A Tender Moment
This circa 1910s colorized souvenir postcard depicts a young man and lady in a wooded area, the man lounging on a wooden walkway. In a moment of privacy, the couple shares a loving kiss, away from prying eyes. Their bright clothing, particularly the man’s red banded boater hat and the woman’s light pink dress, contrast with the deep greens and browns of the surrounding woods. The focus is solely on their romantic meeting.
The image of the couple is printed on a cream card with a red abstract border. Adding to the slightly cheeky nature of the card is the phrase “Strange I never found this spot before”, alluding to the lovers’ secret tryst in the woods. Perhaps rather tame to our modern views, a rendezvous between two unchaperoned young people would have wagged tongues in the early decades of the 20th century, when propriety was paramount in a budding relationship. Yet even 100 years ago, young lovers yearned to spend quiet moments together.
This postcard was printed by Bamforth & Company Publishers, who manufactured postcards in England and New York. The card is part of a series branded as “Bamforth’s Lovers”, which featured young couples in various romantic embraces. Romantic penny postcards were a popular souvenir to send to your beau as reminder that even while traveling, they weren’t far from your thoughts!