Joyful Birds

Postcard6A

Postcard6B

Mr. Whitehead
please send me 1 yard if [of] that lead colored goods like I got [?] cut [?] there Tuesday it was 25 per yard send it by return mail
Mrs. J [?]. H. Thornton

[addressed to] Mr. JW Whitehead
Chtham
VA

postmark unreadable
probably in the 1910’s

Note: lead [gray] cloth sample glued to postcard. The typography is so Victorian-esque, although I think the postcard is later. (By the way, two family members have birthdays in the next couple of days, so I’ll take this opportunity to wish happy birthday to them both!)

– From the J. W. Whitehead collection, Pittsylvania Historical Society, Chatham, Virginia

 

Letters from WWII: “Will Fight till the Finish”

Hello Dad and All;

They have been drilling the heck out of us and for the last two weeks I have stood it so far, so I guess I can take the rest of it.

I like it better than I did at first. I realize that it’s a job to be done. I am going to do my best. I have had 20 years of my fun in a free country; I want my brother to have his in a free country too. I am going to do my part. I will fight till the finish.

Dad, I have had some pictures made. I will send you one so you can see how I look in a uniform. They look just like me.

Well, as news is short, I will close for this time. Tell all hello and to write soon.
I enjoy hearing from everyone. All be good and may God bless you. Love to all.

Pvt. Lloyd H. Gammon.

(Pvt. Gammon writes to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lester Gammon of Chatham, Route 4.)

Published in the Chatham, Virginia newspaper on Friday, April 23, 1943.

Returning From the Fields

Postcard8A

Postcard8B

Mr. Whitehead please send me 2 yds of white ribbon 1/2 in. wide Will bring or send pay soon.
Minnie Manning
Elba, Va.

Addressed to Mr. J. W. Whitehead,
Chatham,
Va.

Postmark possibly E[lba]
JUN
13
4 PM
1912
VA.

An artistic postcard, evidently No. 138 in a series.

– From the J.W. Whitehead Collection, Pittsylvania Historical Society, Chatham, Virginia.

Generically Gretna

Postcard7A

Postcard7B

Mr Whitehead. Please send me samples & prices [or pieces?] of pink and blue linens and pretty samples of gingham. Also white [sk??t] good..
Thanks.
Virginia Fitzgerald

Addressed to J.W. Whitehead & Sons
Chatham
Va.

Date possibly 1918, and postmark perhaps Gretna

Probably the postcard was made with a stock photo, and the name of various towns or cities was printed on the card.

– From the J.W. Whitehead Collection, Pittsylvania Historical Society, Chatham, Virginia.

 

 

 

Easter Postcard

Postcard9A

Postcard9B

Mr Wyatt
Please send me 1 yd of good [underlined] rubber [maybe? hard to read] by this evening mail

Sincerely
Ealine Strickland R. ? D. No. 1

Addressed to Mr. J.W. Whitehead Jr.
Chatham
Virginia

Postmark may read WITT,
Apr
15
1912
P.M.
Va.

It seemed to appropriate to post an Easter postcard on Easter. I wish everyone a joyful and blessed day!

– From the J.W. Whitehead collection, Pittsylvania Historical Society, Chatham, Virginia.