Santa Clara, Cal.
June 24, 1908
Dear Sir: I perceive from your letter addressed to Mr. A.S. Daumer that you are somewhat disappointed in your son’s showing. The lad has indeed been very lazy but possibly his illness palliates his offence. Let us hope he may do better next year.
We are not accustomed to keep any students for the vacation as you desire.
With regards Devotedly, Jos. P. Lydon
I found this hand inked letter at the Alameda Antiques Fair. The elegant lettering is what first caught my eye, followed by the thought that this “lad” needed some attention — of what kind, I didn’t know when I purchased the letter. Although long since deceased, I have blocked the name of the recipient for privacy. With a little help from a google search and a curious husband, I believe we’ve located the grandson of this lad and plan to mail him the letter. If he is indeed the grandson, this particular vendor at the flea market has several more letters written to the same recipient. Who says a handwritten letter doesn’t live on forever? Stay tuned . . .
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