Looking for these?

It seems that ever since I returned my thrift store painting to it's original owner a few months ago, I've been obsessed with reuniting the past with the present.  This morning as I was beginning to pack things around the house I found these.  A collection of letters, collages, photos and funny anecdotes written – from what I can tell by my very sophisticated carbon-dating system – some time in the mid-1950's to a reverend/"father" traveling abroad from a parishioner.  To the best of my knowledge they were tucked inside a book I thrifted years ago.

I find it so interesting – having read all the letters – the way this person is addressing a member of clergy.  So informal, with jokes and a collage in tribute to cigarettes.

They aren't folded which makes me wonder if they were ever sent?!  They are bound together in almost a book-like way.  I can't seem to find any specific dates, locations or last names which may make my hunt for these connections a bit more challenging, but it just might be something I chip away at over the next few months.

Famous for my purges, it's a wonder I hang on to the things I do.  The painting aforementioned, this collection of letters – something keeps them around and safe from the landfill/craigslist.  While I've got a lot on my mind these days, the secret within these letters is a nice distraction for now.