This postcard shows the aftermath of the infamous Moose Lake Fire. Written in white across the image is the date of the fire, Oct. 12, 1918, though the photo was almost certainly shot in the days that followed, not during the blaze.

It was a few years after the fire that this postcard was mailed. Some numbers on the postmark are no longer legible, but the month of April and the first three numerals of the year, 192-, are clear. It was mailed from “Aunt Lena” in Moose Lake to Mrs. Harold (Liebeck? Seeback?) of Minneapolis.

The message reads:

Monday 12:45 p.m.

Dear Agnes,

Arrived at my friend’s place Fri 12:20. Left this noon and am in Moose Lake now. Must wait till 8 o’clock for train to Nemadji. If any mail comes for me please send to Nemadji. My feet don’t bother me, but my ear is very bum. Hope you both are well.

Aunt Lena