handwritten letters

lettersI stumbled upon these handwritten letters a little while ago.  They were hidden in an old box in a local consignment shop. I was instantly drawn towards them, as I am with most vintage finds.  They are brown, brittle, and dated 1931 – 1934.

My initial goal was to scan them – to use them as layers in my photographs, which I still plan to do.  But as usual, when I get my hands on something that was once owned by someone else, it makes me stop and reflect and who that person might have been.

I have had these for a while now, and I haven’t read them in their entirety.  Each time I begin to read, I stop myself.  It feels as though as I am reading their diary, invading their privacy.

I’ll take my time.  One day, when the time is right, I will read them.  I’m curious to know about who this person was, and what their life was like over 70 years ago.

Vanessa - June 2, 2009 - 9:14 am

That’s beautiful. I write a lot, on paper, and I always hope that my writings survive so that someone will find them and get the joy of peaking into the life of years past.
History is beautiful.

Teri - June 2, 2009 - 10:24 am

Lovely shot A. I have a shoe box full of letters from my husband and I before we were married. Young teenagers in love. They are fun to read. I wonder what will happen to them in 70 years from now.

Melissa - June 2, 2009 - 11:03 am

That is a beautiful shot. I have a bunch of journals from when I was a teenager, before I transitioned to putting my feelings into a blog. I frequently go back to read them and then wonder where they will end up.

Wanda - June 2, 2009 - 11:13 am

Such restraint. I am far too nosy and curious to wait to read them. Lovely shot.

CarrieJ - June 2, 2009 - 11:21 am

I love old letters, too! Just the way they feel in your hand. Great find!

Ashley - June 2, 2009 - 1:00 pm

these are awesome. thank you for sharing!

Sue - June 2, 2009 - 1:47 pm

It’s nice that you are “savoring” the experience involved with these letters. Beautiful image.

Toni - June 2, 2009 - 5:32 pm

Letter writing, and handwriting in general, is a lost art these days. Whenever I have to write something by hand, it feels so unnatural, I have to actually think about what I’m doing, whereas hitting the keys on the keyboard just comes naturally (as I fix all my typos). A find like yours must be read when you have time to savor and enjoy. A delightful image.

Diane - June 2, 2009 - 9:39 pm

I understand that feeling. I have always been a letter writer (by hand). When my mother died, I discovered some personal letters she had saved in her wedding trunk. I still haven’t read them even though I would like to know more about her at that time. One day I shall read them but for now they are still hers.

Federica - June 3, 2009 - 2:57 am

I love this photo!

Relyn - June 3, 2009 - 1:45 pm

Oh. OH my. This is nothing less than a treasure trove. How lovely that you discovered them. And that you approach them with respect and appreciation. The image you’ve created perfectly captures the lovely feeling of receiving a handwritten letter.

Se'Lah - June 3, 2009 - 9:17 pm

What a treasured find. Great captures (no pun intended).

Absolutely awesome. History, is truly amazing.

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