Billy Rodden found an unexpected treasure when he went through an old wardrobe he came across recently. Inside were more than three dozen postcards from the early 20th century, including several with Christmas themes.
Most of the cards are addressed to Kathleen Eames of Salisbury and other members of her family. She would have been 9 when she received the two cards showing Santa Claus ó mailed on Dec. 23 and 24, 1905, in Salisbury.
Kathleen later married James Leake Little and became known as an artist and toy designer whose patterns were picked up by Ladies Home Journal and Country Gentleman. She died in 1988 at the age of 92.
Other postcards in the collection include scenes from Salisbury, New York and some foreign cities, as well as Easter and Valentine messages.
Ben Franklin is pictured on the postage stamps, which each cost a penny.