1913 B&O Railroad Baggage Letter G.B.A. Correspondence Elkins Park Washington
The typewritten text is clear and legible, with only minor fading typical of early manual typewriters.
The typewritten text is clear and legible, with only minor fading typical of early manual typewriters.
A handwritten personal letter dated June 24, 1946, on whimsical letterhead featuring three black skunks in silhouette and the printed slogan “Here’s my three cents’ worth!”. Jean also references dancing on her recovering ankle, a detail that suggests a social life centered on local dance halls, a common leisure activity for young adults in the 1940s.
This typed letter, a piece of personal correspondence from the World War II era, was found among the effects of Oliver Odell Deane (1926-2004), a veteran who served in the United States Navy during the conflict.
Crucially, later handwritten annotations added at the top of the page provide a biographical coda: the writer, identified as R. Gill, “died Aug 16 1897 broken hearted, but an honest man.”. The paper exhibits typical toning, horizontal fold lines, and minor foxing consistent with age, while the ink remains dark and highly legible.
This illustrates the crucial role that agricultural production and distribution played in supporting both the Union and Confederate states during the war. The letter is signed with a simple “Yours Truly, Drew & French,” authenticating its origin from the New York-based firm.
The letter is dated June 19, 1894.
Holding this backstage pass, you get a sense of history and access that makes the whole display more interesting.
However, the handwriting remains legible, allowing for the content to be readily deciphered. The signature of A.O. Stumpis is clearly present, adding to the authenticity and historical value of the piece.
The handwriting is executed in a clear, flowing Spencerian script using iron gall ink, now faded to a warm brown, on cream-colored stationery that bears a faint embossed heraldic crest in the upper left corner, a common manufacturer’s mark for period writing paper.
The edges show minor wear and small tears, and the paper has yellowed significantly with age, becoming brittle.