April 30, 1906 Postcard from John Gavit Morse *

April 30, 1906 Postcard from John Gavit Morse

John writes from South Station (Railway Station), Boston.

So. Station, Apr 30, 1906

My dear Julie,

There was no car so I walked over. Instead of going in to my usual friend I found Radford's open so went in there for a (pufer?) and had a talk with Will Radford until the train came. Met no other friends and came up here in time and without incident. Am now going to bed. 

Your own 

John

The postcard, marked with a Boston postmark dated May 1, 1906, at 4 AM, reveals intriguing details. John's message indicates a challenge in catching a streetcar from his location, prompting him to opt for a leisurely walk. Despite living about a mile away from the old train station in Salem, at 12 Linden St., the pleasant weather on April 30, with online records noting temperatures between 50°F and 66°F, made the stroll enjoyable.

The phrase "my usual friend" sparks curiosity, hinting at familiarity with a place rather than a person. Deciphering John's note about Radford's proves challenging. It seems he was involved in some activity or acquired something there. Will or William Radford owned a cigar/tobacco store in Salem near the train station. The unclear word may be "pufer," a misspelling of "puffer," indicating a possible visit for a smoke.

John's use of past tense in reference to the train journey from Salem to Boston contrasts with the streetcar, likely a local transport facilitating his commute from near his Salem residence to the local train station.

As we track John's journey, the question arises: where did he stay the night he wrote 'am going to bed' on the postcard sent from the Boston train station? Could it have been a hotel room in Boston, or did his company's location grant him access to a comfortable bed within the building?