Whimsy on Main Street — ca. 1906

by Paula Bosse

by Paula Bosse

I’ve seen a lot of postcards with views of “Main St. looking West,” usually taken from about Ervay, with the Wilson Building as the architecturally impressive centerpiece. But I don’t think I’ve seen this one. I don’t know when the photo was taken, but it was mailed at the very end of 1906. It looks like the new Wilson Building (which opened in 1904) may still have construction work going on, at least on the ground floor.

But “whimsical”? Take a look at the horse-drawn dry-cleaning-company delivery wagon on the lower right side of the card. It’s got a GREAT BIG TOP HAT on it! Maybe this sort of thing was popular in the early years of the 20th century, but I’ve never seen anything like this on the streets of Dallas in photographs or postcards of this period. Until now. I love it!

*

The postcard — written and mailed on December 27, 1906 — was addressed to “Master Phillip Wyman” in Yonkers, New York. The sender — identified only as “Harry” — sent this message to Phil, probably a young family member:

Dear Phil, Enjoyed your letter so much. Can hardly find time to write much so will send you an occasional postcard. It is very warm down here, to[o] warm for even gloves. About July weather. Must get to business. Love to all, Harry

Too warm for gloves — in December! Imagine! I bet Master Wyman — who was no doubt shivering up in Yonkers — had his young mind blown. (I wonder if he noticed the big top hat?)

***

Sources & Notes

Postcard from eBay.

*

Copyright © 2025 Paula Bosse. All Rights Reserved.