february 1st 1917 edith alice young to dorothy evelyn richardson

doncaster, yorkshire to scunthorpe, lincolnshire

25 miles

the message

“Dear D

Just a line to wish you many happy returns of the day

from Alice”

the sender

The sender is assumed to be Edith Alice Young (1907-1929) based on the name and the location and the relationship to the recipient.

Edith Alice was the daughter of John Young (1872-1952) and Theresa Richardson (1874-1921). John was a Railway Platelayer. Theresa was the elder sister of Dorothy’s father.

the recipient

Dorothy Evelyn Richardson (1909-1975) was the daughter of Joseph William Richardson (1882-1964) and Sarah Rebecca Frances Ashton (1886-1968). In the 1911 census Joseph’s occupation is listed as cow man. In 1939 he is a Blast Furnace Filler.

At the time that this card was sent, Dorothy was 8 years old.

In 1937 Dorothy married Edward Henry Leeves (1906-1988). Edward worked in a steelworks.

the tree

the places

Doncaster to Scunthorpe

Doncaster, Yorkshire

Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire

what the card says to us

The front of the card contains a verse and some images associated with good luck including a horseshoe and some shamrock. Assuming that these items did mean good luck in 1917. The card is imported from the USA. Did WWI create a shortage of cards? Or were they producing this sort of card which might appeal to 10 year old Edith Alice?

The handwriting is very good for a 10 year old.

Otherwise, this is a simple birthday card.