Thursday, April 2, 2009

Dear Cousin Marion

The postcard is addressed to Miss Marion Ladd of Andover, Mass. U. S. A. and reads:

Jan. 12, 1919

Dear Cousin Marion!
This is a very pretty place. But
give me the good ole U.S.

Arthur C Jones

The caption on the front of the card says:
Paris. - Le Pont au Change et le Palais de Justice.
Exchange bridge and Law-Courts

The name Exchange bridge peaked my curiosity as to the history behind it. It seems that from the 16th century up to the 19th that both sides of the bridge were lined with the homes and shops of money changers, goldsmiths and jewelers. Everyone in Paris had to use the bridges to get from one side of the city to the other, making them the best places to sell wares and do business. When Baron Haussman modernized Paris in the 19th century, he had the houses cleared away and the bridges straightened. This left them the broad thoroughfares that they are today.

Here is a more current view of the bridge and the Palace of Justice.

Happy Postcard Friendship Friday! Be sure to visit these PFF participants today.


23 comments:

  1. I agree! Just give me the good ole US! I could really go for big yummy chili burger right this second! Happy PFF! I was a bit late in putting the widget up so I added your name already:)

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  2. So interesting these old postcards. Isn't it a shame that so few people send them anymore in our techno age so people like yourself in a 100 years time won't have anything to write about because our emails just vanish into the ether.

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  3. Another fascinating blog Steviewren. Love the photos of Bubs on the right too! - Dave

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  4. How fascinating! I have a feeling I have crossed that bridge once, when visiting Paris - I never knew it had such a history. I guess now the shops are replaced by a multiple lane road.;))
    How did you come by that postcard?
    Have a great Friday.;)

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  5. Very interesting - I love those picture, makes me want to walk across the bridge, with a basket in my hand and a long dress on.

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  6. I can hardly believe that I have virtually the same card in front of me on my desk here. The only slight difference is the caption is in one line rather than split in two, and my card is unused so I didn't have the date. I must post it tomorrow and link back here!

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  7. Marie....oops I didn't read the comments and reentered myself.

    Robyn....yes, I think it's a terrible shame we don't still send postcards to each other.

    Dave...thanks I think Bubs is a cutie myself.

    Protege....I bought a big bunch of vintage postcards off Ebay a few years ago. This one was in the package.

    Mim....you might get run over!

    Shelia....I guess it is a well known tourist spot. It's pretty isn't it?

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  8. Another beautiful one! "but give me the good ol US"...love that!

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  9. What you say reminds me of Via Orefici in Florence, Italy. Although I've been to Paris several times I didn't realize they also had bridges with stores.
    Evelyn in Montreal

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  10. Thanks for tracking down the modern view; the first thing that struck me was the lack of boats in the river.

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  11. Seems I'm following Chris Overstreet around today. I love his comments!

    The brides in England were croweded wit bookseellers and money changers at one time too. Very interesting. Glad the name peaked your curiosity and thanks for sharing!

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  12. I especially love to read the text and ponder the handwriting on vintage postcards!

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  13. Great postcard and I love the text! Thanks for including it!

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  14. Really enjoyed seeing the old postcard versus the newer scene of today. It's such a shame that we don't communicate more by mail!

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  15. I've been on blog hiatus this week and visiting my friends today! Wow, look at your A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E grandson, he is soooo precious! You can see his personality starting to come through with that little grin! Too cute!

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  16. I love reading those old postcards!
    Especially from the turn of the century!
    Carol

    That baby is a real babydoll!!

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  17. Be it ever so humble there's no place like home. However if I was compelled to spend an indefinite amount of time in Paris I guess I would just "grin and bear it"...LOL~!

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  18. Off topic here, but TRIXIE BELDEN ROCKS!!! And Nancy Drew too.

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  19. What a nice peak back into time! I love postcards -- both sending and receiving them.

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  20. Another great and fascinating blog post, Steviewren. I love learning from the things you post! *hugs*

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  21. these are such delightful throw backs to an earlier time! wouldn't it have been wonderful to be on that bridge back in the day buying a few wares and soaking in the french ambiance?

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I'm glad you stopped by and I look forward to your comments. As Dr. Fraser Crane would say, "Hello, I'm listening."