The product is a complete letter from the year 1922, making it a valuable collectible for history enthusiasts and collectors of vintage correspondence. This letter offers a glimpse into the past and provides a unique piece of paper memorabilia from the early 20th century. With its authenticity and historical significance, this 1922 complete letter is sure to be a cherished addition to any collection of rare and old letters.While the envelope features a standard, common 2-cent Washington red stamp, the primary value comes from the postmark from Bowdoin, Montana—a small, historic railway town that has since vanished into a ghost town/wildlife refuge—combined with the vivid, domestic details of 1920s homestead life.
Key Historical & Value Elements
• The Ghost Town Postmark: The circular date stamp is clearly marked Bowdoin, MONT. Jul 8, 1922. Bowdoin was a bustling stop on the Great Northern Railway in Phillips County, but it eventually declined. This makes the cover highly desirable to collectors specializing in dead post offices (DPOs) or Montana postal history.
• The \"Dear Aunt Mollie\" Connection: The envelope is addressed to Mary L. Shoemaker, but the letter opens with \"Dear Aunt Mollie.\" This confirms that \"Mollie\" was Mary\'s family nickname.
• The Writer Identified: The letter is written by Mary\'s niece, Florence B. Ide (signed at the end). The return address on the envelope marks her as Mrs. Albert D. Ide.
• Vivid Homesteading Details: The letter captures the daily struggles and simple joys of 1922 Montana life:
• Water Scarcity: She notes that her father and husband (\"He & Albert\") are \"working hard trying to get water,\" a classic struggle for high plains homesteaders.
• Daily Rhythms: She describes baking lots of bread, doing the wash on Wednesdays, and learning to care for her 18-month-old baby boy.
Full Transcript of the Letter
Page 1 (Image 3)
Bowdoin, Mont.
July 7, 1922.
Dear Aunt Mollie:
I am getting supper and have time for only a short letter.
I received your nice letter on May 27th, when we went to town. On that day, I mailed you a box of oatmeal cookies, but have never heard whether or not you received them. I did not insure the package. I made some cookies the day before, and they turned out nice, so thought
Page 2 (Image 4)
you might like them. The weather was cool, so thought the cookies would keep. I was in that hurry so didn\'t write a letter that day.
Papa came on June 26th. He + Albert are working hard trying to get water.
It is so nice of you to offer to send some flannelette for the baby next winter. I will have to dress him warm now that he is walking.
We had company for supper last night. Today
Page 3 (Image 5)
I washed. Wednesday I baked, + am going to bake tomorrow. We eat lots of bread. I have grown quite expert about baking bread.
The baby is so good, bright, + healthy. He has twelve teeth which is the average number at 18 months. He is so healthy + happy dispositioned I never am bothered with his fretting when cutting teeth.
He mimics everything we do. He keeps us laughing.
I took some pictures of him
Page 4 (Image 6)
recently, but they did not turn out well. My camera does not open + close as it should.
I am glad you are well + things going along nicely for you. I hope you had a nice visit with Aunt Chloe.
Well, I must close + finish supper.
With lots of love from us.
Your loving niece.
Florence B. Ide.
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