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The reverse bears a very nice BOYD, MINN. circular postmark dated February 20, 1913, with a one-cent Benjamin Franklin stamp. Unlike many of the discontinued rural post offices represented in early postcards, Boyd's post office survived and remains in operation today.
Boyd developed with the arrival of the railroad in 1884. The town was platted that year and later incorporated in 1893. Historical records indicate that postal service at Boyd also dates to 1884. Interestingly, USPS historical records show that Rural Free Delivery began at Boyd on February 2, 1903, almost exactly ten years before this postcard was mailed.
Boyd was never a large place. An 1895 atlas recorded approximately 162 residents, along with both railroad service and a post office. A later local history describes Boyd as a community of about 350 residents during the early 20th century, supported by the railroad and surrounding agricultural country.
The front is an attractive embossed birthday greeting featuring a blue bird in flight, shamrock/clover decorations and a small rural landscape vignette. Gold lettering reads “Birthday Greetings.” The embossed design gives the card additional visual and tactile appeal.
The reverse contains an extensive handwritten period message and is addressed to a recipient in Slayton, Minnesota.
A nice combination of Minnesota postal history, small-town history and early birthday postcard collecting.
Item Specifics
- Postmark: Boyd, Minnesota
- County: Lac qui Parle County
- Postmark Date: February 20, 1913
- Post Office Established: 1884
- Post Office Status: Still operating
- Era: Divided Back
- Type: Printed / Embossed Postcard
- Subject: Birthday Greetings
- Design: Bird, Clover/Shamrocks, Rural Landscape
- Stamp: 1¢ Benjamin Franklin
- Posted: Yes
- State: Minnesota
- Country: United States
- Series: Birthday Series No. 8500
Condition
Good antique condition with expected age and handling wear. Light corner and edge wear, toning and scattered spotting/discoloration are visible. Embossing remains prominent and the colors on the front remain attractive. The Boyd, Minnesota postmark is strong and readily identifiable. Please examine scans for exact condition.
Keywords
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