Summary
Postcard featuring a photographic scene of a Brisbane street, probably written by William Nairn to his sister Sarah Jackson from Brisbane circa 1907. His many spelling mistakes suggest a younger man (he was born in 1889). He writes of a 'terrible' train journey to Brisbane of '1000 miles' - he was probably travelling from his home in Victoria - and in spite of the heat and drought says 'I like the place very much'. Queensland's drought was broken in December 1907.
William later served in World War I and was killed in action in July 1918. A collection of his war-time writings was preserved by his family.
The same photograph is colourised on other postcards such as one held at the State Library of Queensland - accession no.4831.
Physical Description
Postcard with photographic scene of a Brisbane street on front, with trams and pedestrians visible. Printed inscription at upper and lower right. On back, printed postcard proforma, over-written with extensive hand-writing. The postcard has multiple spots of foxing and discolouration.
More Information
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Collecting Areas
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Place & Date Depicted
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Author
Private William (Bill) J. Nairn - Australian Imperial Force (AIF)
Probable author. -
Publisher
Valentine & Sons Publishing Co. Ltd., Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, circa 1907
Date based on date of same image held by the State Library of Queensland - accession no.4831 -
Addressed To
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Inscriptions
Printed on front: 'Queen Street and Treasury Buildings, Brisbane / 300145. LV [symbol]'. Printed on back: 'POST CARD. / PRINTED IN GREAT BRITAIN / This space may be used for communication. / The Address only to be written / here / [in stamp box] 3 / the Valentine & Sons Publishing Co., Ltd., Sydney'. Hand-written on back: 'Brisbane / Thursday / My Dear Sarah / Just a few line / hoping to fine [sic] / you & Dear Little / Henry & Baby all / right as it leave / me in the present. / I got hear [sic] yesterday / after a terrible train ride of nearly a / 1000 miles. It is / very hot here now / but I like the / place very much / There has been a / Terrible drought / in most parts of / centerele [sic] Queensland / good rains now / - - - - / have you had / a letter from home'. [Ends mid-sentence.]
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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References
Ancestry - Nairn family tree [Link 1] accessed 23/6/2015
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Keywords
