Vanessa WoodIn 1911 this Valentine Day postcard was sent from Indianapolis, Indiana to Estella/Estelle (Roberts) in Public, Kentucky. Estelle (born 1888) was the sister of James Luster Roberts (born 1897). She was listed in 1910 in Pulaski County, Kentucky in her parents’ household (see Table).
“To My Sweet Valentine,” 1911, front and back, addressed to Estelle (Roberts), Public, Ky., in the author’s collection, received in 2011 from mother’s estate.
This postcard is a bit over one hundred and ten years old. It was printed in color in Germany and the image is embossed on the front. It was embossed so well that the negative of the raised image can still be seen on the back.
Estelle (Roberts) married on 12 January 1916 in Pulaski County, Kentucky, James W. Raney.1
Was the handwritten message from a man or a woman? Was the writer a friend or beau? The postcard is signed “Your loving Cos.” This may have been a nickname or an abbreviation for cousin. James, the man she married several years later, was not kin. Under the signature are the initials “C.P.” These initials are not compatible with James Rainey.
During our time, the message may appear to be the sentiments of a beau. In 1911 same-sex, platonic friendships often expressed devotion and love that today might be mistaken for romantic passion. Are the bold first letters of each sentence a little, shortened, hidden message?–“But For It was YOURS.”
| Table: Noah Roberts Household, 1910 U.S. Census Enumeration | |||
| Noah Roberts | Head | 44 | Kentucky |
| Sarah J. | Wife | 47 | Kentucky |
| Estelle | Daughter | 21 | Kentucky |
| John C. | Son | 19 | Kentucky |
| Mary | Daughter | 14 | Kentucky |
| Luster | Son | 13 | Kentucky |
| William E. | Son | 10 | Kentucky |
| Grace | Daughter | 8 | Kentucky |
| 1910 U.S. census, Pulaski County, Kentucky, population schedule, Enumeration District 3, Dallas Precinct, sheet 4A, dwelling 72, family 75, Noah Roberts household; digital images, FamilySearch.org (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9RJR-B64 : viewed 14 February 2024); citing NARA microfilm publication T624, roll 500. | |||
