Memories Fly By: Viewing The Cruikshank Postcard Collection (SGC)
After viewing about 400 postcards in the Scott G. Cruikshank postcard collection, I selected these four based on the memorable text and the images. In order from a sweet note to a grandpa, great reminiscing of the County Fair and ice cream at an old time pharmacy, another on East Market Street, and the final one. (Don’t miss it!)
Postcard:
Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome
“Dear Grandpa, Nedra, Uncle D., Aunt R., and Todd went to the Aradrome with us. We saw this plane!! It was fun! I love you! Love Kristen. See you sat.”; 1979; SGC.221.
Postcard:
Schmerhorn Building
Home of Rhinebeck Pharmacy – The Rexall Store; “Got most of my cards here after seeing the County fair. Have good ice cream too. The whole gang of us got cones to eat on the way.”; undated; SGC.157.
The Hamlin (or Schmerhorn) Building located at 19 E. Market St. was built in 1858 and has played an important role in the commercial history of Rhinebeck. In the last 168 years, it has housed a variety of Rhinebeck businesses including a general store, a pharmacy, a tinware and hardware store, Rhinebeck’s first telegraph office and Rhinebeck Village Pizza.
Postcard:
View of East Market Street
“Don’t you think the trees are grand here. The loveliest trees on every street that I have been on so far. How are you getting along? Write me, Elizabeth, Just address Rhinebeck, N.Y.”; undated; SGC.343.
Postcard:
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Rhinecliff, NY.
“Dear Wife, You had better come home at once for I cant do the work any longer so hurry home for I need you. From your loving husband.”; 1911; SGC.282.
Although we may never know the rest of the story, the postcard and desperate plea Mr. White sent to his wife has survived the passage of time and has found a home in the archives!
Let’s see what comes to light next month!
Researcher,
Bonnie Wood
July 2026