A message from 1897

This postcard, which I bought a few years ago, was sent in 1897 by Muriel Hill, ending her singing lessons. Miss Hill can be tracked down even now, in the 1901 census records; at that time she was in her mid-twenties, living at home with her family still, in the prosperous suburb of Harrow . The postcard has survived because of the stamp it carries, although that is ordinary enough. But one wonders what lay behind the terse message. Had she grown weary of learning sentimental Victorian songs? Had Mr Cummings made unwelcome advances to his young pupil? Had Muriel decided to take up another interest - such as the then very fashionable occupation, for ladies, of cycling ? We shall never know. The inanimate object, the card, survives her and it both conveys and conceals something of one ordinary life. What will people know of us in 112 years' time?

nb: the card was written, posted, received and acknowledged all on the same day: 19 March. These were the days when men would send a postcard to their wives telling them which train they would be catching back from work, knowing the card would be delivered that afternoon. How things have improved in the postal service.........