Curator’s Corner: Marjorie & Louis (Apache Indian Reservations)
We return yet again to "Marjorie & Louis" with this postcard written by Marjorie Daingerfield to her sister, Gwendolyn, while she and her husband, Louis Lundean, were traveling out west. Marjorie and Louis would keep up with their family through letters, as well as postcards that documented their trip.
The front of this postcard features an artists' illustrated depiction of Native Americans from one of the Apache Indian Reservations in either New Mexico or Arizona. All his life, Louis felt a strong interest and respect towards the preservation of Native American culture, which drove him to return to N.M. and A.Z. for many years. The description on the back, however, shows that the Reservations were often marketed towards the interests of potential tourists. It states, "There are three Apache Indian Reservations located in New Mexico and Arizona. They are a very hardy race and each tribe lives in rugged mountain fastnesses, are very picturesque in their dress, and follow their ancient customs and dances."
Marjorie wrote to her sister, "Dearest Gwen, Here we are having a marvelous time in Santa Fe. We drove up yesterday from Roswell. Have to go back as Louis has an order to do a portrait of the old man there. He did Captain Mossman's portrait and has to have his. Keep on forwarding mail to Albuquerque. Love to you all. Marjorie."
Image Credit: Postcard, front and back, sent from Marjorie Daingerfield to her sister, Gwendolyn Daingerfield Dulaney, from Santa Fe, New Mexico. Private collection.