Visits to or from Germany were very much the exception until the mid-20th century, largely because of the expensive and arduous journey. Photographs were a substitute for personal encounters. People could see children growing up, and their parents and family growing older, or they could turn emigration into a success story by posing, proudly and well-nourished, in front of their very own house in the New World. Presents sent in both directions also kept people aware of each other - and in times of war or crisis, packages sent from America provided very welcome support.