As promised, following is an additional selection of holiday greeting cards sent by Lizzie A. Borden to her friend, Mrs. Per Ture Eugen Thelen, née Amanda Persson (c.1875-1941) – “Manda” – and that woman’s daughters, Olga Elinor Thelen (1907-1984), and Anna Victoria Thelen (1910-2006).
The Thelen women – all three – were staunch defenders of Lizzie; well into old age, Olga and Anna never permitted any disparaging comments to be uttered about their beloved “Auntie Borden,” treasuring fond childhood memories throughout their lives.
On that score, they were not alone. I have known several people over the years, equally adamant, who harbored cherished memories of their “Auntie Borden.”
Poignant, that.
In this installment: A card illustrated with an idyllic winter scene and a particularly touching sentiment; one depicting a starry night village view, perceived through a window pane; and another with a cutesy little girl – very appealing to Auntie Borden, no doubt – and a quote from Dickens.
All three date from the early 1920s and are of exceptional quality, printed with fine color separation on superior cardstock; they were undoubtedly purchased from a posh stationer and selected with a particular recipient in mind.
For a look at Part One, please click here.
Undated 20th century Christmas and New Year’s card with envelope sent to Amanda (Persson) Thelen:
The envelope.
Reverse of envelope. This one is dominated by a very large Christmas sticker featuring the widely-popular Snow Babies.
The card.
The sentiment.
Undated 20th century Christmas card with envelope sent to Olga E. Thelen:
The envelope.
Reverse of envelope.
The card.
Undated 20th century Christmas card with envelope sent to Anna V. Thelen:
The envelope.
Reverse of envelope.
The Card. The sentiment on this card is a quote is from the 1853 classic Bleak House by Charles Dickens.
For those who are interested, still more Holiday Greetings from Lizzie Borden will be posted in the next few days.
More to come …
