Christmas Cards

As the ubiquitous adoption of electronic mail and text messages on smart devices has become the norm for our daily communications the practice of exchanging Christmas cards has declined enormously.

It doesn’t seem that long ago that mantlepieces, sideboards, desks and even office windows were crowded with festive cards. People sent cards to their friends and family, businesses to their important customers and local Councils to their prominent citizens.

The Society has a lovely example of such a card in our collection. From the Mayor and Mayoress of Port Melbourne, Cr William and Mrs Howe, to celebrate Christmas in 1937.

Printed in navy ink the card includes the City of Port Melbourne crest on the front and is decorated with a matching navy-coloured ribbon. Inside the card reads,

Kind Thoughts and Remembrances are the
Most Beautiful Blossoms in Life’s Garden

A
Token of Remembrance
sent to wish you
Every Happiness this Christmas
and
in the New Year

Unfortunately in this case the card has not been used.

Almost sixty years later, the newly appointed Commissioners of the amalgamated City of Port Phillip also sent Christmas cards. In 1995, they chose a coloured image of the ‘First Landing Pier at Sandridge’ for the front of their card.

The back of the card identifies the image as, an engraving made for Alexander Sutherland’s book “Victoria and its Metropolis” published by McCarron, Bird and Co, Melbourne, 1888. Port Phillip City Collection. The back of the card also includes the City of Port Phillip logo.

Inside, the card reads in navy ink,

Best wishes
for the festive season

In this case the card was sent from Commissioner Des Clark to a member of PMHPS and bears the informal handwritten inscription,

Pat
Good Wishes
Des

Pat subsequently donated the card to the PMHPS collection.

To all our members and friends, the Port Melbourne Historical and Preservation Society sends

Best Wishes for this Festive Season
Every Happiness this Christmas
and
in the New Year of 2022
Stay Safe