A steam packet rides peacefully at anchor in the crystalline crescent of Avalon Bay while the tiled rooftops of the little resort town spill down the hillside to a sandy pier — this bird's-eye view of Santa Catalina Island captures the remote, unhurried charm that made Avalon one of Southern California's most fashionable early escapes, decades before the Wrigleys built their famous Casino ballroom on the point. Mailed from Los Angeles on April 16, 1909, the card was sent by someone named Frances to a Mrs. Schraeder at 726 S. Comet Street in New York City's Bronx borough — Frances writes warmly that she's "heard you haven't been feeling well but sincerely hope you are enjoying good health by now," adding that "this island is a famous summer resort — love to all." Published by Rotograph Co. of Philadelphia and New York and printed in Germany, the card bears a one-cent Benjamin Franklin stamp.