Happy Valentine’s Day From 1913
Over 100 years ago, Fanny Louise (Parry) Burbidge received these three Valentine Day cards from her husband, Joseph Edward and her two sons, Joseph David and Kenneth Parry. My maternal grandfather, Joseph David, was 11 and his brother, Ken, was 6 when they wrote to their mother, who was on a holiday in Los Angeles. I’ve transcribed the notes of each card, and have added the transcriptions below the images. I’ve also added a link for easier viewing of the notes on the back of the cards.
Joseph Edward Burbidge writes that he is going to take the boys to get their picture taken the next day. They would not be in school because of Lincoln’s Birthday, now celebrated as President’s Day. He dates his card February 11th. The cards must have been written close to bedtime as the boys all wish Fanny good night . The cards were then posted the next day, on the 12th. Perhaps when they went downtown to get their pictures taken.
The cards gave me a different look at the family. Obviously, Joseph Edward has been left to manage the boys on his own. I don’t believe they were “latch key kids.” They had an Aunt & Uncle living next door as well as Parry grandparents a few blocks away, and Grandmother Burbidge was also close at hand along with their many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was taking them on a trip “uptown” for their Lincoln’s Birthday holiday. Did he have the day off, too? I’ve also enjoyed learning that Joseph Edward and his sons all called Fanny, Mama. We have always known her as Nanna.
“Dear Mama-
How are you? We
are all well and
are glad that you are having such
a good time.
the weather is
nice here well good
night.
With love from
Joseph”
“DEAR MAMA
FROM
KENNETH”
“2-11-13
Dear Mama-
just received your card
and letter. glad to get
them. everyone is
just fine. I am going
to take the boys up
town to-morrow and
get their picture taken
they don’t go to school that day
Lincoln birthday. Hope
you are well. Good bye
with Love
Joe”