Who are these memory keepers? These trackers of the past? These tracers of time? What

drives them to do so? Colorful portraits of these black and white lovers.

It all started when Carole learned that her great-grandfather André Terzis was a postcard publisher. She decided to buy four of them on an auction site as a gift for her two children. But as it often happens in such cases, the collecting demon ruthlessly seizes its victims and so the quest begins. The young woman, who now lives in Canada, keeps her childhood memories of Lebanon close to her heart, and will only rest when the search ends.

Carole Truszkowski was born in Lebanon to a Polish father and a mother from the Tarazi family. She used to enjoy walks and exploring with her father, who was truly in love with his adopted country. In those days life was good, and beautiful days seemed to follow one another. Following her studies at “L’ École des Soeurs Fransiscaines” and a business degree, she joined the interior designer Sami el-Khazen in his gallery and later worked at the Maison Rose with Sheikha Margot.

Once she became Mrs. Tabib in 1980 at the age of 25, she left the country for Saudi Arabia and then for Canada where she lives today. However, one does not simply forget childhood happiness and the country of birth. Therefore, postcards are what will satisfy this longing for the old days.

At first, it will be those that were published by the Terzis in the stores of Beirut, Jerusalem and Damascus. While surfing on the net and visiting specialized fairs, Carole stumbled upon a collection of nuggets. Her interest in postcards soon became a passion and her enthusiasm turned her into a serious collector. As if to defend herself, she quotes Fouad Debbas who used to say of postcard collectors, “It’s a science, an art, a fantasy and I would add, a never-ending passion. ”

 

Carole is constantly on the hunt for cards from Lebanon, but also from Syria, Palestine, the whole of Asia Minor, from publishers such as Sarrafian, the French Post Office, Dakouni, Estel, Michel David, and from personal collections such as those of Albert Mizrahi and Georges Haddad. Since the last events in Lebanon, Carole has been facing fierce auctions.

As if every Lebanese wanted to cling to this country going adrift. In any case, whether in the morning or at night, she finds a way to relive Lebanon. These little pieces of the country are like memories of a lost paradise that have been rediscovered

Nearly 6,000 cards in a large series on all of Lebanon’s hotels, people, daily life in the mountains, as well as books, objects, and even ancient costumes. Each postcard is studied and gives way to a new discovery. Carole can’t stop talking about the evolution of places, landscapes, customs, and habits. ” In my collection, there is My Lebanon “. The one she wants to show us through these postcards. Let her tell us about it.

“Young girl from Lebanon with the tantour (editor André Terzis). One of my favorite Terzis cards, the softness of this girl’s face and eyes enchanted me. Her costume, her jewelry, and the tantour are beautiful. Upon viewing the character postcards, I also enjoyed buying jackets, and brocade robes made by Andre Terzis & Sons on the auction sites. The last man’s robe, a midnight blue background with turquoise cedars of Lebanon. These brocade pieces were bought in Terzis stores by tourists visiting Lebanon or Jerusalem, I bought them on eBay from the United States. ”

“Beirut – Franchet d’Esperey quarter and Pétain quarter (1936) (Janto editor). Names of French generals given to these military barracks (barracks of French soldiers during the mandate). I have a small collection of these barracks which I am particularly fond of. My father Ted Truszkowski worked as a chief telecommunication engineer for 25 years in the Lebanese Army (1948-1973) and his office was in Franchet d’Esperey.

There he created the radio amateurs club in Lebanon, a club he chaired for 25 years.

On the left background: this was “L’ École des Soeurs Fransiscaines” where I did my primary and part of my secondary education.

Building on the right: The Pétain district, which became a school for boys.

I lived in the street just behind “L’École des Frères” (now Barakat Street), the street does not even appear on the map anymore. This street leads to the Museum but the whole view changed. All my childhood lies in this picture! ”

“Centennial” card written in December 1921 by Paul Huvelin to his family in Lyon, first to wish them all the best for Christmas and the New Year and especially to announce the arrival of his first child. This card was sitting in one of my albums and I only found out that Paul Huvelin (the founder of the law school) was the author of this centennial card.

 

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