Some images are just too good to pass by. Such is the image of a very typical single-family house of 1908—or at least the photo carries that date. As an RPPC (real-photo postcard, for those new to the game) chances are this is the only print, or, perhaps fewer than a dozen for family and friends. I’ll wager there’s a darkroom in the basement or a shack in the backyard. The explosive nature of photographic chemicals led to more than a few personal tragedies.

This sort of (I’d call it) “Italianate” style house could be found anywhere between the Appalachians and the Rockies, a slight variation on the Prairie Foursquare or “Corn-Belt Box”. “The handwritten “Springer” on the lower left corner could be the street but is more likely the family name. So, I’ve queried the internet for female given names circa during the 1880s, about the time that lady on the front steps was born. Eventually, the Springer family will be properly represented in the Agincourt community but for the time being allow me to introduce Alma (Mrs Carl) Springer (née Mahler).

Oh, and BTW, the card was priced well outside my budget, so I hope it finds a safe home. Just not mine.

Alma gets around.