Photos, videos and docs of Alan Mays, with the keywords: "comic"

Keep Cool

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Mon, 11 May 2020 04:18:02 +0000

"Keep Cool." A postcard published by D. Hillson in 1907.

Those Dreamy Eyes

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Mon, 07 Dec 2020 03:52:02 +0000

This is a postcard that's addressed on the other side to Miss Nellie Groves, Greenland, West Virginia. It was postmarked in Maysville, West Virginia, but the date is missing.

Handwritten message: "Hello Nellie, How are you by this time. I am going to school today, when are you coming over. This is from your beau. Henry."

For a similar postcard, see Here Is Looking at You.

A Thanksgiving Greeting from the United States Capitol

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Sun, 15 Nov 2020 22:58:02 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

A couple of turkeys arrive at (or depart from?) the United States Capitol Building, Washington, D.C., in this illustration from a Thanksgiving postcard dated 1910.

The postcard is addressed on the other side to "Mrs. Geo Hamlin, 9 Dean[e] St., Portland, Me.," and postmarked in New York City on November 23, 1910.

Handwritten message: "Rena & Geo out for a ride. Best love to both of you & hope you have a happy Thanksgiving. Kitty."

Rena (1882-1974) and George Hamlin (1882-1958) were both twenty-eight years old and had been married for about three years when they received this postcard. It's possible that Kitty, the sender of the card, was Catherine Lewis, Rena's mother.

For some other turkey motorists, see Thanksgiving Day Fugitives and A Wingless Steed Will Take the Winner to a Fine Thanksgiving Dinner.

Easter Chick Recital

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Sun, 12 Apr 2020 16:04:02 +0000

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"A Happy Easter." These strange but distinguished chick musicians appear on a postcard that was postmarked in Baltimore, Md., on April 5, 1912.

You Are the Apple of My Eye—We Should Make a Good Pair

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Sun, 15 Mar 2020 21:21:02 +0000

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"You are the [apple] of my [eye]. We should make a good [pear]."

A postcard addressed on the other side to "Miss E. Jonkin [or Tonkin], Trescobease Manor, Falmouth, [Cornwall, England]."

Handwritten note on the verso: "Dear E., So sorry we shall not make a pair this year on account of this terrible war. Your devoted G."

Printed on the other side: "'National' Series. Made in Gt. Britain. No. 1866."

Although there's no date or postmark (and the stamp once affixed to the back of the postcard is missing), "G." was evidently writing to "E." sometime during the "terrible" years of World War I (1914-1918).

For other romantic rebuses featuring fruit and vegetables, see You Had Better Ask Papa and A Farmer's Love Letter.

New Year Mushrooms and Snails—Viel Glück im Neuen Jahr

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Thu, 02 Jan 2020 04:46:06 +0000

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"Viel Glück im neuen Jahre."

"Good luck in the New Year" is the message on this early twentieth-century German postcard featuring a snail chauffeur with two mushroom passengers.

Halloween Mischief—What the Boys Did to the Cow

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 21:03:04 +0000

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"What the boys did to the cow."

A comic Halloween postcard published by Julius Bien & Co. in 1908.

This postcard was addressed on the other side to Miss Lille Collins, 122 Dickerson Street, Newark, N.J., and postmarked in Smyrna, Delaware, on October 30, 1911. Message: "Love to all, E.R.C."

For a another card from the same publisher, see What the Pig Thought of the Ghost on Halloween.

You Have the Key That Fits My Heart

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 15:42:02 +0000

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A woman fans herself as a man encroaches on her personal space while they are both perched dangerously on top of a giant key in this amusing image from an early twentieth-century postcard.

Caption: "You have the key that fits my heart."

Smile, Darn You, Smile!

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Fri, 09 Aug 2019 03:58:02 +0000

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A postcard addressed on the other side to Miss Hildur Linton [her later married name was Hildur T. Otto], 1014 7th St., S.E., City, and postmarked on Oct. 13, 1908, in Minneapolis, Minn.

The enigmatic handwritten message on the back is: "Puzzle. Can you find the sender? Yes - no."

Jockey Chicks at the Easter Rabbit Race

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Sun, 21 Apr 2019 08:48:02 +0000

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"Easter joy attend you."

For a similar postcard, see A Very Happy Easter to You.

Easter Serenade for the Picnic Chicks

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Sun, 21 Apr 2019 08:48:04 +0000

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"Easter Greetings."

Compare this postcard with Best Easter Wishes from Mr. and Mrs. Bunny-Chick and Family.

A Joyous Easter—His Morning Drive

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Sun, 21 Apr 2019 08:48:40 +0000

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"With all good wishes for a joyous Easter. His morning drive."

A real photo postcard of a boy with his toy wagon and rooster.

A Very Happy Easter to You

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Mon, 08 Apr 2019 04:25:02 +0000

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An early twentieth-century Easter postcard.

April 1st—The Sweetest Kiss

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 14:00:02 +0000

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"1er Avril. Le baiser le plus doux est celui qui vient de loin!"

Google translation: April 1st. The sweetest kiss is the one that comes from far away!

A French hand-tinted real photo postcard for the first day in April.

Nobody Can April-Fool Me

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 14:00:06 +0000

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"Nobody can April-Fool me. I am a fool. Bernhardt Wall. Copyright 1909 The Ullman Mfg. Co. N.Y."

Printed on the other side of this postcard: "American Post Card. 'April Fool' Series No. 156. Subject No. 2490."

This foolish fellow didn't fall victim to the Brick in a Hat trick, but he is wearing a "I am a fool" sign.

For a similar April Fools' Day postcard, see They Can't April-Fool Us, Eh?

Dear Sir, I Have a Peculiar Affliction—After Drinking Champagne, I Sing, Dance, and Spout Poetry

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 14:00:04 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

For similar April Fools' Day postcards, see Dear Sir, We Have This Day Doubled Your Salary, The Boss and Dear Sir, I Have Sent You Several Boxes of Cigars.

April 1st

Dear Sir,

Pardon this intrusion, but as you seemed to scared to speak, or write, I took the liberty. Before proceeding farther I must tell you that I have a peculiar affliction. After drinking a few quarts of champagne, I sing, dance, and spout poetry. As my temperament is to love and be loved, I cannot resist the impulse, and don't!

Understand, I am a perfect lady always, one who loves her home, but "Oh you kid." So just press the button, and I will do the rest.

Yours bubbling over with love.

Mazie D.

The Salesman—He Nags You Until You Must Buy

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Wed, 13 Feb 2019 05:04:17 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

This vinegar valentine is a postcard that was addressed to H. W. Booser, 13th Street, Harrisburg, Pa. The card was postmarked first in Lewisberry, Pa., and then a second time in Harrisburg, Pa., on Feb. 14, 1908. Although the postcard was sent anonymously with no message or signature, it's possible that the recipient recognized the sender by the postmark or through the handwriting of the address.

As it turns out, Harry W. Booser lived at 121 N. 13th Street in Harrisburg, and he worked as a salesman, so the vinegary humor of the card was apparently directed at him.

The Salesman

His motto is still do or die
And he nags you until you must buy.
His line is complete
And his nerve hard to beat
But sometimes he goes on the fly.

Signs, etc., in illustration:

Office.
This is our busy day.
Samples.
This way out.
85% discount to jobbers.
Expense account.

I Want You To Be My Valentine

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Wed, 13 Feb 2019 05:05:54 +0000

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Buster Brown and his dog Tige on a valentine postcard, circa 1907, by cartoonist Richard F. Outcault (1863-1928). For another Buster Brown valentine, see Here's a Wireless Telegram—Be My Valentine.

"I want you to be my valentine. It doesn't seem to be a secret. R. F. Outcault. Raphael Tuck & Sons, Limited. London, Paris, New York, Montreal."

Dick Tracy Says That a Good Soldier Knows Jiu Jitsu

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 22:31:16 +0000

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Private William Lengle, a soldier stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, during World War II, filled in the blanks on the front of this Dick Tracy postcard, added a message on the back (see below), and sent it to a friend in Shoemakersville, Pennsylvania. Lengle jokingly claimed that he knew "jo-jo," a nonsensical martial-art name that sounds similar to jiu jitsu, and that he was learning "love."

"Licked again Junior? Why don't you pick up a few pointers in self defense from Pvt. Lengle. A good soldier knows jiu jitsu, and jo-jo--right how he's learning love."

Postmark on the back of the postcard: "Fort Bragg, N.C., Jul 28, 1943."

Message on back: "Dear Ralph, Just a few lines to let you know I am fine. I hope you are too. Ruby [Ralph's nickname?], how are things getting along. I hope fine. I am still here and boy if they don't soon send me out, I'll go crazy. Ruby, we are painting just now and that ain't so bad, so I hope to get shipped out pretty soon. Well I'll say so long because I must go and box tonight so keep 'em flying, Your pal, Bill."

Man and Dog with Alligators on the Beach

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Wed, 25 Sep 2013 15:25:35 +0000

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I hope they escaped in time!

A Florida souvenir real photo postcard. Postmarked: Miami, Florida, Nov. 13, 1923. Addressed to: Mr. Adam Petcher, Box 515, Somerset, Pa.