This postcard, dated October 1968, was sent by by grandparents to my mother:
“The beach is ideal and the golf and tennis you would love. Hope all is A.O.K. See you Sunday.”
Apparently you didn’t need to be at a Beatles concert, on a college campus, or protesting at a political convention to catch the groovy vibe in 1968. You may have had to look for it, but it could be found right in the conservative vacation enclave of Hilton Head, South Carolina.
As always, the tinkle of ice cubes in crystal glasses and distant pop of tennis ball reminded visitors they were in a special place where time, quite remarkably, seemed to stand still. Carolina breezes carried breaths of scotch and delicately salted sea air. Except for an occasional wave of laughter that would rise from a table of heavy drinkers in the distance, “tennis polite” voices were used throughout the resort. Imagine the likes of Ben, Elaine and Mrs. Robinson as frequent guests.
I can hear the rallying call of postcard photographers everywhere to forget the scenic panoramas and that minor little attraction called the Atlantic, and instead zoom in. Let’s populate our postcards with people, doing what people did in Hilton Head in 1968.
“You’re no longer debutantes, so enough with the posing and looking right at the camera. We’re selling a whole new lifestyle and a story here – a vibe – not your pretty, similar faces. You two, in the sweaters – let’s see the back of those heads.”
We have super neat hair and are very friendly, athletic people. Not so athletic that we mess up our dippity doos by sweating or swimming. And not so friendly that we’re going to do something as free lovey as touch your husband. But we do know how to flirt suggestively with a tennis racket. Masterfully, we refuse to make eye contact with your wife. Neither of you will notice. Later you will both still think I’m really, really nice. Just please be so polite as to mind my personal, yet groovy space.
“Hey, you two! There in the background next to the pool. What’s that you say? You don’t know what to do with your hands since it wouldn’t be proper to touch each other? How about putting them on your hips? Perfect! You in the pool, I know it’s cold, but stay there – it makes no sense for you to be out of the pool – you should have worn your swimming cap – your hair’s all messed up.”
“Feel the love, people and let’s get this shot! Pretend I’m not even here,” postcard photographer guy says to his cast in the not quite groovy world of Hilton Head.
For more Postcard Friendship Fridays, please visit Marie at Cpaphil Vintage Postcards.
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{ 23 comments }
Neato idea for a meme and a very keen old postcard!
Your blog is great! Very well done. And the postcard for today is adorable. I remember the 60′s (opps, dated myself!).
) Surprised you didn’t have something with “Tarmac” in it. [giggle] Oh, look, something shiny … [lol]
Thanks for coming by my place. Pop by anytime. The ‘door’ is always open. Happy Easter!
Very groovy card; I guarantee that at least one of the women pictured is called “Muffy”.
Chris is the comment King! I can’t stop chuckling over ‘Muffy’:) I noticed the xxxx in the signature. I had to explain what that meant to my son this morning! I had never really though about where x’s and o’s came from as kisses and hugs in a signature.
People usually make an ordinary scene more interesting (unless they are in the wrong place). I can tell the photographer here paid attention to where the people were placed.
Thanks for this slice of life, Margo.
I was 3 when it was sent, so I haven’t known this period. Just seen The Graduate later. The atmosphere you depict is exactly what I was imaginating.
A groovy blog. Thanks for stopping my mine. The rain has stopped and the sun is trying to come out.
Judy
Hello,
Thank you for your visit on my blog.
Your postcard is very beautiful.
It’s an interesting vintage card.
Thank you.
Happy PFF and happy Easter.
What a wonderfully written and interesting blog! Thank you for sharing!
Have a wonderful Easter.
Beth
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Neat-o. With the picture you paint, I think I’d rather be groovin in Hilton Head than holding protest signs at UC Berkely.
AWESOME postcard! What a nice blog you have. I happen to agree with Chris, and I might add, one might be named BUFFY, LOL.
TY so much for stopping by my blog. Your welcomed anytime. Blessings
I always wanted to know how the Hilton Head set lived. We were more the Daytona Beach/Gulf Shores set. Thanks for letting me spend a couple of minutes at this exclusive enclave.
ps I wasn’t at all surprised to see Ben, Elaine or Mrs Robinson there.
Wow !! You still keep the postcard of your grandmom to your mom.
Now, whenever I go , i sure will posted back some postcards for my daughters.
I wish I had some of those old postcards. What a treasure that you still have that!
chef troll, thanks for stopping by! I love your photo.
Sparky, Thank you! I remember a few tarmacs from the 60s myself. Happy Easter to you too
Chris, Ignore the salutation on the postcard – my mother’s name is Muffy. Really. Ok. Not really.
Marie, that’s pretty funny about the “xxxxx”s. I didn’t know that this wasn’t some kind of universal language of love. Have a great weekend
postcardy, I do love the postcards with people in them the best. Much more interesting.
Catherine, I don’t remember too much of the sixties either. Reluctantly admit I was there for part of them. Thank you for your visit!
papel1, your blog is very groovy as well. Thanks!
Eddy, thanks for stopping by. I enjoy seeing your postcards each week
Beth, thank you for your kind words and for visiting. BTW, I love, love the name of your blog. Have a happy Easter!
Shawn, I wish I could have been so groovy as well.
Linda, Muff and Buff send their regards. Thanks for stopping by!
Stevie, No clue what it was really like except for the golf and tennis references. It’s definitely fun to imagine these things. And we can bet it’s totally different now.
LaY HOoN, Hope I got your name right. I worked very hard at it scrolling up and down. My collection fell into my lap the last time my brother moved. He came across quite a few, and had the good sense to give them to me. Thanks for coming by!
blueviolet, I’m so glad this PFF came along and gave me such an obvious and fun way to share them. I’m afraid I would have just lost them if this meme didn’t come up.
How fantastic that you kept the card.
My Mom kept a letter that her father wrote and he mentioned that everything was “swell.” I love the word swell. And groovy.
Groovy!
If there’s one era I’d love to go back to, I’d choose the 60s as well. Excellent choice for this week
Postcards Crossing
I LOVE old postcards – this was great!! And cool blog too – love the pic in the header! Thanks for stopping by my blog also! Have a happy weekend!e
I LOVE old postcards – this was great!! And cool blog too – love the pic in the header! Thanks for stopping by my blog also! Have a happy weekend!e
WW, that word is “swell”. I think we should bring it back. I only wish I had more of this stuff. It’s fascinating.
Streisaat, thanks for stopping by. Have a groovy weekend~!
OMckay, Thank you. I like your site too.
Hehe, mom, you used the word “groovy”. Good ol’ times that I wasn’t there for.
I didn’t live in 1960s but this postcard represents very well the American family and lifestyle of that period I see in movies
Have a nice Sunday and a Happy Easter!
ps, you’re so groovy, I can hardly stand it.
Wonder Turquette, thanks for stopping by!
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