Thursday, December 18, 2014

An Old-Fashioned Christmas Tree



This real photo postcard of a Christmas tree was mailed from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania in early January, a few weeks after Christmas. The year date is unreadable, but is probably 1908 or 1909 (divided backs were not allowed before 1907, and newer one-cent stamps were issued in December 1908).


The main part of the message on the back is about a sick Grandpa. A sentence referring to the Christmas tree is added sidewise "This is our Xmas tree it is not good of it."  The photo may not be ideal, or capture the true beauty of the tree, but it is good enough to show a lot of interesting details.

At the top of the photo, there is a garland near the ceiling. I don't see a tree topper--the top of the tree appears to be flattened where it touches the ceiling.



An enlargement of the center section of the tree shows a variety of Christmas ornaments and decorations.



On the right side, near the top, we can see one of the large angel decorations and the wallpaper pattern. The angel would be at least partly made up of printed paper "scraps." The wallpaper is a type of Victorian wallpaper pattern that was popular until about 1908 (source). There were separate coordinating rolls for wall, border, and ceiling.


A variety of presents are shown under the tree behind a fence. These include a wrapped package, books, and an elaborate game board (can anyone identify the game?).



Farther back, on the left side, there are some buildings and a gun.



for More Vintage Images


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15 comments:

  1. The fence around the tree and presents is interesting? Perhaps there were small children who needed to be kept away from things?

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    1. I was wondering about the fence too. Fences were used when Christmas villages were placed around the tree, but this fence looks kind of heavy and strong. I think it is used like a corral here.

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  2. So many interesting details to enjoy. I can’t believe the fence was to keep off small children; they are what Christmas trees and presents are for. Perhaps a dog?

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  3. How I wish I could step into the photo to look at the books – my Christmas wish is for time travel to become a reality. Happy Christmas. Barbara.
    PS Do you think the reference to 'our tree' was a joke - this looks rather like a shop window to me otherwise the presents would be wrapped.

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    1. I don't think it is a shop. I looked at old Christmas tree photos online, and I think it was common to photograph the display of gifts after they were opened. I did wonder about whether it could be "our church" or "our community" when I saw an old Christmas tree online that referenced a church tree.

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  4. Love this photo postcard. I'm jealous that their beaded garland shows up so well. My garland always seems to disappear in photos. That board game looks familiar but maybe it's because so many games have a similar design with special designated corners.

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  5. A lovely old Christmas scene. The gun is a bit of a worry though, presumably a present along with the other items corralled under the tree.

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  6. What a fantastic postcard. The detail is extraordinary. Merry Christmas Postcardy!

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  7. Great postcard! Am very fond of the fence around the tree (they often put fences around their woodstoves, too, to keep the kids from burning themselves). The gameboard looks kinda like Parchesi (my spelling may be creative)...but not quite. Wonderful shot!

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  8. That's a terrific tree. Thanks for all the close-ups.

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  9. When did wrapping presents become the norm I wonder. That's a huge tree!

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  10. Wow, what a wonderful photo! It has such variety it could almost be a puzzle to spot the many details. The fence certainly suggests a defense against small children, but maybe also a cat or dog too.
    I wish you all good cheer for the holidays.

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  11. What a fabulous shot! So much to see. I love the fence with all the gifts behind it. Just an amazing shot.

    Have a wonderful holiday!

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  12. That tree looked like quite a squeeze in there.
    I did enjoy those close-ups.
    Happy new year!!
    :)

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