Memoirs of a Postcard: Goffstown, Motherhood, and the Turn of the Century

 Today we share a postcard from over a century ago. Sent on June 6, 1906, the century-old relic was mailed from Massachusetts to Maine, bearing an image of "Up the River, Goffstown, N.H." Its intriguing inscription reads simply, “Where I went starting when a little girl. Coming home soon. Momma.” A brief sentence that echoes across the years, resonating with a lifetime of memories, experiences, and familial love.

Goffstown, where the scene on the postcard hails from, is a small town nestled in the heart of New Hampshire. Its quaint beauty and charm are still the town's trademarks, just as they were in 1906. During that period, Goffstown, like many New England towns, was undergoing significant changes. The turn of the 20th century was a period of growth and prosperity, reflecting the progressive era's optimism. It was a time of transition from an agrarian society to an industrial one, and Goffstown too, was not immune to these shifts.

The image depicted on the postcard, “Up the River, Goffstown, N.H.”, likely presents the Piscataquog River, a cherished local landmark. This river, winding gently through the town, offered not only scenic beauty but was a life vein of Goffstown's economy, powering its mills and providing a route for transport. The river today continues to be a symbol of Goffstown's past, a tangible link to the era when the postcard was sent.

The words inscribed on the postcard reveal a poignant narrative. It suggests the postcard was sent by a mother who had moved away from her home in Maine to Massachusetts. She seems to have started visiting Goffstown, as the card suggests, since her childhood. Perhaps it was a favored family vacation spot, or maybe she had relatives there.

The early 20th century was a time of substantial mobility. The expansion of railroads and the advent of automobiles enabled people to travel more extensively and frequently. This ability to move, both permanently and temporarily, contributed to an ever-growing shift in the American lifestyle. Families often found themselves separated by miles, in pursuit of opportunities and prosperity. The promise of "coming home soon" on the postcard reflects the nostalgic longing for home that accompanied these socio-economic shifts.

This postcard from 1906 is a time capsule of an era long past but not forgotten. It captures the socio-economic shifts, the growth of towns like Goffstown, and the evolving mobility of the American populace. At the same time, it presents a deeply personal story of a mother, her roots, her journeys, and her yearning to return home.

The simplicity of the inscription "Where I went starting when a little girl. Coming home soon. Momma." paints a picture of a life well-traveled and full of experiences. It signifies a life journey that started in a small town, stretched across states, and is on the cusp of coming full circle. It is a testament to the fact that, while times may change and years may pass, some things—like the love for one's roots and the comfort of home—remain timeless.