Antique illustrated poem postcard with the verse "From my study I see in the lamplight, Descending the broad hall stair, Grave Alice and laughing Allegra, And Edith with golden hair." The scene shows a white-bearded man writing at his desk through red curtains while three little girls come down the red-carpeted stairs past a tall clock. Gold border, embossed, divided back. Standard size, about 5.5 x 3.5 inches. Light corner wear, a little scattered pink speckling on the back, and an ink message; the front is bright and clean.

Posted with a green 1 cent Franklin stamp (Series 1902), circular postmark Oct. 2, 8 AM, 1908, Ohio; the town name is partly struck and appears to read Minerva. Addressed in ink to Mary Esther Burton, Salem, O., Wilson St. 209. Message: "Had a good reception. Pearl went up in first heat so will come home to-morrow. Good Bye, Mable."

The verse is from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem The Children's Hour, and the old man at the desk represents the poet. From a family group of cards to the Burton family of Salem, Ohio.