Legend of the Spanish Moss, circa 1940

Subject: Forests & Trees
Card type: Linen
Date: c. 1930 (White Border)

Back of Legend of the Spanish Moss, circa 1940, Cathy Suter, PA, USA, c. 1930 linen postcard — Back

About this postcard

A moss-draped live oak leans over a sandy path bordered by red flowers, with a palm and a glimpse of water in the background; the lower half of the card carries a comic verse, "Legend of the Spanish Moss," telling how the beard of the Spaniard Gorez Goz was caught in a tree and lives on as Spanish moss. The poem plays on a widely told Southern folk legend — versions appear in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina — that explains the hanging epiphyte Tillandsia usneoides as a Spaniard's beard. The card is initialed "T. S. Y." at the end of the verse.

Postcard Details

Message · English, in pen

2-8-53 Hi Sweetie how are all to day we had rain last night I am sending you 3 of Florida's delicasies you can take it to school for lunch. Glass some palm seed keep them & we will plant them I leave Wed for Miami love & kisses Blondy S.

PublisherCurt Teich

Legend of the Spanish Moss A villain there was named Gorez Goz Who journeyed here from Spain. The natives feared him much because His heart was set on a gain. Gorez espied an Indian maid Who filled his fondest hope. He bought her for a yard of braid And a little bar of soap. The Indian maid was sore afraid And fled this bearded brute. She sped o'er hill and field and glade With Gorez in pursuit. At last the maiden climbed a tree; The Spaniard did the same. The lass was bent on being free; Gorez desired his claim! She balanced on a slender limb Then dove into the brook. She much preferred a morning swim To this bearded Spanish crook. The troubles of Gorez begin His naughty plans are queered, He snags the whiskers of his chin The branches hold his beard. The Indian maiden thus is free Gorez's life is a loss, But his beard lives on for you to see As dangling Spanish Moss! T. S. Y. --- POST CARD 253-F—TROPICAL FLORIDA SERIES GENUINE CURT TEICH CHICAGO "C.T. ART-COLORTONE" POST CARDS

PostmarkedOrlando, FL

Addressed to

Cathy Suter

729 Liberty, Allentown, PA

Postcard record

Postmarked	Orlando, FL
Publisher	Curt Teich
Condition	Good
Place addressed	Cathy Suter, 729 Liberty, Allentown, PA
Publisher	Curt Teich, Chicago, IL
Stamp	2c John Adams, red
Notes	Linen-textured stock with visible crosshatch weave; no white border; printed verse panel occupies the lower half of the front. Postmark: ORLANDO FLA FEB 8 12 (year not legible; sender dated the card 2-8-55). Linen-textured C.T. Art-Colortone "Tropical Florida Series" card, divided back, 2¢ John Adams stamp with "NEW HOPE FOR HEARTS" slogan cancel; light edge wear and slight toning.

Cite this card

Legend of the Spanish Moss, circa 1940, postcard, c. 1930. PostalPast Collection. https://postalpast.com/postcard/legend-of-the-spanish-moss-circa-1940. Accessed October 24, 2026.