1907 John Gavit Morse Postcard from Boston *

1907 John Gavit Morse Postcard from Boston

John G. Morse penned this intriguing postcard to his wife, Julie, on October 6, 1907, while he was in Boston's South Station, en route to New York from Boston. The exact starting point of his journey to the South Station remains uncertain, but Salem was likely where he began. The curiosity arises from his mention of the "Lynn car" and "Marblehead car," which he doesn't refer to as "trains," suggesting they were electric streetcars. He specifically notes boarding the "Marblehead car.".

This is the first instance where he talks about "cars," whereas it was previously assumed that he routinely took the train from Salem to Boston. The change in transportation mode prompts questions: Why the shift? Adding to the intrigue is his sign-off, "With love to the three of you." John and Julie had a daughter, Edith, born in 1906, accounting for two individuals. However, the third person remains a mystery. Could he have meant their yet-to-be-born son, John Edward, who arrived on June 11, 1908? If so, Julie would have been around two months pregnant when she received this postcard.

this is the type of "car" John must have ridden to Boston

The postmark from Boston on this card piques curiosity due to its remarkably early morning hour: 4 AM, 1907. Did John commence his journey late on the night of October 6 or in the wee hours of October 7? The pressing question emerges regarding the availability of transportation at such an early hour. Were there electric streetcars, the "cars" to which John refers, operational during those times?

So Station Oct 6, 1907

My dear Julie

There was no Lynn car but a Marblehead car come along in ample time. Found John Roberts at the station and he is going to New York too so I have company over here in plenty of time. With love to the three of you.

Your own, John

* There is a clear, inked fingerprint on this postcard. Whether it belongs to John or a postal worker is a mystery that will never be solved.

whose fingerprint is this?