Germantown Ohio Miami Military Institute Soldier 1905 Real Photo Postcard
The postcard features F.J. Olds of Germantown, Ohio, a young man depicted in a cadet-style military uniform, likely from a military academy or institute. His high-collared jacket bears the initials "N.M.I." on the collar, while his cap displays an eagle insignia, both characteristic elements of early 20th-century American cadet attire, indicating a period generally before World War I.
Below the portrait, a handwritten, facetious "Menu" lists items such as "Fish (stories)" and "Lobster, dressed à la militaire (see photograph above)." This humorous inscription suggests the postcard served as a personal communication, possibly for a social event or to introduce Olds in a playful context, leveraging his formal military dress. Such witty, personalized messages were a common form of social interaction and self-presentation on postcards during this era.
Below the portrait, a handwritten, facetious "Menu" lists items such as "Fish (stories)" and "Lobster, dressed à la militaire (see photograph above)." This humorous inscription suggests the postcard served as a personal communication, possibly for a social event or to introduce Olds in a playful context, leveraging his formal military dress. Such witty, personalized messages were a common form of social interaction and self-presentation on postcards during this era.
