W.W. Taggart Every Good Wish 1910 Floral Postcard Pennsylvania

W.W. Taggart Every Good Wish 1910 Floral Postcard

This beautiful 1910 postcard was designed and copyrighted in 1908 by the renowned W.W. Taggart of New York, a prolific creator of early 20th-century greeting cards known for his charming floral compositions and symbolic good-luck motifs. The front features a detailed woven basket overflowing with delicate blue forget-me-not flowers, accented by flowing pink ribbons, four-leaf clovers, and protective horseshoes, all framed in rich red against a dark background. The bold banner proclaims "EVERY GOOD WISH" in vibrant red lettering, capturing the optimistic spirit of the Edwardian era. This specific design exemplifies Taggart's signature style that blended natural beauty with positive symbolism, making his cards highly sought after by collectors today.

The back tells an equally compelling story. Postmarked August 11, 1910, in Pennsylvania with a clear one-cent Benjamin Franklin stamp, the card was addressed to Miss Laura Brown in Wapwallopen, Pennsylvania. The handwritten message reads: "Received your letter and was glad to hear from you but sorry that Grandma is worse again hope she is better by this time we had a fine rain over here don't Emma love to all." This personal note offers a genuine glimpse into rural Pennsylvania life, family health concerns, and everyday weather observations typical of the period before widespread telephone use.

Historical Context and Design Significance

During the Golden Age of Postcards from 1898 to 1918, Americans sent billions of cards annually as an affordable way to stay connected. W.W. Taggart's work stood out for its high-quality chromolithographic printing that produced rich colors still vibrant more than a century later. The forget-me-nots symbolize remembrance and true affection, the horseshoes represent good fortune and protection, and the clovers add a touch of Irish luck. Together they create a powerful visual message of hope and positivity that resonated deeply in 1910 when families faced daily uncertainties.

This card is printed on sturdy period paper that has developed a warm, aged patina. Standard postcard dimensions of the era measure approximately 3.5 by 5.5 inches, making it ideal for display in standard frames or albums. The combination of a named designer, clear postmark, legible personal message, and intact illustration makes this an outstanding example of Taggart's craftsmanship and early American ephemera.

Condition Report

This postcard remains in very good vintage condition after 116 years. The front illustration retains excellent color saturation with only minor fading in the darkest areas. The back shows natural yellowing and a few light brown age spots consistent with paper of this age. Gentle creasing from original mailing is present but does not affect readability. There is minor edge wear and slight corner rounding along with very light postmark ink smudging. Importantly, there are no tears, holes, missing pieces, or writing that obscures the message. The paper remains supple and the ink is fully legible throughout.

Collectors of W.W. Taggart designs will appreciate the crisp details and symbolic richness that define his best work. This example stands out because it was actually mailed and carries a real family story rather than being an unused specimen. The clear Pennsylvania postmark and Wapwallopen destination add regional historical value that many generic floral cards lack.

Why This Card Represents Taggart's Legacy

W.W. Taggart specialized in creating accessible yet emotionally resonant designs that ordinary people could afford to send. His cards often combined floral beauty with lucky symbols because these themes helped senders express care during difficult times, exactly as the writer did when mentioning Grandma's health. Owning this piece connects you directly to Taggart's artistic vision and the millions of similar cards that shaped American social communication in the early 1900s.

Whether you are building a specialized collection of Taggart cards, Pennsylvania postal history, or simply admire the artistry of the Golden Age, this postcard delivers exceptional quality and storytelling power. The warm tones of the blue flowers against the dark background create a timeless visual appeal that looks stunning when properly framed or preserved in an archival album. Its condition allows for confident display or continued preservation for future generations.

Every element from the precise printing to the heartfelt message has been preserved with remarkable integrity. This is not a modern reproduction but an authentic 1910 artifact that carries the fingerprints of history. Adding it to your collection means owning a tangible piece of W.W. Taggart's legacy and a window into a specific moment in Pennsylvania family life.

 _gsrx_vers_1736 (GS 9.9.5 (1736))

Item specifics

Used - Very good — Well-preserved for its 116 years with fully legible handwriting, vibrant front illustration, and intact stamp/postmark. Typical honest age wear including light discoloration and creases but no tears or damage. — Defects: ['Natural yellowing and light brown age spots', 'Gentle creasing and fold lines from original mailing', 'Minor edge wear and corner rounding', 'Slight postmark ink smudging']

Ships from the United States with tracking.