Connections in time: The Barber postcards
postcards to a North London family
This card was sent to George Barber at his workplace. The writer is having a really splendid time , with the sun shining most of the time. They are making the most of this by bathing, playing tennis, and walking 12 miles to the caves shown in the photograph.
The writer is clearly enjoying his or her holiday, judging from the comment “It suits me down to the ground!”
This card was sent to Winnie Barber by her father. He and his wife were still enjoying the good weather on the Isle of Wight. And it was his “Birfday”!
This attractive card was sent to Winnie by her father in September 1923. It is from the “Exclusive Celesque Series” published by The Photochrom Company of London and Tunbridge Wells. The message reports that the weather was glorious, but the highlight of the stay seems to have been an evening at Arcadia.
This postcard was sent to Mrs Barber in August 1923. It shows a view of Gorleston on Sea in Norfolk – this looks as though it was taken much earlier, judging by the clothing worn by the women sitting on the benches in the foreground of the photograph.
The write Neelie (?) has had a good holiday, enjoying the lovely weather . Annie is staying at “Seagrove” in Leigh on Sea and Neelie gives some instructions about what to do with the back door key if she wants to go out.
A rather dull grey photograph but nevertheless Winnie Barber thought Battle Abbey was “a lovely old place”. She was “still enjoying life immensely”.
This rural scene was sent to Winnie Barber in September 1922. The writer – her father – isn’t impressed with St Helens but is looking forward to seeing the rest of the island. Winnie’s address is 18 Moffat Road; perhaps she was staying with a friend or relative while her parents were away. 
Sent just a few days after the card in my previous post, this card shows a view of The Culvers, Sandown, Isle of Wight. It was sent to Winnie Barber in July 1921 – she was still staying in Cromer.
The message reads
“Dear Scratching Lady
Thanks for PC. I am having a very jolly time + most comfortable, wish I were staying another month.
Have not met many PIO girls that I know.
Kind regards
Seally”
The PIO must refer to their place of work but as yet I haven’t been able to find out exactly what this is. And why is Winnie addressed as the “scratching lady”? Was she convalescing in Cromer after an itchy illness?
This card was posted to George Barber from K (Kitty) in Peterborough on 20th August 1916.
The message on this card is very much in the style of a modern communication and I imagine Kitty expected a prompt reply! Her message reads:
107 Mayor’s Walk
Peterboro’
20.8.16
Dear G
What is the name of the grower you asked about. K
This card was sent from Lizzie in Teignmouth on 13th August 1916. It was sent to Winnie Barber at 1 Moffat Road.
The message reads
13 Bitton street
Teignmouth
Devon
Dear Winnie
you can see from the above address that we have arrived at the place which will be our home for the next 3 weeks. It is pouring with rain this morning so I thought I would write to you. We shall be going out tomorrow if fine and I shall be on the look out for china clay. We can see the rock marked X on the other side of the card – from the bedroom window so you can see we are near the sea. I have filled up the card now so I must say goodbye.
Love from Lizzie
This card, a humorous one produced by the Cynicus Publishing Company shows an image of “Bonnie Dundee” – a mass of smoky chimneys.
It was sent to Mrs Barber from Kitty on 5th January 1916 from 13 Queen Street, Tayport. Kitty has included best wishes for 1916 on the front of the card.
The message reads
Dear A
I shall be home about 6.00 or 7.00 on Friday evening. Elizabeth is coming with me. Will you come round to tea and get something in to eat. Love,
Kitty. 
Connections in time: The Barber postcards 