KSBUTLER-L Archives

From: "Beverly Phillips" <>
Subject: [KSBUTLER] Better Late Than Never
Date: Sun, 25 Feb 2001 19:59:48 -0600

I found this interesting and thought I would pass it along. It is from
abcNEWS.com. I had sent it once but many were afraid to open it because it
came across as an attachment. I am sorry it got sent in HTML format. But
maybe it might be you they are looking for:

Better Late Than Never

Postcard Arrives 112 Years

L O N D O N, Feb. 22-His name was Colin. He was apparently working in
merchant banking, on leave in Australia and awaiting word on his next
destination. The year was 1889 and postcards were a new means of
communication in the British colony of Queensland.
Using this new medium, Colin sent New Year's greetings to a Miss Wardrop in
Aberdeen, Scotland.
The threepence stamp on the postcard was postmarked Jan. 4, 1889.
Last week, 112 years late, the postcard arrived at the Aberdeen post office,
via London and the Royal Mail is now trying to find relatives of the
intended recipient.
"The card has come 12 thousand miles and we want to go the extra mile and
deliver it to the right people," says Colin McGregor, spokesman for the
Royal Mail.
The card was addressed to:" Miss Wardrop, 32 Carden Place, Aberdeen,"
but the address is now a dental surgery and three other businesses.
The message on the card reads: "Just a few lines to say that I am still in
Brisbane and have enjoyed my six weeks leave. I reported myself today at
the bank, but have not yet heard my destination. Thanks awfully for letters
from you and Gerty. Trusting you are all well and wishing you all a happy
new year. Will write in a day or two. This is the first time postcards
have been issued in Queensland. Colin."
The card looks much like a modern day card, it's 3 inches by 4 inches, but
it carries an elaborate crest and herald showing two lions rampant on the
top left hand corner and postage of only three pence.
'If This Card Could Talk' The British postal service says it has no clue
where the postcard has been or where it's traveled in the past century.
"In those days it would have normally taken six weeks or so for a letter to
be delivered," says McGregor. "It would be superb if this card could talk.
It would have great story to tell."
Because the recipient's name, Wardrop, is fairly uncommon, the Royal Mail
believes it may have luck finding a relative.
It has put out an appeal for anyone who thinks they could be related to come
forward to claim the postcard.
An early response came from a man in San Diego who claims his grandmother
was a Wardrop who lived in Scotland. The Royal Mail says it checking it
out.
Local stamp and card dealers say that despite its age the card is not worth
a lot of money - $10 at most - but the sentimental value to the family would
make it priceless.
Anyone wishing to claim ownership of the postcard should contact the Royal
Mail in Aberdeen, Scotland at 44-(0)1224 870 207.

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• [KSBUTLER] Better Late Than Never by "Beverly Phillips" <>