december 24th 1910 JV to emily jasper

totnes, devon to south brent, devon

8.4 miles

the message

"Wishing you all best wishes for Xmas & The New Year

yours

J V"

the sender

There are no clues to the identity of JV.

the recipient

Emily Jasper (1886-1969) was the daughter of George Henry Jasper (1865-1952) and Lucy Sanders (1864-1917). George was a self employed carter.

When the card was sent, Emily was working as a housemaid for a retired doctor called John Billings Richardson, originally from Birkenhead. Emily did not marry.

the places

Totnes and South Brent, Devon

what the card says to us

The picture is a pretty Christmas scene.

The house at which Emily is working rejoices in the delightful name of Yonder Cross.

It is perhaps curious that the greeting is addressed to the housemaid as part of "you all". Is it intended for Emily's family or for the household?

The other curiosity is that this is one of five cards, all birthday and christmas, in the collection belonging to Emily Jasper. How have they survived for over 100 years, and nearly 50 years after her death?