Rhode Island Picture Post Cards
Julia E. Colvin - Fall Millinery Sale  - October 5 & 6, 1908
Undivided Back Real Photo Advertising Postcard 
Phenix Duplex Cancel September 28, 1908
(Scroll down for History and Background Information)

This is an advertising postcard sent from Phenix, Rhode Island on September 28, 1908 and canceled with a Duplex Cancel. 

Julia Elle Colvin was born on December 31, 1856 to Stephen Olney Colvin and Elizabeth Joy Colvin. Julia fibbed about her age on the Kent County, West Warwick census of 1920 listing it as age 59, which would have meant that she was born in 1861. (Well, I guess that is a lady's prerogative!). Apparently, Julia died shortly after the census of 1920 was taken.

Julia's obituary from the "Pawtuxet Valley Times" in 1920 follows below:

Miss J.E. COLVIN DEAD
Miss Julia E. COLVIN prominent for more than 40 years in Phenix business circles, died suddenly early this morning at her home on Pleasant Street. While she had not been well for some time she was in her usual health yesterday and went to Providence with her sister. She retired at the usual time last night. When she did not respond to a call this morning, her sister, Miss Ida COLVIN, made an investigation, and, finding Miss COLVIN apparently lifeless, summoned D. Warren E. Page. The funeral will be held Monday afternoon from the home. Miss COLVIN was a daughter of the late Stephen Olney COLVIN. She began her business career as a milliner at Hope, moving her establishment to Phenix, where she conducted a millinery shop up to the time of her death. She was a charter member of Ruth chapter of the Eastern Sta. Anthony Grange and an attendant at the Phenix Baptist Church.

A Millinery was a shop that specialized in selling women's hats. For those readers interested in further information about the Millinery Arts; Victorian Millinery has an interesting and informative Web-Site.