Saturday, October 23, 2021

Saturday's postcard: Trio of kids, possibly dressed for Halloween

This very worn real photo postcard has a CYKO stamp box that dates it to between 1904 and 1908, according to Playle.com. Additionally, printed on the side of the card is:

Thomas
SHAMOKIN - TANAQUA - PENNA.
EXPERT PHOTO FINISHING

I think we can presume that Tanaqua is a misspelling of Tamaqua.

Shamokin ("place of eels") and Tamaqua1 are towns in central Pennsylvania that are about 40 miles apart, so it's certainly possible Thomas had photography businesses in both places.

Alas, this postcard was never mailed, and there is no other information printed on the card about who these children are. Are they dressed up for Halloween? That seems like a good guess. But it's also possible it was for some other kind of costume party. Or perhaps even a school play.

Here's a closer look at the trio. If you're interested in more vintage RPPCs that I've shared over the years, this is a good place to start.
Footnote
1. "Tamaqua, once Tamaque, is a corruption of Tankamochk, 'Little Beaver,'" according to this Schuykill County history webpage. Tamaqua is also referenced in this 2012 Papergreat post.

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