Victorian Handwriting

Here is the link to a pdf file about Victorian handwriting and the importance of letter writing in that era, along with examples of the fonts used, and examples of letters written in those fonts.

The Famous "Browning Letters"

I found a site today that has scanned the original letters of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, along with her husband, Robert Browning's letters. The couple's love letters are renowned for their depth of feeling, and are well worth taking the time to read (even if you don't read the originals).

Read them at Baylor's site :'The Browning Letters.'

Below is Robert Browning's love letter to Elizabeth Barrett from 1845.

The Etiquette of Letter Writing (1927)

"Social correspondence assumes added importance as our lives grow busier. Not that the visits of a generation ago which lasted the better part of an afternoon are superseded by a moment's stop in a motor and the dropping of cards; when a note must ofttimes accomplish as much as a lengthy call, it behooves us not only to be correct in our correspondence, but to be gracious as well. 
The purpose of this little book is to point the way...."  


This book, A Desk Book on The Etiquette of Letter Writing And Social Correspondence in General was published in 1927 by the Eaton, Crane, and Pike Company.
I bought mine at Amazon for a little over $3, and there are a few still available.


Contents Include:

• Social Correspondence
• Social Stationary
• Composing the Letter
• Mourning
• The Etiquette of Cards
• Invitations
• Engagements
• Wedding Forms
• Wedding Anniversaries
• Addressing People of Title
• Specific Problems

International Pen Pals

A few international pen pal letters I've received this year.

At the first of the year, I decided to expand my horizons and start writing to international pen pals. I found a few sites that were free to join, and found several pen pals (and some found me) to write to. Currently, I have pen pals in England, France, Malaysia, and Greece.

A word of caution: When joining pen pal sites, I wouldn't recommend posting your mailing address online. I leave an email address (one specifically created for pen pals), so if a person is interesting in becoming my pen pal, they can email me first. That way, I can make sure I only get mail from those I choose to get mail from. For instance, since I'm happily married, I don't pen pal with men, only women who are around my age.

International letters cost $1.10 to mail (per letter under 1 oz.), so it doesn't break the bank writing international letters, either.

Here is one site (Pen Pals Now) I used for pen pals, both in the U.S. and international. 

New Stationary Box

My old stationary box wasn't cutting it, so I had to buy a new one this weekend. I found this one (wood on the inside, vinyl and faux letter on the outside) at Hobby Lobby. The regular price is $25, but I bought it when it was 50% off. There were several like this one, and some that were shaped perfectly to store letters in, though I wouldn't want to pay the regular price for any of them. They usually go half off every other week, or you can get them 40% off by printing the coupon from their website, or downloading the app on your smart phone.

Join the Letter Writers' Alliance

I recently found the 13 Sparrows (in conjunction with the Letters Writers Alliance) site, and I happily share it with fellow letter writers, or those who would like to start writing traditional letters. They offer unique, vintage mail stationary and accessories, along with a blog that has a multitude of information on letter writing.

Membership is only $5 (or less if you purchase certain stationary at the same time).