Postcards from the Ages

Digitally saving images from the past can sometimes be a breeze, sometimes not so much. Case in point: today's set of postcards. Two of the three required nothing more than a little adjustment of color and contrast, while this one…

addressed to Mr Chas Pierson, Knoxville Ills Box 16 RR1
postmarked Galesburg ILL May 30 1908
Message reads only "D.S,    E.G."

well, let us just say that several dozen cotton swabs, 91% isopropyl alcohol, and an unusual (for me) amount of patience were required to save face.

His face, that is. The poor guy on the far right. 

Meanwhile, these two postcards are among the Great Unwashed (that is to say, no scrubbing or swabbing was done to make them presentable).  

One of these ladies is judging you,
and the other is already done with your nonsense. 
Nobody had the nerve to write on the back of this postcard

"One of the many cool spots of Bethany Beach. 
Sanger. Mich. By P, E Jackson Ed qw Chic. Ill"
back: Addressed to "Mr. Charlie Pierson Knoxville Ill RR 1"
Postmarked Aug 13 (year unknown)
"This is also a picture of where I am to-day.
You can imagine how nice it is.
Olga" 

And yet we treasure all our babies, even the problem child.

Go figure.