Legend of the Spanish Moss, Orlando, FL, 1955

Subject: Forests & Trees
Card type: Linen
Date: c. 1955 (Chrome)

Back of Legend of the Spanish Moss, Orlando, FL, 1955, Cathy Suter, PA, USA, c. 1955 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

2-8-55 Hi Sweetie how are all to day we had rain last night I am sending you one of Florida's delicacies you can take it to school for luck. 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.

PostmarkedOrlando, FL

Addressed to

Cathy Suter

729 Liberty Allentown, PA

Postcard record

Postmarked	Orlando, FL
Publisher	Curt Teich
Series	253-F—TROPICAL FLORIDA SERIES
Condition	Good
Place addressed	Cathy Suter, 729 Liberty, Allentown, PA
Publisher	Curt Teich, Chicago, IL
Stamp	2c John Adams, red, perforated on all sides
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 M (year not fully 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, Orlando, FL, 1955, postcard, c. 1955. PostalPast Collection. https://postalpast.com/postcard/legend-of-the-spanish-moss-orlando-fl-1955. Accessed November 2, 2026.