Old Vintage Postcard Buildings, Then and Now

Historical preservation of old buildings is a cause important to many people, including myself.  Ever wonder what became of the buildings on old vintage postcards?  Are they still standing?  Collecting town view postcards, whether US or foreign, is one way old vintage postcard collectors help in this preservation effort.  I thought it might be interesting to show a few “then and now” pictures of buildings that found their way onto postcards in my next couple of historical blog posts.

Arlington Mansion in Natchez, MS Then …..

1948 CurTeich Postcard

Arlington Mansion Now …..

Arlington was built in 1816, and used to house antique furniture, paintings, and other rare articles.  This national historic landmark served as a blueprint, both inside and out,  for other federal style homes in the area.   Vandals and fire have put the preservation of this once stately home in grave danger.  How sad.

The Briers in Natchez, MS Then …..

1948 CurTeich postcard

The Briers Now …..

The Briers is where an 18 year old Varina Howell married Jefferson Davis, a man twice her age.  It is nice this historical building, a sort of Confederate White House, was preserved.

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For more US State town view postcards, please visit Remember When Vintage Postcards – Bonanzle.

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The Postcard’s Pudding Is on Fire!

1909 Antique Christmas Postcard published by B.W., no. 370

 The mother on this antique postcard is making the traditional dessert served on Christmas Day, Christmas Pudding or Plum Pudding.  It is a dark, steamed pudding, with sweet spices, dried fruit and nuts, and usually made with suet that originated in England.  This pudding is definitely not for those on a diet. 

History of Christmas Pudding 

Christmas Pudding can be traced back to the 1420s.  Back then, it was not a confection or dessert, but a way to preserve meat (dried fruits acted as the preservative).  I wonder how long this preservation method lasted.  

The ancestor of the modern pudding was the pottage, a meat and vegetable concoction.  During Queen Elizabeth 1’s reign, plums were added (a popular ingredient).  As the sweet content of the Plum Pottage increased, it became increasingly known as Plum Pudding.  Around the 1830’s, it became more and more linked with Christmas. 

Christmas Pudding Traditions 

Traditionally, Plum Puddings were made four to five weeks prior to Christmas (usually the last Sunday before Advent) as they needed to age in the traditional pudding cloth.  The household members (at least the children, see pictured antique postcard) took turns making a wish while stirring the concoction.  This is why the day became known as Stir-up Sunday. 

Tokens (initially a silver coin) were included in the pudding.  Whomever’s serving included it, kept the token. 

The Christmas Pudding is ceremoniously brought to the table after being doused in brandy and flamed.  It was greeted with applause. 

This Week’s Bit of Ephemera Trivia: 

The Plum Pudding was originally eaten at the Harvest Festival, not Christmas. 

Note:  Marie over at The French Factrice blog is hosting Postcard Friendship Fridays.  Hop on over to Marie’s and check out all the postcard enthusiasts sharing this week. 

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