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G. M. Green crossing finishing line, Waltham, MA, 1908

Subjects
AdvertisingAuto Racing
Card type
Real photo
Date
c. 1908 (Golden Age)
Front of G. M. Green crossing finishing line, Waltham, MA, 1908, c. 1908 real photo postcard
Front
Back of G. M. Green crossing finishing line, Waltham, MA, 1908, c. 1908 real photo postcard
Back

About this postcard

Motorcyclist G. M. Green crosses the finishing line of the Waltham Road Race on September 7, 1908, riding an M-M-7 H.P. twin built by the American Motor Co. of Brockton, Massachusetts. Spectators in period dress line the road behind him, with utility poles and trees beyond. The printed caption claims Green was "traveling at the rate of 71 miles per hour," a striking speed for the era. The caption uses that speed to promote the Brockton-built machine, and early motorcycle makers commonly used races and speed runs to prove their products. The image served as advertising for the M.M. motorcycle.

Postcard Details

Message · German, in pen

Chicago 29/8 1930 Dein Brief und Karte werden wohl erhalten haben Gestern Abend Mr. J. [illegible] in Ihrem [illegible] von Deinem letzten Brief 10 Uhr Da haben wir heute wollen sie hier [illegible] die sind gestern hier angekommen [illegible] leben wohl

Translation

Chicago 29/8 1909 Your letter and card have probably arrived Yesterday evening Mr. J. [illegible] in your [illegible] from your last letter 10 o'clock Today we have want here [illegible] they arrived here yesterday [illegible] farewell

PublisherAmerican Motor Co.
G.M. GREEN CROSSING THE FINISHING LINE TRAVELING AT THE RATE OF 71 MILES PER HOUR, WALTHAM ROAD RACE, SEPT. 7TH 1908, ON HIS M - M - 7 H.P. TWIN BUILT BY AMERICAN MOTOR CO. BROCKTON MASS.
PostmarkedOAK PARK, August 29, 1930, 19:30
Addressed to
Mrs W. L. Evy

Osceola, MO

Postcard record

Postmarked, OAK PARK
PublisherAmerican Motor Co.
ConditionFair
Place addressedMrs W. L. Evy, Osceola, MO
Place depicted11 Harvard St, Waltham, MA, 02453
Place mentionedAmerican Motor Co., Brockton, MA
PublisherAmerican Motor Co., Brockton, MA
NotesSepia real-photo postcard; printed caption on image; heavy wear, creases, and stains; no white border. Postmark: OAK PARK AUG 29 1930. Divided-back advertising card for the M.M. Motorcycle (American Motor Co., Brockton, Mass.); stamp appears removed/torn away; German message written sideways along the left edge, dated Chicago 29/8 1930; light soiling and corner wear.

Cite this card

G. M. Green crossing finishing line, Waltham, MA, 1908, postcard, c. 1908. PostalPast Collection. https://postalpast.com/postcard/g-m-green-crossing-finishing-line-waltham-ma-1908. Accessed November 2, 2026.