This vintage printable book page includes an article on letter writing and an illustration. The illustration features a stack of letters that is framed by plenty of swirls and flourishes all around. The top letter on the stack is addressed to Hill Standard Book Co., Publishers, Chicago. The illustrated postmark is addressed from Buffalo, N.Y., and is dated Nov 14.
Following are the basic rules the writer includes on letter writing:
Style and Manner.
The expression of language should, as nearly as possible, be the same as the writer would speak. A letter is but a talk on paper. The style of writing will depend on upon the terms of intimacy existing between the parties. If to a superior, it should be respectful; to inferiors, courteous; to friends, familiar; to relatives, affectionate.
Originality.
Do not be guilty of using that stereotyped phrase,
Dear Friend:
I now take my pen in hand to let you know that I am well, and hope you are enjoying the same great blessing.
Be original. You are not exactly like any one else. Your letter should be a representative of yourself, not of anybody else. The world is full of imitators in literature, who pass on, leaving no reputation behind them. Occasionally originals come up, and fame and fortune are ready to do them service. The distinguished writers of the past and present have gone aside from the beaten paths. Letter writing affords a fine opportunity for the display of originality. In your letter be yourself; write as you would talk.
Click HERE for the full-size printable PDF of the letter writing page.
Here are three black and white clip art versions of the image from the page. The first version includes the title and the swirls around the stack of letters.
In this second version, I have removed the swirls and the title from around the stack of envelopes.
And in the third version, I have removed the writing from the top envelope on the stack.
I scanned the original page from Hill’s Manual of Social and Business Forms by Thos. E. Hill. The book was published in 1887.
New in my Etsy shop this week is a coffee dyed printable writing themed paper pack. A vintage image and/or text is digitally stamped on the left and on the right side of each page. Ink saver printable pages with the images on a white background are also included in the listing.
Preview image is linked to my Etsy shop.
How Lovely, thank you so much. My mother-in-law recently passed away at the age of 93. She was an avid letter writer and saved every single letter written back to her. We even have the letters she and my husband’s dad wrote each other when he was in college. Very interesting indeed. Thanks so much for sharing this.
Wow, Judy, I love it! The letters from your mother-in-law are treasures for your family to enjoy for many years to come!
I’m so happy to know you enjoyed this vintage letter writing article. ?
Julie
Thanks a bunch. I purchased your writing package yesterday, so this is perfect for the grouping.
You’re welcome, Christine. I thought this would go well with the writing paper pack. Thank you for your purchase. ?
Dear Julie,
How beautiul, and reminiscent of the 70+ years that my Mother kept in touch with her 8 siblings all through her life. My Mom was always writing. She also wrote hundreds of poems, personally composed for each person.
Thank you for this wonderful group of letter writing materials – I will enjoy it so much.
June
Dear June,
Thank you for sharing your wonderful memories of your Mother’s writing! It sounds like she was a gifted writer to write poems, personally composed for each person.
I’m happy to know that you will enjoy this group of letter writing materials.
Julie ?
Oh you’ve done it again! My own bit of vintage computer finally died & is being replaced by a new “All in 1” — no tower! I still needed to get my blog out on time. Among other things I mentioned the way technology won’t probably be as sustainable and searchable for future historians as letters. I’ve just gone back and added one of your vintage letter writing jpgs, giving full credit for your always wonderful site! Thank you.
Hi Lois,
I purchased a new computer in December but I went with a tower. I was considering an all-in-one but I was worried about what happens if the monitor dies. I hope it lasts a long time for you!
I’m glad one of my vintage letter writing jpgs was suitable for your blog post. Thank you for giving credit to my site.
Julie ?
These are great! Thanks so much, Julie! Happy New Year!
You’re welcome, KT Fit Kitty. I’m happy to know you like them!
Happy New Year to you as well! ?