Location: South Dakota

Surname/tag: Besse
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Postcards from the Past |
Lola Mae Besse Rainford saved all her correspondence and also the postcards sent to her and others. The collection was passed down, so we have opportunities to read the day-to-day notes sent between family members on penny postcards which were cheap and fast---these are probably equivalent to texting today. Here are some examples:
From Son Guy to his mother Nellie Mary Barney Besse: Feb 2, 1912 Dear Mother: Well I am in Tracy Minn with a car of horses and have been here for a day and a half snowbound. I think I will get out Thurs eve; Goodbye, will write when get time, GB addressed to Mrs. and Mr. Besse, Britton, SD, postmarked Feb 5, 1912 Clinton, Iowa from Guy Besse
July 23, 1912
Dear Mother: Why don't you write I wrote you 3 weeks ago and never heard a word yet. Guess you have forgotten me. Love to all, write soon your son, Guy.
addressed to Mrs. Besse, Britton SD, box 113, postmarked July 2, 1912, Milwaukee, WI
Dec 22, 1912
Dear Mother; I have a birthday card and had better send it as I have almost forgotten when it is but I guess very soon. from Guy.
addressed to Mrs. TA Besse, Britton, SD Box 302, postmarked Ligonier, Indiana, Dec 23, 1912
From Tura Besse Zacher to her mother Nellie Mary Barney Besse
10 April 1910 Dear Mama- Well I suppose you think I am not going to write but I will. Forest is feeling finer than he ever did. His face is nearly well and he can nearly walk alone. It rained today. Uncle John was out to see us a little while, he looks well. Will close hoping an answer soon. Your, TZ Addressed to Mrs. Nellie Besse Britton, So Dak, Sent from Ridge Farm Illinois
From Tura Besse Zacher to Lola Besse Rainford
June 30, 1910 Dear Sister, I rec'd your loving letter yesterday, pleased to get it. If your postals are 50 cents I haven't got them yet as i was short of money. I saw "her" and told "her" what you said. "She" was down to see us. She said "she" would like of liked to seen.. I will write a letter soon, your loving sister Tura. Hello Boys. Addressed to Mrs. Lola Rainford, Britton, SD. Sent from Ridge Farm Illinois
From Mabel Besse to Lola Besse Rainford
Nov 12, 1912 Papa is better and may be discharged today. Sent from the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota USA bout TA Besse
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