Jim and Lillian Dennis were married on 14 September 1910. They lived at 58 Coolgardie Street in Subiaco, and sent each other postcards and cards for birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions.
The postcards are presumed to have arrived at Subiaco Museum via relatives of the couple, and are now part of the museum’s collection.
The collection includes 128 postcards, and almost every postcard includes a piece of original poetry that the couple wrote one another.
The last of the postcards was sent in 1946, shortly before Jim passed away at the age of 82. Lillian passed away in 1988, aged 101.
Here are some examples of poems found in the postcards:
Anniversary postcard, September 14 1933
To my wife on the 23rd anniversary of our wedding.
I like to think of winding ways that travel to and fro.
With you beside me all the while as down life’s trail we go.
It’s good to know how much depends on love that’s tried and true,
And then I’m glad to realise I’ve got a wife like you.
Birthday postcard, October 17 1933
This is not to remind you of the flight of time,
But just a loving wish that I’ve put into rhyme.
May your eyes see beauty and your heart be light,
And the roads of your live be ever bright.
May your load seem light and your heart a song,
May your ways be happy and your life be long.
From your loving husband, Jim.
To read more postcards, visit the Subiaco Museum’s online collection, or visit Subiaco Museum at 239 Rokeby Road to view them in person.