Immigration, settler, 'last best west'

Another in the "Government Agent" series, this one happily has a postmark: Oxford, May 9, 1906. Very often these cards weren't actually mailed. The card is addressed to Miss A. A. Pasten, Carlingford, Sidcup and has the message: "Thank you so much for your kind invite. Shan't be able to accept now as I am off to Canada for a 3 months trip the end of the month - Else I had hoped to descend upon you for a night or two! Love from H.G.L."

This postcard is unused but is addressed to Vinnie Binkley, Brookville, Ohio. On the front is a faint stamp: "B. F. Kiester, Dist. Mgr., 102 Salem Ave. Dayton, O." This card is #2 in a series of immigration-promoting cards issued (one assumes) by a land company.

Unused postcard, divided back and numbered 201347 without publisher identification. The C.P.R. may have sponsored this.

Lithographed card by Lewis Rice of Moose Jaw, Sask., with 1909 copyright date. Same image as used on his 'ploughing and disking and breaking' card, but in much better condition.

Postmarked "Credit Forks, Ont." on May 22, 1907 and sent to Miss Price, East Oxford School, Cowley Road, Oxford, England with the message (in a schoolgirl hand, likely to a former teacher): "Miss Price. We arrived at our journey's end safely. I hope you + your sister are quite well. We are 50 miles from Toronto + we are at Forks of Credit, Ontario, Canada." No maker stated but there is a number -- 1314 -- on the back.

"Dear Gertie, We have got a pretty little room and use of bathroom in a good part of the city for a dollar a week 4/- We all went to see it to-day Sunday and they are all English People too. Arthur."

Front of the McElhannie postcard folder promoting land purchases in the Outlook, Saskatchewan area.

August 15, 1910 postmark at Toronto. A rather bitter letter: "228 Simcoe St., Toronto, Not., Aug. 15/10 Dear Mother, Many thanks for welcome letter and papers, got back to the city last night, the firm's advertising end has gone up and am without a job for a while. It is cursed hard luck for me anyhow, four of us got sacked at a moment's notice without any warning that is how they do things here in this country. Love to you all from your aff'te son Joe. Will write later, Joe." This was addressed to Mrs. Train, 76 Cecile Park, Crouch Hill, London N. England. Valentine & Sons card no. 100,500.

Postmarked Winnipeg, June 19, 1911, evidently from a new arrival: "Winnipeg, Canada 19/6/11 Dear Jessie: We both arrived here this morning (Monday) 4:00 a.m. after 3 days + nights in train from Quebec. We passed along spot marked X. Lovely scenery terribly hot, both well. Fondest Love, Lionel." This was addressed to Miss J. Coultree, Claremont Cottage, Shepley, Huddersfield, England. Valentine & Sons image 100,522.