20 - 1.13.24 – Correspondence from “Hope” (“Doodle”) to Mr. Jesse Redyard (Arkansas)

Letter

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The Recorded Image Project

Name/Title

20 - 1.13.24 – Correspondence from “Hope” (“Doodle”) to Mr. Jesse Redyard (Arkansas)

Entry/Object ID

RE-LE-COLLHE-0054

Description

A playful and structured early letter from a young woman signing as “Hope” (later “Doodle”), sent from Haleyville, Alabama to Jesse Redyard in Arkansas, expressing affection, humor, and early courtship sentiments—including a humorous leap-year marriage proposal.

Subject

Courtship correspondence; romantic expression; student or young adult writing culture

Subject Place

State/Province

Arkansas

Continent

North America

Category

Love & Courtship

Letter Details

Letter Date

Jan 8, 1924

Time Period

20th Century

Postmark

Date and Time of Postmark

Haleyville, Alabama January 8, 1924 (likely partial or earlier marking—slight inconsistency between written and postal date; common in reused envelopes or delayed posting) Time: 12 M (noon)

Transcription

Transcription

[Page 1] Place: Haleyville, Ala. Time: Leap Year I Salutation Dearest Jesse. II My reason for writing: A. I’m lonesome. B. I have nothing else to do. C. Just found a stamp. D. I’m thinking of you. E. It’s leap year. III Topics – A. The weather It’s raining. Love. [Page 2] I love you. I need you. I want you. Please marry me. (Remember it’s leap year) IV Conclusion A. Signed “Hope” V P.S. A. Please write me. Box 7 Haleyville Ala.

Language

English

Ethnography

Notes

This letter is a wonderful example of playful, semi-formal romantic correspondence among young adults in the early 20th century, with several notable features: Structured composition: The outline format (Roman numerals, bullet points) reflects school-based writing conventions, suggesting the writer is likely educated, possibly a student or teacher. Leap Year tradition: The reference to leap year is culturally significant—women were socially permitted (even encouraged humorously) to propose marriage during leap years. Tone: The letter blends humor with genuine affection, signaling an early-stage but emotionally engaged courtship. Self-awareness: The writer openly acknowledges her reasons (“lonesome,” “found a stamp”), showing a conversational, modern voice uncommon in more formal earlier correspondence.

General Notes

Note Type

Historical Note

Note

Leap Year Proposal Tradition: In Anglo-American culture, leap years (like 1924) carried the tradition that women could propose marriage—often referenced jokingly in letters and social exchanges. Women’s Literacy & Education: The structured format suggests exposure to formal schooling, reflecting increased educational opportunities for women in the early 20th century. Postal Culture: The casual tone combined with quick mailing reflects frequent, informal letter writing, typical of young couples separated by distance Use of a simple return address (“Box 7”) indicates a small-town or rural postal system

Create Date

March 21, 2026