
Christmas Postcard, mailed 24 December 1908.
As 2018 draws to a close, I wanted to extend my best wishes for the holidays and New Year from the Grace Schmidt Room. It’s been a busy year – a new service model, new office mates and many challenges. 2019 will hold many new changes for the Grace Schmidt Room which I hope will continue to serve the needs of customers and researchers.
This year, we said good-bye to Senior Library Assistant, Karen T., who retired in June. I miss her dearly – especially her friendship, wicked sense of humour, flair for words, dedication and steadfast support of the GSR. It was an honour to have worked with Karen. I wish her the best of health and happiness in her retirement and new adventures.
As always, Senior Library Assistants, Ingrid and Valerie, are the backbone of the GSR – their enthusiasm, creativity, and willingness to take on tasks from the mundane to special are what keep me going. Without them, the GSR would not be what it is today.
To all of our volunteers, I want to say ‘thank you’ for your support and work on behalf of local history and genealogy in the GSR. Your efforts and contributions are much appreciated and valued.
The postcard shown above, was mailed on December 24, 1908 by a young woman named “Lucy” in Bridgeport to Pearl Bracey. I love its simplicity – a needed reminder to slow down in the hustle and bustle of the holidays to enjoy the simple joys of life – family, friends, food and quiet. This is the reverse of the image:

Reverse of Christmas postcard
Pearl Bracey was born in Bloomingdale, ON, on 24 July 1887, to William Bracey and Louisa Snyder. She lived in Lexington and Bridgeport during her lifetime. Pearl was a member of Trinity United Church, Kitchener and, at one time, served as the organist for Emmanuel United Church in Bridgeport. She died on 19 January 1977 in Kitchener, at the age of 89.
Lucy’s identity is a mystery, but I’ll keep an eye out for her.
Merry Christmas!
Cheers, Karen