This month’s History Mystery Postcard is inscribed with gelatin (silver) print and features a divided back. It was sent from Brentwood to Martinez and is clearly postmarked March 17, 1914.

This month’s mystery is threefold. First, where in the Brentwood area was this house located and is it still standing? Note the windmill, used for pumping water, behind the roof. Second, who is the woman in the hat standing in the front yard admiring the flowers? And finally, who is the itinerant photographer taking the image?

The woman’s face is obscured by shadow, but you can tell her hair is grey/white and she wears glasses. The clothing is past current fashion. Fashion historians will note the high, puffy shoulders, which were popular in the late 19th century – not the early 20th century.

The back of the postcard gives us some clues. It is addressed to Mrs. A. F. Bray of Martinez. The correspondence is difficult to read, but here is Historian Carol Jensen’s interpretation: “Dear L_eilu (sic). How did the medicine we sent fur (sic), help you? One (sic) haven’t seen to write all about it. Sorry to have missed you last nght (sic).” The signature is unclear, but the last letters appear to be “tici.”

So who is Mrs. Bray and who is signed this postcard? Might the signature belong to the woman featured on the front image?

Those with information about this postcard are invited to e-mail Carol Jensen at historian@byronhotsprings.com. All History Mystery updates are shared with the East Contra Costa Historical Society.