A View from 1908: Postcard from Aysgarth Village

One of the great joys of collecting postcards is the way they connect different eras. This latest addition to my collection is a fantastic example, featuring a photograph taken over a century ago, paired with a personal message written in the modern age.

Aysgarth Village 1908, Francis Firth Collection

The Image: Aysgarth Village, 1908

The front of the postcard displays a sepia-toned image of a quiet, unpaved street titled "Aysgarth Village, 1908."

Aysgarth is a charming village in Wensleydale, North Yorkshire, famous for the beautiful Aysgarth Falls. The image, part of The Francis Frith Collection, shows a row of traditional stone and brick buildings.

• The street is deserted, giving the scene a serene, timeless quality.

• The architecture—especially the bay windows and decorative trim on the large building in the foreground—offers a glimpse into the village life of the early 20th century.

• The card itself notes that the view is from The Francis Frith Collection archive, which contains over 300,000 views of 4,000 towns and villages in Britain between 1860 and 1970.

The Message: Yorkshire’s Beauty and a Forgotten Nail Varnish

The handwritten message on the back is full of warmth, written by Dawn and Francis to Mr. and Mrs. P.W. Tead in Hull. It reads:

“Dear Mum + Dad + grand Thanks for a brilliant day on Saturday. We’re having a great time—don’t know what day or what time it is most of the time! Francis can’t believe how amazing + beautiful Yorkshire is. Now he can understand why God lives here. I’ve left my pink nail varnish which I painted over the fire on Saturday. Don’t want to take it off. see you soon. Love Dawn + Francis.”

A Few Fun Observations:

• The "God Lives Here" Endorsement: Francis's declaration is a wonderful, light hearted testament to the breath taking beauty of the Yorkshire Dales.

• Lost in Time: "Don't know what day or what time it is" perfectly captures the blissful, relaxing feeling of a true holiday getaway.

• The Mystery of the Pink Nail Varnish: The casual mention of leaving the nail varnish, painted "over the fire," adds a hilariously specific, human touch to the message. It's the kind of detail that turns a generic card into a personal memory.

🏷️ Postcard Details

• View Date: 1908

• View Credit: The Francis Frith Collection

• Postmark: Appears to be DUMFRIES, SCOTLAND, dated 6 PM on an unknown day, potentially linking the sender's current location to Scotland, even though the postcard depicts Yorkshire.

• Recipient: Mr and Mrs P.W. Tead, Tranby Ride, Tranby Lane, Anlaby, Hull, HU10 7EG.

This postcard is a wonderful merger of British history, captured by Frith, and a moment of pure family connection.

Postcard from the Past: An Irish Harpist and a Message Home

I recently added a charming vintage postcard to my collection, and it’s a delightful snapshot of Irish culture and personal connection. Postcards like this are more than just images; they are tangible pieces of history, carrying the weight of a moment in time and a voice from the past.

Traditional Irish Harpist by an Irish Cottage.

The Image: A Taste of Traditional Ireland

The front of the postcard features a beautifully composed image titled, "Traditional Irish Harpist by an Irish Cottage."

• A woman with striking red hair is seated outside a traditional white-washed cottage with a thatched roof.

• She is elegantly dressed in what appears to be a red dress or skirt and a dark shawl, contrasting beautifully with the bright gold and wood of her Irish harp.

• The cottage, with its simple door and small window, is surrounded by flourishing greenery and flowers, evoking a sense of tranquil, rural life.

The Irish harp is a powerful symbol of Ireland—it is even the national emblem—and this image perfectly captures the spirit of traditional Irish music and heritage.

The Message: "Had a lovely time here in Ireland"

Flipping the card over reveals a handwritten message and the details of its journey. The sender clearly had a wonderful trip:

"Had a lovely time here in Ireland. Weather really lovely. I enjoyed the sea air + was enjoyable. It is a lovely country. All news when I see you next week. Home on Sunday. I hope you all come [to visit] soon. Love, All [the best]."

The message is addressed to Mr. Bennett at an address in Blackheath, London, England.

🏷️ Postcard Details

• Publisher: Published by Cardall Ltd., Dublin. Printed in the Republic of Ireland.

• Postmark: The postmark appears to read "CARRAIG..." (possibly Carrick-on-Shannon or a similar Irish location) and the date is visible as '71, likely indicating the year 1971.

• Stamp: A lovely Irish stamp featuring a Celtic design and the word "ÉIRE."

Why I Love This Piece

This postcard is a wonderful find because it ties together several themes: the romanticism of traditional Irish life, the enduring power of music and national symbols, and the simple, human act of sharing a travel experience with a loved one. It makes you wonder about the sender, their holiday in Ireland, and the life of Mr. Bennett in London.