Elizabeth Jane Brock passed away in Gamebridge, Ontario, on Monday, May 3rd, 1920, as per her funeral card. Without this curious little piece, we may not know she existed.
She was married to Adam Carson and was only 50 years old when she died. Her funeral left the family home at 2:15 pm on May 5th, 1920, and the church service started 15 minutes later.
I have never seen ‘intimation’ used in this way and had to look it up: it’s a subtle suggestion. A hint. If you were like me back then and couldn’t grasp a hint to save your life, you probably didn’t attend!
Since originally posting this piece, I stumbled upon the scan of the front, and decided it had to be in this post and not on its own. It’s as simple as the inside.
Very little needs to be said on a funeral card—a single glance tells you exactly what it’s all about.
If you prefer your ephemera clean and bright, I restored both sides of this funeral card for you!
Back then it was the norm for a person’s body to remain in the home until burial. Now, however, not really, though it depends on the culture. We in North America are separated from the realities of death and I sometimes wonder if that’s a bad thing—perhaps it’s why empathy is in short supply.
That, or I’m just feeling cynical today. Alas.
Funeral cards, memorial cards, mortuary cards, or remembrance cards are still made and distributed today. You won’t see them as often now as in the 19th and early 20th centuries, however. They’re a keepsake of the beloved dead, a small piece of history to tuck away for later.
Join me again soon for more ephemera and, perhaps, a little history lesson.
Cheers!
P.S. Consider buying me a coffee or subscribing to my newsletter to help support the site. This is a passion project, and earnings from products, affiliates, etc. help me spend more time writing and editing.
