december 19th 1905 madelaine plimpton to c joyce
south norwood, london to la spezia, italy
909 miles
the message
“6 Crescent Road
South Norwood
SE
We all send you our very best wishes for a happy Xmas + bright New Year
Yrs sincerely
Madeleine Plimpton”
the sender
Madeleine Plimpton (1878-1949) was the daughter of Walter Plimpton (1848-1924) and Eliza Cicely Boardman (1838-1915). Walter was a stockbroker.
Madeleine did not work and she never married. In 1939, aged 78, she is listed in the household of Harold Russell, a builder and decorator.
the recipient
In spite of the clues it has not been possible to identify the recipient. The Equi Marble Works in Spezia, or La Spezia, does not appear in the records under that name. It is not clear whether or not C Joyce is a sculpture or a manager or a tourist.
the tree
the places
South Norwood, London to La Spezia, Italy
South Norwood, London
La Spezia, Italy
whAT THE CARD SAYS TO US
The picture is curious. It shows Auckland Road in South Norwood. The road looks as if it needs to be resurfaced, but this might be good condition for 1905. The figures in the picture look as if they are waiting to be photo-shopped out. Who were they? Where were they going? Where had they been? What is the impressive looking building of the left?
There is lettering in the top left corner that is difficult to see. It says “Hearty Good Wishes!”. Originally this was probably silver and stood out. Even with that wording, this does not look like a Christmas card. There is nothing here that says Christmas.
The wording of the message is quite formal. It reads as if Madeleine is writing on behalf of the Plimpton family. What is the relationship between the Plimptons and C Joyce Esquire. Were they friends or family or business associates? So many questions.