A piece of mail that had been lost for almost 121 years finally found its way to its intended destination, surprising the staff at the Swansea Building Society in Swansea, Wales. The piece of mail, a postcard addressed to a Miss Lydia Davies and dated August 3, 1903, arrived with the day’s normal mail delivery earlier this month. Henry Darby, the marketing and communications officer for the company, described the discovery as “completely out of the blue.” The postcard had a stamp featuring King Edward VII from 1903, and the style of writing indicated its age.
According to Darby, finding this postcard is more than a rare event – it is a true anomaly. He believes that it has uncovered a forgotten piece of the local history of Swansea, offering a glimpse into life in the city 121 years ago. The note on the postcard reads, “Dear L. I could not, it was impossible to get the pair of these. I am so sorry, but I hope you are enjoying yourself at home. I have got now about 10 (unreadable) pocket money, not counting the train fare, so I’m doing alright. Remember me to Miss Gilbert + John with love to all from (unreadable).” The postcard appears to have originated from Pembrokeshire, Wales, about 62 miles west of Swansea.
Interestingly, the Swansea Building Society’s current building stands on the same site where traditional homes once stood. The society was actually established 20 years after the postcard was sent, showcasing the passage of time. Darby mentioned that the address on the postcard is still correct, as the building is located at 11 and 12 Cradock Street, but it is 121 years later than expected. The company is now reaching out on social media to try and locate any family members of Miss Lydia Davies in the hopes of establishing a connection.
Darby expressed excitement at the possibility of connecting distant relatives who may not have been aware of each other’s existence and returning a family artifact that can be passed down through generations. The Swansea Building Society is eager to learn more about life on Cradock Street over a century ago and is looking forward to potentially reuniting the postcard with Miss Lydia Davies’ family.
In conclusion, the discovery of the postcard from 1903 at the Swansea Building Society has sparked interest and intrigue among staff and others in the community. The piece of mail, lost for 121 years, has provided a unique window into the past and the opportunity to connect with the descendants of its intended recipient. Through their efforts to identify Miss Lydia Davies’ family, the society hopes to preserve a piece of history and create lasting connections across generations.
