This 1890 postal cover, addressed to Miss Belle Lansing in Winter Park, Florida, shows the rapid transit of mail in Central Florida at the end of the 19th century. Although the envelope is heavily worn and the green two-cent George Washington stamp is partially torn, the postmarks remain remarkably legible. The front displays a Sanford circular date stamp from 11 AM on January 7, while the reverse features a Winter Park receiving backstamp from just three hours later at 2 PM on that same day. This indicates the correspondence likely traveled via the South Florida Railroad, which connected Sanford to Winter Park during that era.
This letter, dated January 6, 1890, provides the internal context for the previously seen envelope. While the correspondence was written in Oviedo, it was carried to Sanford to be postmarked at 11 AM the following morning, likely to catch the southbound train heading toward Winter Park. The stationery features a subtle embossed crest in the upper left corner, and the handwriting is a personal, informal cursive common to the late 19th century.
Oviedo Fla
Jan 6 90
Miss Belle Lansing
Winter Park.
Friend Belle
Will take the pleasure in writing you a few lines as I promised. But bear in mind am not writing simply because I promised too. It is because is a great pleasure to me to write to the one I admire so. Though guess my letter will not be very interesting for I am a poor hand to write. You well know practice makes perfect, and as my correspondances are few I have but little practice, therefore am a long way from being a good letter writer and in fact write...
... a very poor letter. I arrived home last night all safe and sound. I decided would go home on mail train instead waiting until morning. Have you seen Mr Hunter to day I wonder if wasn't morning when he got home. I rather think it was for I didn't leave Bro's until 12 oclock and he hadnt made his arrival then. I think he is badly stuck. Say by the way where were you this afternoon. You wasn't to your proper place. I looked and looked but all in vain. You were speaking last night of having a picnic some Sunday. I wish you all would decide to have one some of the Sunday but not before the last Sunday in this month for my Boss would object my getting off so much. And you know you couldn't have a picnic with out...
... me. Ha Ha. This is rather a lonesome evening to sight last night. I certainly had a nice time and enjoyed my self ever so much. How is Anna feeling to day I know she must be hoarse from talking so much. I think she rather got the best of us all last night don't you. As have nothing interesting to write will close. Hoping to hear from you some time in the near future.
Yours Truly.
R. W. Faulkner.
P.S. add. to Sanford.
R.