Postcard: Soldiers' Mail, postmarked Hoboken, sent by Cpl. James Darling to Mrs. John Wiley, NYC, notifying her that he arrived in Europe, 1918 (arrived 4/17/18.)
Postcard: Soldiers' Mail, postmarked Hoboken, sent by Cpl. James Darling to Mrs. John Wiley, NYC, notifying her that he arrived in Europe, 1918 (arrived 4/17/18.)
Entry/Object ID
2011.005.0231.01
Scope and Content
Postcard: Soldiers' Mail, postmarked Hoboken, sent by Corporal James Darling to Mrs. John Wiley, NYC, notifying recipient that he arrived in Europe, 1918 (arrived April 17, 1918.) Printed card, 3-1/4" x 5-5/8" wide issued by American Red Cross. Hoboken cancel. Remains of album mount paper on address side.(See photo catalog 2011.005.0231.02 for 3 related contemporary photos accompanying this item.)
Hoboken served as the main U.S. Army Port of Embarkation for troops shipping to Europe in World War I. This card is typical of probably millions used to notify family or friends about the service member. The American Red Cross was one of several volunteer organizations who had a role at the Hoboken port. Wartime security was a necessary concern (ship is not named), but the morale of the soldiers as well as homefront morale made this communication important.
Message side imprinted:
I HAVE ARRIVED SAFELY OVERSEAS.
[blank line]
This card will be held until safe arrival of the boat on which I sailed.
Holographic pencil entry by soldier:
Cpl. James Darling
will write later, regards to John
and the kids.
In faint pencil beneath printed text "This card will..." is "Arrived 4/17/1918"
Addess side:
Imprinted upper left: Soldiers' Mail
Imprinted in red at top center: [cross symbol] with "American Red Cross" below.
Addressed to Mrs. John Wiley, 686 Third Ave., NY City.
Acquisition
Accession
2011.005
Source or Donor
Lukacs, Claire
Acquisition Method
Gift
Credit Line
Museum Collections. Gift of a friend of the Museum.
