When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Item Overview
- Type: Original Handwritten Letter & Historical Ephemera
- Date: August 9, 1906
- Origin: The Alien School (A rare spelling/variant of the famous progressive Allen School), West Newton, Massachusetts
- Author: Albert John Bailey
- Recipient: Mrs. Smith
- Format: 1-page single-sided letter on printed school letterhead
- Dimensions: Standard letter size (approx. 8.5\" x 11\")
Historical Significance & ContentThis fascinating turn-of-the-century letter captures a playful, humorous exchange between Albert John Bailey and a local friend. Writing on rare stationery from The Alien School in West Newton, MA, Bailey opens with a sarcastic joke about having an inflated ego from a previous letter, stating he needs a \"larger hat,\" a position at the \"Hall of Fame,\" and a \"set of wings.\"The core of the letter features a highly unique, multi-character satirical dialogue or game titled \"Moths a-singeing.\" Bailey mockingly interprets a portrait/photograph (\"Bertha Seth\'s shot\"), assigning dramatic, pining quotes to several individuals (including \"Sporty-Editor Marden,\" \"Automobile-face Jazger,\" and \"Singleton Bailey\") who are all fawning over a \"Lady Victim.\" The comedic piece concludes with the classic Shakespearean punchline: \"What fools these mortals be!\"Full TranscriptionThe Alien School
West Newton Massachusetts
Aug 9, 1906My dear Mrs. Smith:
I am going to buy a new and larger hat, since receiving your recent letter; shall also apply for position of doorkeeper in the Hall of Fame, and order a set of wings!To make amends for not enclosing Bertha Seth\'s shot I herewith enclose it for sure; and lest you should fail to appreciate it, I add an interpretation, read out of the several portraits presented.Moths a-singeing
Settlement St. Withuery: \"To be in love is this!\"
Sporty-Editor Marden: \"I\'m dyin\' for to ha\'e you look at me!\"
Automobile-face Jazger: \"I\'ll get her or bust!\"
Singleton Bailey: \"If she only knew how nice I am!\"
Happy Hall: \"I\'ll adore unseen.\"
Proud Possessor Smith: \"Let \'em singe!\"
The Lady Victim: \"What fools these mortals be!\"Cordially yours,
Albert (?) John Bailey
