratulations you Precious mama. God bless you and Your New Baby. We think of you all the time and we love you. The Lacey Family". June 24, 1987, Hallmark, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Collection 08-102, Box 1, Folder: Panda Letters 1987-1989, Negative Numbers SIA2013-07880 (front) and SIA2013-07881 (back).
Color postcard to Dr. Don E. Wilson, now Curator Emeritus at the National Museum of Natural History for the Division of Mammals, from a research center in Japan. Part of the postcard has been cut. The front of the postcard has the address for Dr. Wilson. Red and white bands run around the border. The message side of the postcard requests one of Dr. Wilson's articles: "Dear Dr. Don E. Wilson, I would greatly appreciate receiving a reprint of your article entitled The flying foxes: status in Fiji and Samoa which appeared in Pacific Island flying Fox--, Biological report vol. 90 (23), page 74-101, year 1992. And if possible, please send me other papers of you. Thank you very much for your courtesy. Sincerely yours, J. Inaba" August 2000, Unknown, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Collection 10-107, Box 1, Folder: Correspondence, 2000: 2, Negative Numbers SIA2013-07747 (front) and SIA2013-07748 (back).
Color postcard to Don Wilson, now Curator Emeritus at the National Museum of Natural History for the Division of Mammals, from the American Museum of Natural History's Southwestern Research Station in Arizona. The front has the address for Dr. Wilson and an image of a log cabin, drawn in black lines. The message side has a short message for him: Dr. Wilson, In your room we found the following items: "Straw Hat Pair of Socks If you want to pay postage we will send them to you. It was great meeting you and everyone else. Thanks, Chet Grisham" 2001, Unknown, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Collection 10-107, Box 1, Folder: Correspondence, 2001: 4, Negative Numbers SIA2013-07749 (front) and SIA2013-07750 (back).
Postcard to Don Wilson, now Curator Emeritus at the National Museum of Natural History for the Division of Mammals, from the Primate Research Institute at Kyoto University in Japan. The front of the postcard has Dr. Wilson's address and the postmarks. The message side of the postcard contains a request for one of Dr. Wilson's article from the Malayan Nature Journal: "Small mammal survey at two sites in Planted Forest Zone, Bintulu, Sarawak." 2008, Unknown, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Collection 10-107, Box 2, Folder: Correspondence, 2007-2008: 1, Negative Numbers SIA2013-07751 (front) and SIA2013-07752 (back).