Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Finding Barbara Howard...

I was clearing out my bookshelf when I pulled out, Genesis and Geology: The Impact of Scientific Discoveries Upon Religious Beliefs in the Decades Before Darwin by Charles Coulston Gillispie. I originally found the book in a box of books about racism, genetics, geology, and revolutions on the sidewalk several years ago. It was intended for collage material, but in my attempts to streamline my studio became destined for the FREE box to return it from whence it came. I pulled the book out and was about to deposit it in the giveaway box when out slipped a letter. At first I thought it was a piece of junk mail that I scribbled on and was on the verge of tossing it, when I looked a little closer. It was an unopened envelope from Falls Church Florist for Barbara Howard. It was dated February 28th, 1966. Apparently the letter was intended to be forwarded to Barbara at her Mount Holyoke College address. A thought popped into my head – return the unopened letter to Barbara Howard. The only other clues to help me on my quest come from the book itself: two inscriptions in faint pencil. The first is the name, "Barbara Guinn Howard" on the inside cover and the second is the sentence, "Purchased at the Holyoke Bookstore, February 4th 1966 for $1.75."

So, here is the challenge: Find Barbara Howard and return the unopened letter!

6 comments:

peacockfairy said...

Sounds like a fun adventure!

Lynn said...

I believe they have a pretty active alumna group - so I'd start by calling there.

Mel Mel said...

Oooh !! Gives me chill bumps. What a cool mystery for you to solve. It reminds me of the Hardy Boy - Nancy Drew books I loved so much as a kid. Good luck and keep us posted Detective Thornton.

Gaea said...

How fun! Can't wait to hear what happens!

kate mckinnon said...

It's probably just a bill, that would be funny, to get all Amelie on the problem and then she's like, "that damned florist, sent me the same bill for 30 years for flowers that arrived wilted!" HA!!!

Actually I am excited about your quest, I love a good search mission. Can't wait to see Greg soon for the Best Bead!!!

Lynn said...

On second thought, she must have lost the book & the letter at the same time...maybe it's the receipt for the book! LOL.