Antique Postcard 1915 Forbidden Garden Mission Santa Barbara California Friars Mitchell

Social History: The image features two Franciscan friars in traditional brown habits walking through the lush courtyard, providing a rare human glimpse into life at the mission during the early 1900s. The back captures a specific moment in time—a Christmas greeting mailed on December 20, 1915, from Beaudre to Mr. Herbert Piggott at the historic New American House in Boston, Massachusetts.

Scene: The garden was historically a private sanctuary for the Franciscan friars and was "forbidden" to women, a rule strictly enforced for centuries. It was a primary attraction promoted by the Southern Pacific Railroad during its early 20th-century California tourism campaigns.

Era: Divided Back (1907–1915)
Publisher: Edward Mitchell
Type: Printed Lithograph
Size: Standard 3.5 x 5.5"
Condition: Shows character through the ages with soft corners and light edge wear.

This is an authentic vintage item. Use the zoom tool to inspect the photos for a detailed view of the condition.