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RARE 1876 Canadian Postcard Sent to Famous Psychiatrist Dr. C.K. Clarke at the Toronto Asylum for the Insane.
Up for sale is an incredibly rare, historically significant piece of 19th-century Canadian medical, social, and postal history.
This is not just a standard antique postcard—it is a direct personal relic belonging to one of the most influential figures in the history of Canadian medicine.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The recipient, Charles Kirk (C.K.) Clarke, is widely regarded as the father of Canadian psychiatry.
The world-renowned Clarke Institute of Psychiatry (now part of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health - CAMH) in Toronto is named in his honor.
He went on to reform the entire care system for psychiatric patients across Canada, served as the Dean of Medicine at the University of Toronto, and co-founded the Canadian Mental Health Association.
At the exact time this postcard was mailed in August 1876, Clarke was a 19-year-old medical student working as a clinical assistant at the notorious Toronto Asylum for the Insane (famously located at 999 Queen Street West).
THE FRONT (POSTAL HISTORY)
Postmark: Clearly stamped in Elora, Ontario, dated August 31, 1876 (the morning after the letter was finished).
Stamp: Features a blue, one-cent Queen Victoria stationery stamp printed directly onto the card.
Address Line: Hand-addressed to: “To Mr. C. K. Clarke, Asylum for the Insane, Toronto, Ont.”
THE BACK (A HEARTWARMING FAMILY HISTORIC RECORD)
The back contains a beautifully preserved, highly legible handwritten letter from his 21-year-old sister, Emma ("Em") Clarke, written from their hometown of Elora.
Rather than dealing with medical matters, it provides a charming, intimate look at Victorian family life, enthusiastically detailing the arrival of a new family puppy and local town happenings.
Full Transcription:
"9 P.M. / M.S. Chateau ... [corner torn] Aug. 30, '76
Great curiosity here yesterday over the “present” mentioned in telegram & greater excitement to-day when the arrival of the little brown beauty. I’m awfully proud of him, & thank you ever, ever so much. What a jolly little poly-poly he is — not a bit tired after his trip, & as happy as a cricket. He has now retired for the night, & has just disposed of a big saucer-ful of milk — doesn’t seem to care for “sop” but appears very leaning over to dry bones. Poor Collie’s nose is “out of joint” & the little fellow announces a visible dislike to my new pet. The question is what are we going to call Mister Brow-wow? Can’t you suggest a name short & appropriate? Just had a letter from Jennie. Chas, Willie & Jennie Cartwright are coming up to Elora on Saturday — W. & J. to return to Stratford on Monday, but J. to remain a fortnight — Isn’t that jolly. We four girls & W.H.B. have just returned from a pleasant drive to Fergus — perfectly covered with dust. Heard of G. Yates yesterday — had just arrived in Toronto, taken lodgings & paid for bindings. Much love & many thanks.Yours with love, Em. Will write soon."
KEY DETAILS FOR COLLECTORS & GENEALOGISTS
Local Ontario Geography Mentioned:
Elora, Fergus, Stratford, and Toronto.Family/Historical Names Mentioned: Dr. C.K. Clarke, Emma ("Em") Clarke, Jennie, Chas, Willie Cartwright, W.H.B., and G. Yates.
Condition: Antique, used. There is a small piece of corner loss on the top right corner of the reverse side (does not affect text readability) and honest postal wear consistent with a 150-year-old document. Please review the high-resolution photos for exact condition.
Item Condition & Details
* Condition: As shown in photos.
* Important: Please examine all photos carefully, as they are a vital part of the description.
* Note: I am not an expert on these items. If you spot a mistake in the listing, please message me and let me know!
Shipping & Store Policies
* Combined Shipping: Yes! I gladly combine shipping on multiple orders.
* More to Come: Be sure to check out my other vintage memorabilia listings, with new items added regularly.
* Returns: Buy with confidence—30-day returns accepted.
* Payment Policy: Prompt payment is appreciated. Non-paying buyers will be permanently blocked from future listings.
* International Buyers: Shipping is handled automatically via the International Shipping program. All international shipping fees and customs duties are calculated, set, and collected directly by .
