Baptist University for Women, Raleigh, N.C.
Presenting, for Flashback Friday this week — a 100 year old postcard view of an incredible Raleigh architectural treasure — the Meredith College building. I’ve always loved this postcard, as it captures in vivid color a view of old Raleigh we can nowadays only imagine. And sadly…a view that is long-lost.
Dear Lottie
We are having [?] a hard time to find a house. We reached here O.K. every [?] thing is fine like… [the rest of the message is illegible.]
No stamp, no postmark — looks like this postcard was never mailed. Wonder if ‘Lottie’ ever read it? And the handwriting is beyond my cypher ability. Anybody got a clue?
The old Meredith College (aka Baptist Female University) building was designed by the enigmatic Raleigh architect, A.G. Bauer, and erected in 1899. Ultimately acquired by the state of North Carolina in 1950, the brick behemoth was demolished in 1967. Among Bauer’s many Raleigh commissions in his characteristically turreted style, was the Hotel Raleigh on Nash Square — featured in a previous Flashback Friday post.
The image depicted on this particular postcard has always beguiled me — I love those two young ladies in their pretty spring dresses. I wonder who their dapper male escort could  be?
Our Flashback Friday postcard this week was published by the renowned Hugh C. Leighton Co. of Portland, Maine.
The Hugh C. Leighton Co.  1906-1909
Portland, MEA printer and major publisher of national view-cards, especially scenes of New England. They printed most of their cards in four distinct styles usually employing tinted halftones. Most of their cards had a subdued but recognizable pallet. While some cards were printed at their plant in the U.S. most were manufactured in Frankfurt, Germany. Almost all their cards were numbered. They merged with Valentine & Sons in 1909.
“Flashback Friday†is a weekly feature of , Goodnight Raleigh! in which we showcase vintage postcards depicting our historic capital city. We hope you enjoy this week-end treat!
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08/10/2012
Love the deciphering of the card.
Looks like it is addressed to Miss Lottie C—–, Main Street, Somerville, NJ, in care of Mrs. Canfield.
The rest of the note appears to read “Everything is fine. Like it very much. Will write later. With…” and I can’t make out the rest. Looks like “from” follows “with,” but that doesn’t make sense. The last two words are probably the writer’s name. The next-to-last word, when compared to the “m” in “Miss,” “Main,” and “Mrs” appears to start with “m” – “Ma” somebody? So “With love, Ma ???” would be the likely way to end it. But the third-to-last word appears to be “from.”
Anyone else have ideas?
08/13/2012
I believe it says, “Will write later from the home I’m care of.”
08/13/2012
With Love From Ma (Ira? Ina?) or From Ma (?) With Love
10/17/2014
Hi I loved the picture of the Baptist university. I would like to as permission to create the same picture by drawing and stippling for my art class. Please let me know if it’s alright with you.
Thank you
10/17/2014
Lavanya — Of course! I am heartened to know that Goodnight Raleigh has inspired artistic endeavor!
06/24/2020
why was it demolished?