The used postcard series is back :)

For those who landed here for the first time, here's a brief explanation of my used postcard series. 

I started this fascination of buying "used postcards" last year. Used postcards are literally postcards that were sent and delivered to their owners. Over time however, these postcards were thrown away or probably sold and landed on the racks of vintage and antique shops. 

I used to be interested in buying vintage postcards for my friends abroad. But when I discovered that shops also sell "used postcards," the old soul in me was mesmerised. Even though I'm buying something useless, I felt interesting stories behind each postcard. I started acquiring pieces every time I encounter one. My innate researcher or should I say, stalker hormones was activated. Hahaha In my mind, I formed stories behind the messages, senders and recipients. The idea of searching the people involved in every postcard dawned on me. Having a blog, I thought this can serve as my initial attempt. While I have leads for all the used postcards in my colleciton, I'm still left unaccomplished. I haven't received any related email or inquiry. My wish is that at least one of my published posts will reach either the sender or recipient.

A few weeks ago. I chanced upon this used envelope from my favourite shop in Sta. Cruz, Manila. It showcased a First Day Cover (FDC). For those who are not familiar with the world of philately (stamp collection), FDC is an envelope bearing postmarked stamps on their first day of issue. The Central Post Office of a particular country is the lone body that issues and distributes FDC. Although with the advent of technology, we all know that anything can be resold by anybody. FDCs usually showcase a historic event or issued to commemorate a significant person. Sometimes, FDCs are declared as collector's item. It can't be used for mailing purposes.

I was able to acquire an FDC intended to commemorate the 200th birth anniversary of Marquis de Lafayette. (Please don't ask me to pronounce his name. Hahaha) He was known as the hero of two worlds, attributed to his significant contributions in restoring peace and order for USA and France. He served as a military officer during the time of American Revolution, French Revolution and the July Revolution.

I'm not much interested with the key person featured in this FDC. I'm more concerned with the owner or recipient. Given that not all FDCs are meant for mailing, I have to consider the probability that the typewritten information may not be valid. I'm not sure but the name can probably be typewritten to signify ownership. The only thing I can hold on for now, I have a document that is 59 years old.




How I wish the envelope comes with a letter inside. :) It would make as a nice story. 

 Like my usual "stalking" process, I checked the validity of the address. Using Instant Streetview, I was directed to this place. True enough, the address is existing!


The address brought me to a typical residential site. The house in the middle was pointed as the exact location. The house looks modern for me. I can't assure that it was the same structure in 1957. Setting aside the house, my attention was caught by the shadow behind the car. It looked like a lady holding a leashed dog. :) Cute!

After the address, I searched information about Mrs. F.E. Malohn. Given that the name existed since 1957, the probability that she still resides in the house is almost impossible. I assume. There are endless possible stories about the real owners of the address. The property can be passed on to the children or sold to another owner.

As for Mrs. F.E. Malohn, I was unsuccessful finding decent leads about here. The nearest I had was a telephone directory, which contained a few entries with Malohn as a family name. But most of them are not in any way situated in Oakland.

For some unexplained reasons, Google is giving me "Melohn" as an alternative for "Malohn." I don't consider the possibility that US government allows respelling of family names. At this point, I don't have sufficient data to give me leads for Mrs. F. E. Malohn. I'm thinking of printing this blog post and sending it over to the address. But then, to whom shall I address the envelope? I'm not even sure if a certain F. E. Malohn still resides in the address.

I'll leave the little information I have as it is. I'm just hoping that one of these days, a family or relative with the same family name uses Google and be directed to this post. 

See my other used postcards here

 Dr. Cesar Viana and Dr. Erlinda Roldan of Brooklyn in 1982