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Antique Western Union Telegraph Company “Night Message” telegram concerning the Texas lumber trade.
Sent from Amarillo, Texas, to M. T. Jones Lumber Co. in Houston, with a typed routing notation reading “Via FtWorth.” The form features purple printing, typed message text, a “Received / Answered” stamp, and handwritten pencil notations.
The message is believed to read:
“Have you loaded boards or other
kind lumber for us,
W T Jones Lbr Co,”
An interesting example of business communication used to check on a lumber shipment.
Printed on Western Union Form No. 292, advertising “21,000 Offices in America” and “Cable Service to All the World.” The form includes printed names of company officers Norvin Green and Thos. T. Eckert; these are not handwritten signatures.
Dating: The form has a printed “189” date prefix. Handwritten receiving/answering notations appear to include October 14, 1897, while the typed originating line reads “Amarillo Tex 13.” The document is offered as an 1890s telegram, with the precise date interpretation unconfirmed.
Transcription and handwritten-date interpretations are provided to the best of our ability. Please examine the photographs for the actual wording and markings.
CONDITION:
Noticeable age-related browning, folds, creasing, edge tears, and missing paper along the left edge and corners. A long diagonal tear extends inward from the right edge. Includes handwritten calculations and other marks. The central typed message remains readable. Please review all photographs carefully.
Includes the single telegram pictured, with a blank reverse.
Inventory Location: File Box 1, Row 1
