Trove has something for all occasions especially Christmas.  This week’s Trove Tuesday revolves around my Trove search for “Merry Christmas,” the message I’m sending you today.

A general search of Trove for “Merry Christmas” results in hundreds of books, thousands of newspaper articles, journals and sound recordings, but the “Pictures, Photos and Objects” are my favourites because of the treasures that abound such as the following:

Christmas Card 1916. Courtesy of the State Library of Victoria, Image no, .H99.166/285 http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/16619

The card (above), sent from France on November 3, 1916 was to Meryn and it’s the first time I have found a “Meryn” of any spelling at Trove.  The note on the card read  “Dear Meryn wishing you a Merry Xmas & a Happier New Year from “Juggo” or Jack Miller.”

CHRISTMAS CARD 1911. Courtesy of the State Library of Victoria. Image no. H82.96/168 http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/110126

The Christmas greeting below, is from the workers at the Ballarat Telegraph Office to their “fellow officers” at the Murtoa Telegraph Office.  It is was from Christmas 1883.

CHRISTMAS CARD 1883. Courtesy of the State Library of Victoria. Image no. H8704 http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/73925

Portraits or group portraits. as was the case below, were a popular form of greeting card.  Written on the back of the following card was – “Mrs E. C. Rodgers, Hind Street, Portland. Horsham. Dec. 1911. Dear Friends, Just to wish you all a Merry Xmas and a Bright New Year. You will see a good many faces in this group that you know. With best wishes…”

CHRISTMAS CARD 1911. Courtesy of the State Library of Victoria, Image no. H84.37/4/90 http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/129663

The next card is one of my favourite images that I have found at Trove to date and I have used it to illustrate a post before.  It is a Christmas card to an Australian soldier from an admirer he met while overseas.  Unfortunately her name is illegible on the card. 

POSTCARD c1918. Courtesy of the State Library of Victoria. Image No. H99.166/327 http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/16626

She wrote:

December 1918, Dear Arthur thanks for your most welcome letter I got a few days ago and also glad you have not forgotten. and I think I am the one who loves you best. Jack was here to last week-end going to Blighty on leave. Lucky We shall all be delighted if you come to say good-bye before going back to Australia. For my part I shall be very pleased to see you again. Do not be surprised if you receive a photo of myself one of these days. Every body at Auntie’s place wishes you a Merry Christmas and happy New Year. Also best wishes and —- from myself. Hoping to hear from you again. Believe me. Yours sincerely…

I wonder if they ever met again?

Merry Christmas to the many followers of Western District Families and thank you for your ongoing support.  May your 2015 be filled with many new discoveries about your Western District family.