It is the holiday season of 1970-71 and, sadly, it is Mr. Link's final card. He passed away a few months later on March 3, 1971, two days after falling ill while he was painting.

This last card shows a very colorful bird. Given the message, we'd assume it is the dove of peace. Doves are a species that are arrayed in many colors--ranging anywhere from white to grey to multi-colored. He obviously chose a more colorful species to include on his final card.

This card appears to be painted by him and printed on heavy card stock. According to his grandchildren, Mr. Link routinely used a printer in Itasca for many years for his art projects. Did they print this card?

The message on the inside is one that acknowledges the ongoing troubles in the world, yet establishes that it is a delight to reach out to their family and friends at this time of the year.

The card is sent in the name of both Estelle and Adolph. Take a look at the way he writes the "l" and the "p" of Adolph. It is a stylistic element he must have adapted early on. It is also interesting that his signature is so clear. Many signatures are not but his attention to detail in his job probably drove that important characteristic. It was also an age when cursive was king!

Jane Rozek
Local History Librarian
Schaumburg Township District Library
jrozek@stdl.org