may 24th 1909 lil to mrs iveson

walmer, port Elizabeth, south Africa to Walthamstow, london

9016 miles

the message

"I wonder whether you will ever write again to me. Hope you are feeling better. I expect you are very glad the summer is with you again altho you will miss Leigh I expect very much. How are all the girlies + Eric. I hope A. 1. + much love from us all

kisses

Lil"

the sender

There are no clues to Lil's identity.

the recipient

There are no clues to Mrs Iveson's identity.

the places

Walmer, Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Walthamstow, London

what the card says to us

The picture shows a sanatorium in Walmer, Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Why anyone would make a postcard of a building used for the treatment of tuberculosis is a bit of a puzzle. Perhaps it was the most impressive landmark in Walmer. It may or may not have a connection with the people or the message.

The address is a bank in Wathamstow. Presumably this was a post box arrangement for Mrs Iveson. Otherwise it would be very strange to have postcards sent to your place of work. The London and South Western Bank was founded in 1862 and after a few mergers and acquisitions, it was itself acquired by Barclays in 1918(https://www.archive.barclays.com/items/show/5269).

As to the message, there are a few curious references. Did something happen that meant Mrs Iveson would not write again? Who or where is Leigh? Who is Eric? Who are the girlies?

So many questions and so few answers.