My Baby, She Wrote Me a Letter
Last week’s junket to the Kane County Flea Market resulted in a few treasured finds, but the least of my purchases resulted in a wonderful surprise. I was looking for something to go with this rusted, spiral piece that hubby found in the same dump as the bottles we’ve collected. It looks like a bed spring to me, but I could be wrong.
All I know is, I love the shape and rusticity and envisioned it on my desk … doing something.
I decided to look for vintage postcards or something similar at the flea market.
I remembered a booth that was selling vintage papers, books, ephemera, maps, and more.
I found this little packet of old letters for $2. I didn’t offer a lower price.
This letter was separate from the pack tied with twine and is post marked 1916.
The little packet of envelopes fit perfectly in the rusty bed spring.
The post mark says 1932 on the top letter. And look at the 2-cent stamp!
Then I got curious and wondered if anything was inside the envelopes.
There were several envelopes and each still contained its letter!
I truly enjoyed reading each and every one … wondering about the person who wrote it,
and the person who received the letter so many years ago.
This one is dated 1952 and contains a Christmas letter from an auto body shop.
This was written by Ellis while she was at college.
Auf wiedersehen is “goodbye” in German (I looked it up).
And I think Arbeiten sie is “work” in German followed by beaucoup which is French for “much.”
Correct me if I’m wrong! I used Google Translate.
And look at this one, in an envelope dated 1935. Do you see the sentence that says,
“I did not see any moving pictures.” Moving pictures! Then she talks about the movie “Go Into Your Dance,”
starring Al Jolson, Ruby Keeler, and Glenda Farrell. I think I’m going to rent it.
And finally, I found this invitation to a baby shower back in 1944.
“No booties” is penciled in the corner. I wonder if Alice wrote that when she called to RSVP.
This “Easter Joys” postcard was also for sale at the booth. Her papers are all very pretty.
But the true treasure was the unexpected letters from years past tucked inside the tattered envelopes.
The rusty bed spring has finally found its special purpose.
Now I just need to figure out what to do with the other rusty pieces my hubby found.
Wow, Jennifer, those letters are really special, so fun to read, and they’re perfect for your rusty bed spring! All of the items on your desk look so charming together. Love that postcard with the angel too!
Those letters are so sweet. What will the next generatiion have to remember us by, I wonder.
What fun you must have had to read those letters! Great use for your rusty spring!
You found the perfect thing to do with that spring! Love the old letters and I really love that desk too!
Great idea on utilizing the bed spring. I have some rusty things but they do shed rust too. Do you do anything or know how to seal it so the rust doesn’t constantly flake off? I worked in Iowa City for years and loved that University town. I noticed one of the letters was sent there.
Thanks for sharing the letters. I just love anything from the past. Even mundane everyday life back then interests me.
What a sweet treasure. It is interesting to read the old letters and cards and get a glimpse of yesteryear. I love your vignette on your desk. Pamela
I’m so bummed I didn’t make it to the fair again this month. You certainly found some very special things this time. Thanks for sharing, liz
Jennifer,
Love that rusty old spring.LOVE,LOVE ,LOVE IT! And what a treat to find those old letters.Amazing the condition they are still in.
Anne
What a wonderful Post! Lucky you for finding these delightful treasures. And I love your new “letter holder”. : )
M.L.
I recently posted about some old letters I found at the thrift store. They were so fun to read…and display. I love how you’ve used that neat rusty spring to display yours! Now I need one! 😀
♥Linsey
Beautiful photos…..
Sounds like you had a lot of fun reading those old letters. What a great find!
Mary Alice
Don’t you just love the stories and the history found in old letters and envelopes and in that personal handwriting. Reminds us to make sure to take some time to do the same. No one will pick up an old email or text or tweet or facebook page at a flea market one day and gush over it. We have to write on paper once in a while. Sigh. Love seeing these. I found you at Romantic Home’s link party. I hope you’ll stop by and visit me at Quirky Vistas!
Liz
Loveeeeeeee the rusty old spring come letter holder. Brilliant!!
It must be very beautiful sensation to read those letters and realize you are travelling back in time, to those days when they lived and knowing about their lives.
I liked the one of the baby shower, I felt like I wanted to go, and for a moment I felt myself in those days. I am sure you enjoyed reading those letters, they are unique.
Between your mirrors in your last entry or your fabulous letters & that amazing spring!…I can’t decide which makes my heart beat faster MORE!
p.s. the pink mirror wins…I am seriously crazy over it!
Thanks for dropping by!
Wow $2 is a small price to pay for a trip back in time like that! They are perfect for the spring. BTW the spring looks about the size and thickness of a couple on my old spring cart (pony cart) in the stables.
Cheers, Robyn
Love those old letters and how you have displayed them ! Such a lucky find for $2.
I just wanted to let you know that I have nominated you for the Kreativ Blogger Award. Stop by my blog for the details!
What a great find for $2. The letters are so wonderful. You sure did manage to find a good use for that spring.
Thanks for sharing.
Michele
Followed over from Feathered Nest. Cannot believe the deal on the packet of letters. I collect ephemera, and at estate sales I usually head for the trash where they often just toss paper items. I am your newest Linky follower. I will be back to browse more of your posts.
Distressed Donna Down Home
Jennifer,
What a lovely find!
I enjoy your blog –
Melanie
Love the vintage letters postcards – bundles of kept letters is so romantic!
♥
Melissah
I have a few letters from my great grandparents and they are indeed such a treasure.
Love the creative way you displayed the old letters and cards. What a sense of history from those old sentiments and comments!
Una magnifica idea!!!!
Un saludo muy cariñoso.
Manoli
Thanks for linking up friend, you know I love this!
♥Linsey
What an amazing treasure you found! Love how you used the rusty spring as a letter holder.
love this!! xo
Love these old treasures! I have some old letters from my grandparents that I will treasure always~sweet romance. Very creative display! Angie
Jennifer, Very creative and I love this idea! Thanks for linking to the Open House party.