Yesterday while at the Goodwill Surplus store, I came across two tattered old books in a plastic bag. They intrigued me, so I paid the $1 to buy them.
One of the books was a family Bible - it's leather cover coming apart in chunks. Oh the treasures tucked within - old postcards, letters, pressed flowers ... but more on that later.
The second book was a battered dictionary, with no cover, hand written notes scattered throughout. Treasured letters were tucked between it's pages. It was owned by someone (I get the impression of an old lady, but that's just me I think) who loved words.
Several of the letters tucked into the dictionary were written by "Vern". As I read through these letters, I fell in love with his country charm. He wrote as he spoke.
12/25/68Hi VOLKS OR I MIGHT FOLKS
I'm not going to write or see you anymore this year. So thar. Gee I Dissaponted' you never seent (sent) me my bannanes insted you cut them up in my frute cake Boy what a dretty (dirty) truck (trick) you pauld (played) on me.
I was So! dissaponted I Had "cry just a little bit, Geech. Boy when I get Home when I get home you've! just Had it thats It, I'm telling, you thats it now, youve just had I now. Well for instenes (instance) I was and stell am so mad I ate some of that bannana furt grade and to Eat any thing with bannanas in it will it (halps). Makes you get over being made (mad)
(over)
Gee I worked today 25th. Allday too. Boy its some-things to see them sapost (supposed) to be helpless poeplo (people) open gifts well! hell thare not acctcherly (actually) Helpless to a sertten (certain) point, you might say only there handy capt (handicapped) is about all I guss. two feelows that careral, they where ones that opened Gift like a eez you might say or go a Head and say I sure wont stop you that for sure! Im here.
Oh yes they will fix my car only $400. Dollars to get it fix is about all too.
I stell dont know when I'll get fix tho, soon tho, the way he talked. So looks like I might just see you soon like (maybe) I'll see yous soon. So well see you sometimes soon. Well that's about it now. Might see you or write soon.
V E R N
Isn't this the most delicious letter you've ever read? Apparently Vern worked at a State School for handicapped people somewhere in Idaho in the mid to late 1960's ... and was possibly a bit handicapped himself ... his view of the "handy capt" people he worked with is adorable.
There are 2 more letters from Vern, as well as a note from his mom to herself about a phone call they had. I can hardly wait to share more from this delightful family!
To see all things postal, including delightful old letters, visit Gemma at Greyscale Territory - and join us for Weekend Mailbox!
3 comments:
What a darling fellow! I bet he would be flummoxed to find his letters on something like the internet--I bet he never dreamed it. lol I hope we hear more from Vern.
O wow! This is such an intimate glimpse into past lives! Incredible! Adored this post!
What a treasure! It was meant to be found by you Clytie. I once purchased a beautiful old coat at the thrift store, and when I got it home I found an antique rosary tucked in one of the pockets. Pink glass beads, just beautiful. After many years I finally gave it to my mom, who appreciated it very much. I still have the coat.
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