Dutch Mae West: Glamour, Grit, and a Postcard from Marken
Introducing The Mae West of Marken—Dutch Edition
Whenever I crack open a box of old photos and postcards, it feels like I’m stepping into a time machine that didn’t bother reading the instructions. Seriously, who knows what kind of treasures—or mysteries—are about to tumble out? And this time, I struck gold.
Behold: an autographed postcard featuring none other than the self-proclaimed “Mae West” of Marken, Netherlands. Now, let’s pause for a moment of appreciation. While the original Mae West had the glitz of Hollywood, this Dutch Mae West…well, let’s just say she brings the charm in a very different way. But make no mistake—it’s all about the attitude, people. And this lady clearly had it in spades, even without the help of a red carpet or a movie studio.
What’s most surprising about this postcard is the vibe. While Mae West (the original) was known for her sharp wit and glamorous quips, Dutch Mae West looks like she just finished wrestling a windmill and won. And that grin? It says she knows something we don’t—a secret, maybe even a bit of gossip from Marken, which I bet could make even Mae West blush.
In fact, Dutch Mae West reminds me a little of the Duck Lady of New Orleans. Ever heard of her? She was this older woman who resembled Granny Clampett and would roller skate up and down the streets of the French Quarter with a duck tucked under her arm. I mean, talk about owning your eccentricity and working it! No cameras, no celebrity status—just pure, unapologetic individuality. That’s what both these ladies had in common: they turned heads and left an impression you wouldn’t forget.
Now, here’s the deal: despite the fact that this postcard was found among a bunch of old-timey odds and ends, I’m dying to know if anyone can fill me in on who this fabulous woman actually was. Did she regularly charm tourists, or was she just the local celebrity Marken didn’t know it needed? Maybe someone out there can help a curious soul out—her name, her story, anything! Because let’s face it: this lady knew how to steal the spotlight without a single camera flash in sight.
If you thought my usual writing was all serious (thanks to my deep dive into the Eastland Disaster), I’ve always had a quirky sense of humor. Honestly, I couldn’t keep a lid on it if I tried. Finding this postcard was a delightful reminder that history is full of characters who bring some much-needed lightheartedness, even from the unlikeliest of places.
“Mae West” of Marken, Netherlands
Whoever she is!
Mae West
The real deal—Hollywood style.
