January 24, 2017
January 24, 1944: “Two letters per month we can still write freely.”
I was surprised, but delighted, that my translator could read this writing. To me, it almost looks like shorthand! But, she continues to work miracles.
January 23, 2017
So, which is more difficult: Designing a font or writing a book?
The question was posed as a curiosity, and I speculate the person who asked expected that after hemming and hawing for a polite amount of time, I’d provide some kind of easy, definitive answer.READ MORE
January 3, 2017
January 3, 1945: “I took off without permission to find him…”
Typically I’m interested in handwritten letters, but this typed letter portrayed such a touching moment I had to buy it. The brothers’ reunion actually made me a little teary-eyed. I hope you enjoy reading it!READ MORE
December 24, 2016
December 24, 1943: “…pin up those toe and heel businesses…”
Dec 24th (1943)
My dearest,
You must be in bed by this time. It’s 8 o’clock here (12:30 A.M.) in Laurel [Mississippi]. I’ve been thinking of you constantly today. Today, of all days, we should be together and yet we’ve lots to do before we can start our life together again.READ MORE
December 23, 2016
December 24, 1943: “A fruitcake from Mollie”
Dec. 24, 1943
Dearest Mother and all,
I have been expecting to get a letter from you the past few days but so far no luck. READ MORE
December 21, 2016
December 21, 1942: “The Union of Lonesome Marines”
Dearest Wilma:
Received some of your belated mail today, from the 1st, 10th and 23rd of August. Good mail service, eh? Most of the news you have written in later letters. Oh yes! I understand what you mean about your social security card, now. Wilma! I am surprised at you!READ MORE
November 24, 2016
November 24, 1944: “I have already received the fruitcake…”
There are several reasons I was tickled to find this illustrated postcard. READ MORE
November 11, 2016
Thanks University of Minnesota Typography I students!
This afternoon I had the pleasure of telling Bill Moran’s University of Minnesota Typography I students about the design of the font P22 Marcel Script, then the story behind the font. READ MORE
November 8, 2016
Book Blurb: Cathryn J. Prince
In Marcel's Letters Carolyn Porter has plucked a powerful story from the recesses of history. After purchasing a trove of letters because of their elegant script, Porter embarked on a quest to solve the mystery of their authorship and in so doing embarks on a historical awakening of her own.
– Cathryn J. Prince, author of American Daredevil: The Extraordinary Life of Richard Halliburton, the World’s First Celebrity Travel Writer
November 3, 2016
April 20, 1892: “Far out upon the foaming brine…”
Many of the pieces of old, handwritten ephemera in my collection have serious content: they are notes from lawyers, financial ledger pages, or pages with messages about far-away loved ones or troubled times. But, occasionally I’ll find a handwritten letter with a delightful, whimsical content. This was one of those finds.READ MORE