Vintage Memorial/Prayer Cards

I find myself drawn to certain items at estate sales, thrift stores, and rummage sales, it appears that I fancy the items that nobody likes or wants, including the seller.

Last day estate sales, offer slashed prices on remaining items. Lines form early and are often long, with seasoned treasurer seekers hoping they will snag an item for half price that they saw the day before. I often times will stop at second day estate sales after church on Sunday. 

By the time I arrive the contents from the sale are slim pickings, but not for me, I enjoy picking through the unwanted ephemera, office items, linens, and my favorite place to seek treasures in on the floor under a table.

I found a small plastic bag full of memorial/prayer cards that were picked up at funerals from 1950 - 1970. 

Today, I though I would share some of these beautiful images.

Circa 1950 & 1956

Circa 1958 & 1964

Circa 1964 & 1969

Circa 1974 & 1978

Circa 1948 & 1966

Circa 1971 & 1975
These two cards represent a poignant reminder.

This three dimensional children's holy card has a lovely poem/prayer on the back.

To Our Lady

"Lovely Lady dressed in blue-

Teach me how to pray!

God was just your little Boy,

Tell me what to say!

Did you lift Him up, sometimes

Gently, on your knee?

Did you sing to Him the way

Mother does to me?

Did you hold his hand at night:

Did you ever try

Telling sories of the World?

Oh! And did He Cry!

Do the angels wings

Make a noise? And can He hear

Me if I speak low?

Does He understand me now?

Tell me -for you know!

Lovely Lady dressed in blue-

Teach me how to pray!

God was just your little Boy

And you know the way."