The letter is composed in dark fountain pen ink on a single sheet of aged, yellowed paper that bears the pre-printed letterhead of the U.S. Army Air Force at the top center. The letter closes with seasonal greetings and a request to hear from her again, signed simply, “My Regards, Jay.”.
The letter itself is written in a casual, conversational tone, revealing the writer’s familiarity with the recipient, Ed, and their shared experiences. The letter opens with a friendly inquiry about Ed’s well-being and references to mutual acquaintances, including Mr. Parton and Evelyn, suggesting a tight-knit community.
This is an original, handwritten three-page personal letter from the World War II era, found among the effects of Oliver Odell Deane (1926-2004), who served in the United States Navy during the conflict.
A nice touch with polypropylene is the gentle rigidity it provides, so the piece doesn’t flop around in your hand.
The writer suggests that the plaid material can be fashioned into a “very nice little dress,” emphasizing the importance of resourcefulness in clothing construction.
The letter is composed on a single sheet of paper bearing the printed letterhead “UNITED STATES NAVY” and the official Navy emblem, a fouled anchor entwined with the letters “USN.”. The paper itself exhibits a uniform, deep cream to light tan coloration, indicative of significant age and natural paper degradation.
The letterhead features the Great Seal of the United States centered above the bold, serifed type, lending an official character to the personal missive. This detail illuminates the informal economies and social interactions that flourished on bases during the war.
The letter is written in blue ink on a sheet of paper bearing the printed red text “UNITED STATES NAVY” at the top left, angled slightly. The inclusion of the service number, unit designation “Z-23 Com.
The letter is composed on cream-colored lined stationery in a distinctive purple or violet ink, a formulation common to the period that has retained its hue despite a century of aging.
The handwritten inquiry demonstrates the procedures employed by real estate agents during the period.
